Mentewab

Mentewab was an Ethiopian empress who wielded political power and served as regent during the reigns of her son Iyasu II and grandson Iyoas I.

Iyasu II: Iyasu II was emperor of Ethiopia from 1730 to 1755 and Mentewab’s son. Mentewab governed as regent during his reign and helped secure his succession.
Ethiopian regency: An Ethiopian regency is rule exercised on behalf of a sovereign who cannot govern independently. Mentewab’s authority rested on governing for successive young emperors.
Fasil Ghebbi: Fasil Ghebbi is a walled royal compound in Gondar containing palaces and other imperial buildings. It was the imperial seat where Mentewab exercised court power.
Zemene Mesafint: Zemene Mesafint, or the Era of the Princes, was a period when regional nobles dominated Ethiopian politics and emperors held limited power. The conflicts that outlasted Mentewab’s regency developed into this era of fragmented authority.
Iyoas I: Iyoas I was emperor of Ethiopia from 1755 to 1769 and Mentewab’s grandson. Her regency continued into his reign, when court factions contested her influence.
Gondarine period: The Gondarine period was an era of Ethiopian history centered on the royal city of Gondar, from the seventeenth to eighteenth centuries. Its court institutions and regional rivalries formed the setting for her regency.
Qusquam: Qusquam is a religious and royal complex near Gondar, Ethiopia. Mentewab established a residence and religious center there.
Ethiopian royal women: Ethiopian royal women are female members of the imperial dynasty who could hold titles, patronage, and political influence. Mentewab stands out among royal women who exercised power beyond ceremonial roles.
Bakaffa: Bakaffa was emperor of Ethiopia from 1721 to 1730 and Mentewab’s husband. His death in 1730 left Mentewab positioned to shape the succession.
Ethiopian imperial succession: Ethiopian imperial succession was the process by which rulers and dynastic claimants gained the throne. Mentewab used her position to secure the throne for her son and grandson.

Linked from 1 page