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Regnal lists of Ethiopia

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Regnal lists of Ethiopia are recorded lists of monarchs who are claimed by tradition to have ruled Ethiopia. These lists are often recorded on manuscripts or orally by monasteries and have been passed down over the centuries.

Many surviving physical regnal lists, as well as recorded oral lists, chronicle the line of kings beginning with Menelik I to the Solomonic dynasty. In Ethiopian tradition, Menelik is believed to be the son of queen Makeda (the Biblical Queen of Sheba) and king Solomon. The rulers that followed Menelik were the kings of Axum, the Zagwe dynasty and the Solomonic dynasty. Some monarchs who ruled before Menelik are recorded in different Ethiopian traditions. These regnal lists were used to prove the longevity of the Ethiopian monarchy and to provide legitimacy for the Solomonic dynasty until its fall from power in 1974.

Traditions

[edit]
Menelik I

Ethiopian traditions record a range of different monarchs from earlier times whose existence has not been verified by modern-day archeology. Their stories and legends may have elements of truth but it is unclear to what extent this is the case. Numerous king lists have been recorded either on manuscripts or via oral tradition. However, surviving information on the kings prior to the reign of emperor Yekuno Amlak (1270–1285) is often scattered, incomplete or contradictory.[1][2] The king lists that do refer to pre-1270 Ethiopia rarely match completely with one another.[3] This variation is likely because the lists were compiled over a long time period across several different monasteries.[4] It is also possible that the variations in succession order could be due to tampering with the lists after the 13th century that resulted from "dynastic quarrels" and "ideological re-readings" of the Axumite regnal lists.[5]

Notable legendary Ethiopian monarchs include:

  • Arwe – Mythical serpent king who ruled for 400 years before being killed by Angabo.
  • Angabo – A king of non-royal birth who killed the evil serpent Arwe, and was the father or ancestor of Makeda, the Queen of Sheba.
  • Ethiopis – A king who was said to have inspired the name of the country of Ethiopia.
  • Makeda – The biblical queen of Sheba who, according to Ethiopian tradition, is believed to be the mother of Menelik I.
  • Menelik I – Son of the queen of Sheba and king Solomon of Israel and founder of the Solomonic dynasty in the 10th century BC. Much information on this king comes from the 14th century text Kebra Nagast, however he remains historically unverified. In reality, the Solomonic dynasty began in 1270 AD with the reign of Yekuno Amlak.
  • Abreha and Atsbeha – Two brothers who supposedly brought Christianity to Ethiopia, however their existence is doubted by some historians. Some scholars believe that the story of Abreha and Atsbeha may in fact be based on the Axumite kings Ezana and Saizana.[6]
  • Gudit – Legendary queen who supposedly laid waste to the Kingdom of Axum. Her deeds are recorded in oral tradition, but the various stories about her occasionally have differing or conflicting details.

Regnal list variations

[edit]
Spanish missionary Pedro Páez (1595–1678)

Historian Manfred Kropp noted that numerous regnal lists exist that date back to the 13th century and these are reliable documents. However, for the period before this there are only legendary memories of the Axumite rulers.[2] Regnal lists were created to provide a connection between the Solomonic dynasty and the legendary Axumite kings while skipping the Zagwe dynasty. Such lists were written for the purpose of proving the legitimacy of the ruling Solomonic emperors and had information drawn from chronicles held in monasteries.[7] Kropp believed that Ethiopian regnal lists were intended to fill in the gaps between major events, such as the meeting of Makeda and Solomon, the arrival of Frumentius and the beginning of the Zagwe dynasty. The great variation in names and order between regnal lists was likely because this process took place across several different monasteries and were also passed on orally.[4]

E. A. Wallis Budge commented that any written information on the period of Ethiopian history before the 13th century was "incomplete" and "untrustworthy". However, he felt that this was because any regnal lists or chronological works held in Axum were likely burned or destroyed before Yekuno Amlak ascended the throne in 1270.[1] Budge noted that numerous regnal lists were known to exist in which the number and order of kings were rarely the same. He felt that it was clear that the chronographers of Abyssinia from the 13th and 14th centuries "did not know how many kings had reigned over [their country] from the time of Makeda [...] or the exact order of succession". Budge theorized that while the regnal lists showed evidence that they were based on legend and tradition, some parts of the list suggested that the scribes did indeed "[have] access to chronological and historical documents of some kind", including Coptic and Arabic texts which were possibly brought over by monks fleeing Egypt and Nubia during the time of the Arab conquests. Some lists began with Adam or David.[3]

Two European missionaries in the 16th and 17th centuries, Pedro Páez and Manuel de Almeida, visited Ethiopia and personally saw two different regnal lists on which they based their respective writings on the history of Ethiopia.[8] The manuscripts likely dated to before 1620.[8] Both Páez and de Almeida stated that the Ethiopian emperor lent them books from the church of Axum containing the regnal lists.[8] European travellers James Bruce, Henry Salt and Carlo Conti Rossini all published different regnal lists in Europe between the late 18th and early 20th centuries. The lists were written based on information gathered from local Ethiopian scribes. These regnal lists contain a list of names from Menelik I to Dil Na'od, but both the names and order of kings only occasionally overlap between the different lists, and there are numerous kings who appear on one list but are omitted from another. There are also at least two manuscripts held in the British Museum that contain differing regnal lists covering the same lineage of monarchs.[9] Budge theorised that the existence of multiple regnal lists were to due to rival claimants to the throne.[10]

Studies and comparisons of the regnal lists

[edit]

August Dillmann wrote an article comparing Ethiopian regnal lists in 1853.[11] Dillman compared three lists and simply named them as A, B and C. Dillmann believed that list A was the longest because it included all rulers, regents, co-regents, pretenders and even heads of individual parts of the empire, while lists B and C only had the most important names.[12]

Carlo Conti Rossini attempted to co-ordinate and compare the large number of different Ethiopian regnal lists, bringing together 86 different lists from libraries in Ethiopia and Italian Eritrea.[13] The lists were divided into eight groups based on similarities and number of kings, and they were categorized by the letters A to H.[13]

Rossini categorised the lists as follows:[13][14][15]

Group Notes Sub-groups of kings Examples and variations
Pagan era Christian era
(Pagan) 		Christian era
(Christian)
Type 1
A
  • 47 names from Bazen to Dil Na'od.
  • Based on 22 documents dating to the 16th–19th centuries.
  • Contained with some manuscripts of the Kebra Nagast.
  • Some versions omit Dil Na'od and other kings after Armah, and insert queen Esato/Gudit.
 – 14 33
  • Pedro Páez's List 3 (44 names).[16] This list begins with Senfa Asgued and ends with Armah II, but includes Dil Na'od and lists Gudit and Esato as two separate rulers. It has 12 names before Abreha and Atsbeha and 32 names from Abreha and Atseha to Armah II.
  • August Dillmann's List C.[17] 14 names from Bazen to Agdor, 32 rulers/33 names from Abreha and Atsbeha to Terdae Gabaz (Esato and Gudit are considered to be the same person on this list, though both names are mentioned).
B
  • 69 names from Ebne Hakim (Menelik I) to Dil Na'od.
  • Based on 33 documents dating to the 16th–19th centuries.
  • Found in the Debre Libanos version of Gadla Takla Haymanot and in the Short Chronicles.
  • Probably conceived at Debre Libanos.
 25 11 33
  • René Basset's list (69 names).[18] 26 names from Ebna Hakim (Menelik I) to Bazen, 10 names from Senfa Ared I to Senfa Ared II and 33 names from Abreha and Atsbeha to Dil Na'od.
  • August Dillmann's List B (69 names).[19] 26 names from Ibna-Hakim (Menelik I) to Bazen, 10 names from Tsenfa Ared to Saifa Ared, 33 names from Abreha and Atsbeha to Dil Na'od.
C
  • 91 names from Arwe to Dil Na'od[13] or Beta Israel.[14]
  • Based on 16 documents dating to the 16th–19th centuries. Witnesses include Manuel de Almeida and Mariano Vittori [de].
  • Includes 6 "pre-Solomonic" kings (i.e. pre-Menelik I).
  • Includes years of reign for each king.
  • Several names have the "Ella" prefix.
  • Probably compiled by someone who knew list A, a list of pre-Christian kings and possibly list D, but certainly not list B.
 26 32 33
D 24 13 29
E 28 7 32
  • List included in History of the Kings of Dabra Yahanes, edited by Carlo Conti Rossini, and quoted by E. A. Wallis Budge.[27] 25 kings from Menelik I to Bazen, 7 kings from Germa Sor to Tazer/Sayfa Arad, 32 kings from Abreha and Atsbeha to Del Na'od.
Type 2
F
  • 32 names from Ebne Hakim (Menelik I) to Dil Na'od.
  • Based on one manuscript dated to the 16th century.
  • Attested by 2 witnesses.
  • Found in one version of Gadla Iyasus Mo'a.
  • An abridged version exists with 17 names from Agabos to Lebdare, seen by one witness.
  • Probably related to list B.
 6 6 20
G
  • 74 names from Menelik I to Dil Na'od.
  • Based on one manuscript dated to the 18th century.
  • An expansion of List F.
 29 15 30
Type 3
H
  • 25 names from Ebne Hakim (Menelik I) to Luzay.
  • Attested by three witnesses.
  • An alternate version found with one copy of Kebra Negast contains 27 names, with the addition of years of reign and intermingling of emperors from the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • Both versions claim to cover a period of 1,200 years.
  • Probably related to list B.
 25 – –

Monarchs who reigned before Menelik I

[edit]

The reign of Menelik I is traditionally dated to the 10th century BC, due to being the son of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (Makeda), as stated in the Kebra Nagast. Multiple lists exist that chronicle Menelik's lineage through both his mother and father. While Solomon's descent is recorded in the Bible, traditions around Makeda's ancestry are more varied. She is usually assumed to be a descendant of Angabo, who saved Ethiopia from a mythical serpent king named Arwe. Another tradition attempts to link Ethiopia with an even more remote past by claiming the monarchy descended from Ham.

Arwe Dynasty

[edit]

According to Ethiopian tradition, an evil serpent named Arwe ruled Ethiopia before he was defeated by Angabo, ancestor of Menelik I. One tradition recorded by Henry Salt stated that Arwe ruled for 400 years.[28] However, a different tradition recorded by E. A. Wallis Budge instead claimed that "20 or 30 kings" descended from Arwe ruled in Tigray for 400 years.[29]

Angabo Dynasty

[edit]

After killing Arwe, Angabo became the new king of Ethiopia. Some traditions relate that he reigned for 200 years and was followed by three further kings before Makeda ascended the throne.[30]

All rulers of this dynasty were included on the 1922 regnal list as part of the "Agdazyan" or "Ag'azyan" dynasty. In most cases their reign lengths were shortened to be more realistic.

Order Name Relation to predecessor Notes
1 Angabo – Slayer of Arwe.[29] Reigned for 200 years.[29][28]
2 Gedur[29] or Zagdur[28] – Reigned for 100 years.[29][28]
3 Sebado[29] or Zazebass Besedo[28] – Reigned for 50 years.[29][28]
4 Kawnasya[29] or Zakawasya b'Axum[28] – Reigned for 1 year.[29][28]
5 Makeda,[29] Za Makeda[28] or Azeb[31] Daughter of Kawnasya/Zakawasya[29][28] Reigned for 50 years.[29][28] Went to Jerusalem in the fourth year of her reign and returned to Ethiopia in her 25th regnal year.[28] According to the second list quoted by Pedro Páez, this queen began her reign in Axum in the thirty-seventh year of Saul's reign.[31] A list quoted by August Dillman stated that Makeda travelled in the thirty-sixth year of Saul's reign and went to Jerusalem in the fourth year of Solomon's reign.[32] After returning to Ethiopia, she reigned for twenty-five years.[32]

Biblical List from Adam to Solomon

[edit]

This regnal list chronicles kings who ruled before Menelik I, but relies on Biblical chronology, particularly from the Book of Genesis. This list essentially serves as a document of the lineage of Menelik through his father Solomon.

The following list was included in E. A. Wallis Budge's book A History of Ethiopia (Volume I) and was quoted from two manuscripts; One held in the British Museum and another held in the Bibliothèque nationale de France, which was published in René Basset's 1882 book Études sur l'histoire d'Éthiopie.[33][34] The names of these kings also appear in the 14th-century text Kebra Nagast.[35] Budge believed this list had "no historical value" and was only intended to fill the gap from Adam to Solomon.[33]

The last king, 'Ebna Hakim, does not appear in the Bible and is meant to be Menelik I, the son of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.[29] The name Ebna Hakim translates to "Son of the Wise Man" (i.e. Solomon) in Arabic.[29]

Order Ethiopian name[33] Biblical figure
1 'Adam Adam
2 Set Seth
3 Henos Enos
4 Kaynan Kenan
5 Malalel Mahalalel
6 Yared Jared
7 Henok Enoch
8 Matusala Methuselah
9 Lameh Lamech
10 Noh Noah
11 Shem Shem
12 Alfasked Arphaxad
13 Kaynan Cainan
14 Sala Selah
15 'Ebor Eber
16 Falek Peleg
17 Ragwe Reu
18 Seruh Serug
19 Nakor Nahor
20 Tara Terah
21 Abreham Abram
22 Yeshak Isaac
23 Ya'kob Jacob
24 Yehuda Judah
25 Fares Pharez
26 'Esrom Hezron
27 'Eram Aram
28 'Aminadab Amminadab
29 Na'ason Nahshon
30 Salmon Salmon
31 Bo'ez Boaz
32 Iyobed Obed
33 'Eshey Jesse
34 Dawit David
35 Saloman Solomon
36 'Ebna Hakim –

The Kebra Nagast lists an additional king named 'Orni between Hezron and Aram, who was the son of Hezron and father of Aram.[36] Budge believed this king to be Oren, son of Jerahmeel.[36]

Biblical Hamitic List

[edit]

Another Ethiopian tradition claims that the Ethiopian monarchy was descended from Ham, son of the Biblical prophet Noah. While Ham is not included in the Biblical regnal list mentioned above, a claimed genealogy from Ham to the founders of Axum does exist.[37] According to this tradition, Axum was founded within a century after the Great Flood.[38] This genealogy chronicles kings descending from Ham who represent Ethiopia and Axum. E. A. Wallis Budge called this dynasty the "Dynasty of Kush" and referred to the Angabo dynasty as the "Native African dynasty".[39]

Enno Littmann recorded a tradition from an Ethiopian priest named Gabra Wahad, who stated the following:

Ham begot Kush, Kush begot Aethiopis, after whom the country is called Aethiopia to this day. Aethiopis was buried in Aksum, and his grave is known there to this day. It was said that a fire used to burn in it, and that if any donkey's excrement, or any bit of stuff fell into it, it was consumed. Aethiopis begot 'Aksumawi, 'Aksumawi begot Malayka 'Aksum, and begot also Sum, Nafas, Bagi'o, Kuduki, 'Akhoro, Fasheba. These six sons of 'Aksumawi became the fathers of Aksum. When they wished to divide their land, there came a man called May Bih, and as people say divided their land as an agent. Each of the six gave him two acres of land and he settled down with them.[40]

Order[39] Name[39] Relation to predecessor[39] Notes
1 Ham – –
2 Kush Son of Ham –
3 Aethiopis Son of Kush The king whose name inspired the name "Ethiopia".
4 'Aksumawi Son of Aethiopis Traditional founder of Axum.[41]
5 Malayka Aksum Son of 'Aksumawi –
– Sum The six sons of 'Aksumawi were the "fathers" of Aksum but were not kings of Ethiopia.[41] Budge believed that they may have "[represented] the dynasty of the serpent which was destroyed by Angabo".[41]
– Nafaz
– Bagi'o
– Kuduki
– Akhoro
– Farheba

Monarchs from Menelik I to Bazen

[edit]

Beginning with Menelik I, Ethiopian regnal lists begin to diverge on the exact order of succession. Only a few rulers' names are consistently recorded across all lists. This section looks at rulers who are named as reigning between Menelik I and Bazen, who began his reign eight years before the birth of Jesus. Despite tradition claiming that Menelik ruled in the 10th century BC, the reign lengths provided on most lists do not allow for a sufficient number of monarchs to have reigned over a span of ten centuries.

Spanish Missionary Pedro Páez believed that the reason for the differences in names on various lists was because the Ethiopian emperors used different names prior to their accession to the throne, and some lists used their regnal names while others listed their birth names.[42] This was supposedly done in imitation of Menelik I, who was named David when he was crowned.[43] E. A. Wallis Budge theorised that the existence of multiple king lists suggest that these represent rival claimants to the throne.[10]

Lists recorded by Páez, James Bruce, August Dillmann and Carlo Conti Rossini, as well as the 1922 regnal list, are all in agreement that Christ was born in the eighth year of Bazen's reign, a statement that is also clear on one of the British Museum manuscripts recorded by E. A. Wallis Budge.[44] If one was to calculate backwards from the Bazen's reign, then Henry Salt's list would date Menelik I's reign to 128–99 BC, over 9 centuries after the traditional 10th century BC dating of Menelik's reign. If the same was done for Bruce's list, then Menelik's reign would be pushed back nearly a century earlier but would still fall far short of the 10th century BC dating. The 1922 regnal list attempted to correct this by combining various monarchs into a longer list that allows Menelik to be firmly dated to the 10th century BC.

Variation 1

[edit]

This table contains names from the following recorded lists:

  • The second regnal list recorded by Spanish missionary Pedro Páez in 1620.[31] He believed this list contained the regnal names for the kings.[31] This list omits the kings named Wazeha and Hazer that appear on the other lists in this table.
  • A list recorded by Scottish traveller James Bruce in his book Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile (1790).[45] He had gathered information for his regnal list from local scribes, though did not believe they were trustworthy or that his regnal list was complete.[46]
  • The first regnal list recorded by English Egyptologist Henry Salt in his book A Voyage to Abyssinia (1814).[47] Most kings have the "Za" prefix in front of their names on this list. This list omits the kings named Kalaz, Satiyo, Filiya and Aglebu that appear on the other lists in this table.
  • August Dillmann's List A (1853), which he compiled from multiple sources.[48] On this list, Menelik is preceded by Arwe and the dynasty of Angabo.
  • The first of two manuscripts held in the British Museum published in E. A. Wallis Budge's A History of Ethiopia: Nubia and Abyssinia Volume I (1928).[9] This manuscript was filed under Oriental No. 821, fol. 28b. Most kings have the "Za" prefix in front of their names on this list.
No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Reign Length Notes
1 Menelik I
Ebna El-Hakim
David I 		Páez 2 (1) Ebnâ Elehaquim 29 years
Bruce (1) Menilek, or David I 4 years Bruce dated Menelik's reign to 986–982 BC.[45]
Salt (1) Menilek, or Ibn' Hakim 29 years
Dillmann A (1) Ibn-al-Hakim 25 years
B.M. Manuscript 1 (1) 'Ebna 'Ĕl-Hakīm 24 years
2 [Za] Handadyu Páez 2 (2) Handodeâ 1 year
Bruce (2) Hendedya, or Zagdur August Dillmann believed the name "Hendedya, or Zagdur" was simply an opinion expressed by Bruce based on supposition.[49]
Salt (2) Za Hendedyu
Dillmann A (2) Handadjó
B.M. Manuscript 1 (2) Za Handadyū 8 years
3 [Za] Aweda Bruce (3) Awida 11 years
Salt (3) Awda
Dillmann A (3) 'Auda–'Âmat
B.M. Manuscript 1 (3) Za 'Āweda
4 [Za] Awseyo Páez 2 (3) Auceô 3 years
Salt (4) Za Awsyu
Dillmann A (4) Ausejó
B.M. Manuscript 1 (4) Za 'Awesyō
5 [Za] Sawe Páez 2 (4) Zaoê 34 years
Bruce (4) Sawé 31 years
Salt (5) Za Tsawe 3 years and 10 months The reign length could be an error.
Dillmann A (5) Tzauě 31 years
B.M. Manuscript 1 (5) Za Şawě' Could be the same king as "Tahawasya" in variation 2.[50]
6 [Za] Gasyo Páez 2 (5) Gaceô ½ a day
Bruce (5) Gefaya 15 years Dillmann believed the name and reign length of this king was a corruption on Bruce's list.[49]
Salt (6) Zagesyu ½ a day
Dillmann A (6) Gasjó Reigned until noon.[32]
B.M. Manuscript 1 (6) Za Gasyō
– — Bruce (6) Katar 15 years Dillmann believed the name and reign length of this king was a corruption on Bruce's list.[49]
7 [Za] Mawat or Mawta Páez 2 (6) Maoât 8 years and 1 month The differences in reign lengths for this king could be explained by the similarities of the Geʽez numbers 8 (፰) and 20 (፳) for the years and the numbers 1 (፩) and 4 (፬) for the months.
Bruce (7) Mouta 20 years
Salt (7) Za Maute 8 years and 4 months
Dillmann A (7) Mawat
B.M. Manuscript 1 (7) Za Mawaṭ 20 years and 1 month
8 [Za] Bahas Páez 2 (7) Bahâz 9 years
Bruce (8) Bahas
Salt (8) Za Bahse
Dillmann A (8) Báhas
B.M. Manuscript 1 (8) Za Baḥas Possibly the same king as "Bassyo" in variation 2.[51]
9 [Za] Kawida Páez 2 (8) Caudâ 2 years
Bruce (9) Kawida
Salt (9) Kāwuda
Dillmann A (9) Qâwdâ
B.M. Manuscript 1 (9) Za Tāwedā
10 [Za] Kanaz Páez 2 (9) Canêz 10 years
Bruce (10) Kanaza
Salt (10) Kanazi
Dillmann A (10) Qánaz
B.M. Manuscript 1 (10) Za Ḳanaz
11 [Za] Hadena Páez 2 (10) Hadenâ 9 years
Bruce (11) Katzina
Salt (11) Haduna
Dillmann A (11) Hadûnâ
B.M. Manuscript 1 (11) Za Ḥadēnā (I)
12 [Za] Wazeha Bruce (12) Wazeha 1 year
Salt (12) Za–Wasih
Dillmann A (12) Wázha
B.M. Manuscript 1 (12) Za Ẇanẖā
13 [Za] Hazer or Hadir Bruce (13) Hazer 2 years
Salt (13) Za–dir
Dillmann A (13) Hadîr
B.M. Manuscript 1 (13) Za Ḥadēnā (II)
14 [Za] Kalaz Páez 2 (11) Calâz 6 years
Bruce (14) Kalas
Dillmann A (14) Káḷ'as 7 years Dillmann noted some lists give this king 6 years of rule.[49] The similarities of the Geʽez numbers 6 (፮) and 7 (፯) could explain the different reign lengths.
B.M. Manuscript 1 (14) Za Kal'ākū 6 years
15 [Za] Satyo Páez 2 (12) Çateô 17 years
Bruce (15) Solaya 16 years
Dillmann A (15) Satjô 17 years Dillmann noted some lists give this king 16 years of rule.[49] The similarities of the Geʽez numbers 16 (፲፮) and 17 (፲፯) could explain the different reign lengths.
B.M. Manuscript 1 (15) Za Satyō 16 years
16 [Za] Filiya Páez 2 (13) Fileâ 27 years
Bruce (16) Falaya 26 years
Dillmann A (16) Fîljâ Dillmann noted some lists give this king 27 years of rule.[49] The similarities of the Geʽez numbers 26 (፳፮) and 27 (፳፯) could explain the different reign lengths.
B.M. Manuscript 1 (16) Za Fīlyā
17 [Za] Aglebu Páez 2 (14) Aguelbû 3 years
Bruce (17) Aglebu
Dillmann A (17) Aglebû
B.M. Manuscript 1 (17) Za 'Aglebū
18 [Za] Awsina Páez 2 (15) Aucinâ 1 year
Bruce (18) Awsisena
Salt (14) Za Awzena
Dillmann A (18) Ausênâ
B.M. Manuscript 1 (18) Za 'Awsīnā
19 [Za] Birwas Páez 2 (16) Zebuôas 29 years
Bruce (19) Brus
Salt (15) Za Ber–was
Dillmann A (19) Berîwâs
B.M. Manuscript 1 (19) Za Birwās
20 [Za] Mahasi Páez 2 (17) Maheci 1 year
Bruce (20) Mohesa
Salt (16) Za Mahasi
Dillmann A (20) Mâhsî
B.M. Manuscript 1 (20) Za Māhelē
21 [Za] [Besi] Bazen Páez 2 (18) Bacên 17 years
Bruce (21) Bazen 16 years
Salt (17) Zabesi Bazen
Dillmann A (21) Bésê–Bâzên 17 years Dillmann noted some lists give this king 16 years of rule.[49] The similarities of the Geʽez numbers 16 (፲፮) and 17 (፲፯) could explain the different reign lengths.
B.M. Manuscript 1 (21) Za B'esī Bāzēn 16 years

Variation 2

[edit]

This version of the line of succession does not contain reign lengths.

This table contains names from the following recorded lists:

  • The second regnal list recorded by English Egyptologist Henry Salt in his book A Voyage to Abyssinia (1814), which he considered to be a "corrupt" list.[47] This list does not include the king named Awseyo and mistakenly combines Tomai and Zagdur into one king.
  • August Dillmann's List B (1853).[48] This list claims that each king was the father of the next.
  • A list recorded by French Orientalist René Basset in his book Études sur l'histoire d'Éthiopie (1882).[52] This list claimed that each king was the son of the previous king.
  • The second of two manuscripts held in the British Museum published in E. A. Wallis Budge's A History of Ethiopia: Nubia and Abyssinia Volume I (1928).[53] This manuscript was filed under Oriental No. 821, fol. 36a. Budge regarded this manuscript to be the most authoritative.[10]
No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Notes
1 Ebna El-Hakim (Menelik I) Salt 2 (1) Ibn Hakim
Dillmann B (1) Ibna-Hakím
Basset (1) Ëbna–Hakim
B.M. Manuscript 2 (1) 'Ěbna Ḥakīm
2 Tomai Salt 2 (2) Tomai Zagdur Likely a mistaken combination of Tomai and Zagdur as one king.
Dillmann B (2) Tomái
Basset (2) Tomâï
B.M. Manuscript 2 (2) Tōmās Son of Menelik I.[10]
3 [Za] Gedur or Zagdur Dillmann B (3) Za–Gedúr
Basset (3) Zagdour
B.M. Manuscript 2 (3) Zagdūr
4 Aksumay Salt 2 (3) Acsumai
Dillmann B (4) Axumâi
Basset (4) Aksoumâï
B.M. Manuscript 2 (4) 'Aksūmāy
5 Awseyo Dillmann B (5) Ausejó
Basset (5) Aousyo
B.M. Manuscript 2 (5) 'Awsāyō
6 Handadyu Salt 2 (7) Endor
Dillmann B (9) Handejó
Basset (9) Handadyo
B.M. Manuscript 2 (9) Ḥandadyō
7 Tahawasya Salt 2 (4) Tahawasya
Dillmann B (6) Tahawâsjâ
Basset (6) Taḥaouâsyâ
B.M. Manuscript 2 (6) Taḥawāsyā
8 Abralyus Salt 2 (5) Abralius
Dillmann B (7) Abrâljûs
Basset (7) Abrâlyos
B.M. Manuscript 2 (7) 'Abrālyūs An alternate name for "Abraham".[54]
9 Warada Tsahay or Warada Dahay Salt 2 (6) Wurred–Sai
Dillmann B (8) Wárada–Tzahâi
Basset (8) Ouarada–Dhahaï Name means "the sun has descended".[52]
B.M. Manuscript 2 (8) Warada Ḍaḥāy
10 Warada Nagash Salt 2 (8) Wurred Negush
Dillmann B (10) Wárada–Nagâsh
Basset (10) Ouarada–Nagâch
B.M. Manuscript 2 (10) Warada Nagāsha
11 Awesya Salt 2 (9) Ausanya
Dillmann B (11) Ausejâ
Basset (11) Aousyâ
B.M. Manuscript 2 (11) 'Awesyā
12 Elaliyon Salt 2 (10) Elalior
Dillmann B (12) Elâljón
Basset (12) Ilâlyon
B.M. Manuscript 2 (12) 'Ělālyōn
13 Toma Seyon Salt 2 (11) Toma Sion
Dillmann B (13) Tômâ–Zion
Basset (13) Tomâ–Ṣyon
B.M. Manuscript 2 (13) Tōmās Ḍaḥay
14 Basyo Salt 2 (12) Basilius
Dillmann B (14) Bâsjô
Basset (14) Bâsyo
B.M. Manuscript 2 (14) Bāsyō
15 Awtet Salt 2 (13) Autet
Dillmann B (15) Autet
Basset (15) Aouṭëṭ
B.M. Manuscript 2 (15) 'Aweṭeṭ
16 Zaware Nebrat Salt 2 (14) Zaware
Dillmann B (16) Zawârè–Nébrat
Basset (16) Zaouâri–Nëbrat
B.M. Manuscript 2 (16) Zawārī Nebrat
17 Safay Salt 2 (15) Scifi
Dillmann B (17) Saifâi
Basset (17) Saïfâï
B.M. Manuscript 2 (17) Safāy
18 Ramhay Salt 2 (16) Rami
Dillmann B (18) Rámhai
Basset (18) Ramḥäï
B.M. Manuscript 2 (18) Ramhay
19 Hande Salt 2 (17) Artsé
Dillmann B (19) Handê
Basset (19) Ḥandé
B.M. Manuscript 2 (19) Ḥandū
20 Safelya Salt 2 (18) Suffelia
Dillmann B (20) Safêjâ
Basset (20) Safélyâ
B.M. Manuscript 2 (20) Safēlyā
21 Aglebul Salt 2 (19) Agbul
Dillmann B (21) Aglebûl
Basset (21) Aglëboul
B.M. Manuscript 2 (21) Aglebēl
22 Bawawel Salt 2 (20) Bawaul
Dillmann B (22) Bawâwel
Basset (22) Baouâouël
B.M. Manuscript 2 (22) Bawāwel
23 Bawaris Salt 2 (21) Bawaris
Dillmann B (23) Bawarís
Basset (23) Baouaris
B.M. Manuscript 2 (23) Bawarīs
24 Mahase Salt 2 (22) Mahassé
Dillmann B (24) Mahasê
Basset (24) Maḥasé
B.M. Manuscript 2 (24) Maḥasē
25 Nalke Salt 2 (23) Naqué
Dillmann B (25) Nâlkê
Basset (25) Nâlké
B.M. Manuscript 2 (25) Nālkē
26 Bazen Salt 2 (24) Bazen
Dillmann B (26) Bâzên
Basset (26) Bâzèn
B.M. Manuscript 2 (26) Tāzēn

Variation 3

[edit]

This variation includes does not include reign lengths. Many names appear on variations 1 and 2, but some names are unique to this version.

The following list is included in this table:

  • The first regnal list recorded by Pedro Páez in 1620.[43] He believed this list contained the birth names of the kings. Some kings have the prefix "Za" placed in front of their names.
No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Notes
1 Menelik I Páez 1 (1) Menilehêc
2 [Za] Gedur or Zagdur Páez 1 (2) Zagdûr
3 [Za] Basyo I Páez 1 (3) Zabaceô
4 Tawasya Páez 1 (4) Taoceâ Likely the same king as Tahawasya in variation 2.
5 Aderiya Páez 1 (5) Aderia Possibly Abralyus from variation 2.
6 Warada Páez 1 (6) Vareçâ Possibly Warada Dahay or Warada Nagash from variation 2.
7 Awseyo Páez 1 (7) Auceô
8 Maseyo Páez 1 (8) Maceô Possibly Gasyo from variation 1.
9 [Za] Wa or Zaua Páez 1 (9) Zaûa Possibly Mawat from variation 1.
10 Basyo II Páez 1 (10) Baceô
11 Awtet Páez 1 (11) Autêt
12 Bahasya Páez 1 (12) Bahaçâ Possibly Bahas from variation 1.
13 [Za] Aweda Páez 1 (13) Zaoadâ Possibly Aweda from variation 1 or Zaware Nebrat from variation 2..
14 Adena Páez 1 (14) Adenâ Possibly Hadina from variation 1 or Hande from variation 2.
15 Kalaz Páez 1 (15) Calêz Unique to this variation.
16 Gotoba Páez 1 (16) Gotobâ Unique to this variation.
17 [Za] Feliya or Safelya Páez 1 (17) Zafeleâ
18 Aglebul Páez 1 (18) Elguebûl
19 Bawawel Páez 1 (19) Baoaûl
20 Bawaris Páez 1 (20) Baoarêz
21 Awena Páez 1 (21) Aoenâ Possibly Awsena from variation 1.
22 Mahase Páez 1 (22) Mahacê
23 Malke Páez 1 (23) Malcuê Likely Nalke from variation 2.
24 Bazen Páez 1 (24) Bacên

Variation 4

[edit]

This variation does not include reign lengths for most kings. Many names on this version can be found on variation 2, but some names are unique and some names from variation 2 have been omitted completely. The names and order is similar to variation 2, but it does not include Warada Nagash (unless he can be equated with Walda Mehrat), swaps the order of Bawaris and Bawawel, and moves Hande further down the succession order.

The following list is included in this table:

  • One regnal list included in a book titled History of the Kings of Dabra Yahanes (1903), edited by Italian orientalist Carlo Conti Rossini.[55]
No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Notes
1 Menelik I Rossini (1) Menīlek Reigned for 15 years.[55]
2 Tomai or Abd-Rakid Rossini (2) Tōmāy or 'Abd–Rākīd Reigned for 15 years.[55]
3 [Za] Gedur or Zagdur Rossini (3) Zagdūru
4 Aksumay Rossini (4) 'Aksūmāy
5 Awseyo Rossini (5) 'Awsābyōs
6 Handar Rossini (6) Ḥandar Probably the same king as Handadyu from variation 2.
7 Tahawasya Rossini (7) Tā'āsyā
8 Walda Mehrat Rossini (8) Walda Meḥrat Unique to this variation or possibly the king named Warada Nagash from variation 2.
9 Warada Dahay Rossini (9) Warada Ḍaḥāy
10 Awseya Rossini (10) 'Asānyā
11 Elaliyon Rossini (11) Īlālyōs
12 Toma Seyon Rossini (12) Tōma Seyōn
13 Bawas Rossini (13) Bā'ōs Probably the same king as Basyo from variation 2.
14 Awtet Rossini (14) 'Awesteṭ
15 Zaware Nebrat Rossini (15) Zawārē Nebrat
16 Safay Rossini (16) Safāy
17 Ramhay Rossini (17) Ramḥay
18 Safelya Rossini (18) Safalyā
19 Engeleb Rossini (19) 'Ěngēleb Possibly the same king as Aglebul from variation 2.
20 Gawras Rossini (20) Gawras Possibly the same as Bawaris from variation 2.
21 Bawawel Rossini (21) Bāwel
22 Hande Rossini (22) Hendēn
23 Mahase Rossini (23) Māḥasī
24 Laka (Luzay) Rossini (24) Lākā Unique to this variation.
25 Bazen Rossini (25) Bāzēn

Variation 5

[edit]

This variation does not include reign lengths and has only been attested on one known list dated to the 16th century.[13] This variation has a notably smaller number of rulers between Menelik I and Bazen compared to other versions.

The table includes names from Carlo Conti Rossini's "List F".[56]

No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Notes
1 Ebna El-Hakim (Menelik I) Rossini List F (1) Ebna Elḥakim
2 Abrakid Rossini List F (2) Abrākid Unique to this variation.
No. 2 on list G under the name "Barakid".[56]
3 Ataram Rossini List F (3) Atārām Unique to this variation.
4 Abralyus Rossini List F (4) Abrālyus
5 Warada Sahay Rossini List F (5) Warada Ṣahay No. 7 on list G.[57]
6 Warada Nagash Rossini List F (6) Warada Nagāš
7 Bazen Rossini List F (7) Bāzēn

Summary of the regnal lists

Páez List 1
(Birth Names)
(1620) 		Páez List 2
(Regnal Names)
(1620) 		Bruce
(1790) 		Salt
(1814) 		Salt's "corrupt" list
(1814) 		Basset
(1882) 		Rossini
(1903) 		Dillmann A
(1853) 		Dillmann B
(1853) 		British Museum manuscript
Oriental No. 821, fol. 28b 		British Museum manuscript
Oriental No. 821, fol. 36a
24 Kings 20 Kings
209 years and 1 month 		22 Kings
231 years 		17 Kings
138 years and 10 months 		24 Kings 26 Kings 25 Kings 21 Kings
210 years and 4 months 		26 Kings 21 Kings
228 years and 1 month 		26 Kings

Monarchs who reigned between Bazen and Abreha and Atsbeha

[edit]

These lists name the monarchs who ruled after Bazen up to Abreha and Atsbeha, brothers who are credited in Ethiopian tradition with being the first rulers to convert to Christianity. Tradition recorded that Bazen's reign began in 8 BC and Ethiopia converted to Christianity in the 4th century. However, the reign lengths on some king lists push Abeha and Atsbeha's reign into the 5th century instead.

Variation 1

[edit]

This table compares the following regnal lists:

  • The second regnal list recorded by Pedro Páez in 1620, which he believed listed regnal names.[58]
  • One regnal list recorded by English Egyptologist Henry Salt in his book A Voyage to Abyssinia (1814).[59] Most rulers have the "Za" prefix in front of their names on this list except for Herka and all rulers after Hadus, who instead have the "El" prefix. Asgwagwa has a combination of both and is styled as "Za Elasguaga".
  • A regnal list recorded by German explorer Eduard Rüppell in his book Reise in Abyssinien (1840).[60]
  • August Dillmann's List A (1853), which was compiled from multiple sources.[61]
  • The first of two manuscripts from the British Museum published by E. A. Wallis Budge in 1928. This manuscript was filed under Oriental No. 821, fol. 28b.[62] The names on this list have the "Za" prefix, with all names from Asgwagwa to Ahywa (except for Besi Sawesa, Wakana and Hadus) additionally being preceded by the "Ela" prefix.

A noticeable problem with these lists is that over 400 years pass between the end of Bazen's reign and the beginning of Abreha and Atsbeha's reign. This pushes their joint reign to the early 5th century, a whole century after the traditional early 4th century date for the Christianisation of Ethiopia. Because of this, Henry Salt deliberately altered the placement of Abreha and Atsbeha on his list so that the thirteenth year of their joint reign would fall correctly on the date when Christianity was introduced to Ethiopia instead of contradicting this tradition. His suggested alteration placed Abreha and Atsbeha after king El Semera. Salt noted that one chronicle explicitly stated that 330 years had passed between the birth of Christ and the thirteenth year of Abreha's reign, when Christianity was introduced.[47] This is the same period of time which is quoted in other Ethiopian chronicles.[47] However the same chronicle makes a "very striking error" by placing Abreha after El Ahiawya and thus suggesting that his thirteenth year of rule took place 465 years after the birth of Christ.[63] As a result, Salt's personal king list alters the order slightly by placing Abreha and Atsbeha much further up the king list (the table below however retains the order of his original source).[63] Salt believed that the five rulers of his list from El Ahiawya to Seladoba "should [probably] be also removed" altogether, which is why E. A. Wallis Budge did not name them when quoting Salt's king list.[63][64] Salt additionally believed that there should only be one king named Ameda, though his list names two kings of this name.[63]

Salt theorised that the change of prefix from "Za" to "El" after the reign of Za Elasguaga reflected a change of dynasty.[47] He believed that this theory could be confirmed by the short reigns of Za Baesi Tsawesa, Za Wakena and Za Hadus, who all reigned for a combined total of 1 year, 4 months and 2 days after the first "El" king, El Herka.[47] He believed that the "Za" kings were the "shepherd kings" or "original Ethiopians" before being replaced by a new "race" of kings.[47] Salt suggested that this change may have been caused by colony of Syrians who were placed by Alexander the Great near the mouth of the Red Sea according to an account written by Philostorgius.[47]

An unpublished history of the kings of Axum states that a queen named "Ahiyewa" was the mother of Abreha and Atsbeha and she ruled for three years during the minority of her sons.[65] This confirms that the ruler named "Ahywa" who preceded Abreha and Atsbeha in this line of succession was a queen who ruled as regent during their minority. If Abreha and Atsbeha can be identified with the historical Ezana and Saizana, as Henry Salt did in his list,[59] then this suggests that "Ahywa" is another name for Sofya, wife of Ousanas. A book titled Gedle Abreha and Asbeha from the Church of Abreha wa-Atsbeha confirms that "Sofya" was one of the names for the mother of Abreha and Atsbeha.[65] The first British Museum manuscript published by Budge however stated that "'Eguālā 'Anbasā" was the name of their mother despite also listing "Ahywa" as their predecessor.[62]

No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Reign Length Notes
1 [Za] Sartu Páez 2 (1) Certû 27 years
Salt (1) Za–Senatu 26 years
Rüppell (1) Seretu 27 years
Dillmann A (1) Sarṭú Dillmann noted at least one list gives 26 years of rule for this ruler.[61] The similarities of the Geʽez numbers 26 (፳፮) and 27 (፳፯) could explain the different reign lengths.
B.M. Manuscript 1 (1) Za Sarṭu 26 years
2 [Za] Les or Las Páez 2 (2) Leâz 10 years
Salt (2) Za Les
Rüppell (2) Lekas
Dillmann A (2) La'as
B.M. Manuscript 1 (2) Za L'as
3 [Za] Masenh Páez 2 (3) Macenêh 7 years
Salt (3) Za Masenh
Rüppell (3) Masenqo
Dillmann A (3) Masênḥ Dillmann noted at least one list gives 6 years of rule for this ruler.[61] The similarities of the Geʽez numbers 6 (፮) and 7 (፯) could explain the different reign lengths.
B.M. Manuscript 1 (3) Za Mūsēnḥ 6 years
4 [Za] Sutuwa or Setwa Páez 2 (4) Ceteio 12 years
Salt (4) Za Sutuwa 9 years
Rüppell (4) Satuwa
Dillmann A (4) Seṭwâ
B.M. Manuscript 1 (4) [Za] Sheṭeṭ
5 [Za] Adgala Páez 2 (5) Adguelâ 10 years and 2 months
Salt (5) Za–Adgaba 10 years and 6 months
Rüppell (5) Adegela 10 years and 10 months
Dillmann A (5) Adgalâ 10 years and 7 months
B.M. Manuscript 1 (5) Za 'Adgasā 16 years and 6 months
6 [Za] Agba Páez 2 (6) Agueba 7 months
Salt (6) Za Agba 6 months
Rüppell (6) Agba 2 years and 2 months This reign length could be an error.
Dillmann A (6) Agbâ 6 months
B.M. Manuscript 1 (6) Za 'Agābōs
7 [Za] Malik or Malis Páez 2 (7) Meliz 4 years
Salt (7) Za–Malis 6 years
Rüppell (7) Malis 4 years
Dillmann A (7) Masìs (or Mạlís) 7 years Dillmann noted some lists give 6 years of rule for this ruler.[61] The similarities of the Geʽez numbers 6 (፮) and 7 (፯) could explain the different reign lengths.
B.M. Manuscript 1 (7) Za Malīk 4 years (?)
8 [Za] Hakali Páez 2 (8) Haquelê 13 years
Salt (8) Za–Hakale
Rüppell (8) Hakeli Rüppell agreed with Salt's theory that this king was Zoskales, and dated his reign to c. 83 AD.[66]
Dillmann A (8) Heqlé
B.M. Manuscript 1 (8) Za Ḥaḳlī
9 [Za] Demahe Páez 2 (9) Demahê 10 years
Salt (9) Za Demahé
Rüppell (9) Demahé
Dillmann A (9) Demáhé
B.M. Manuscript 1 (9) Za Demāḥē
10 [Za] Awtet Páez 2 (10) Autêt 2 years
Salt (10) Za Awtet
Rüppell (10) Autet
Dillmann A (10) Auṭeṭ
B.M. Manuscript 1 (10) Za 'Awṭeṭ
11 [Za] [El–] Aweda Páez 2 (11) Elaudâ 30 years
Salt (11) Za Elawda
Rüppell (11) Elalad
Dillmann A (11) Ela–Auda Known as "Alda" on at least one list.[61]
B.M. Manuscript (11) Za El–'Āwedā
12 and 13 [Za] Zigen and Rema Páez 2 (12 and 13) Zeguên e Zarema 8 years
Salt (12 and 13) Za Zigen and Rema 40 years
Rüppell (12) Rema or Za–Zigen 4 years Rüppell believed both names referred to one king instead of two separate kings like other sources. He also believed that the 40-year reign length given by Salt was an error.[67]
Dillmann A (12 and 13) Zégen und Rêmâ 8 years Dillmann noted at least one list gives 4 years of rule for this joint reign.[61]
B.M. Manuscript 1 (12 and 13) Bezṭā and Zemārē 20 years (each?) Notably different names to other lists.
14 [Za] Gafale Páez 2 (14) Gafalê 1 year
Salt (14) Za Gafale
Rüppell (13) Geralé
Dillmann A (14) Gafalé
B.M. Manuscript 1 (14) Za Gafalī
15 [Za] Besi Sark Páez 2 (15) Becêçarê 4 years
Salt (15) Za Baesi serk
Rüppell (14) Basi Serk
Dillmann A (15) Be'sê–Sarq
B.M. Manuscript 1 (15) Za Be'sī Sarḳ
16 [Za] [Ela–] Asgwagwa Páez 2 (16) Azguaguâ 77 years
Salt (16) Za Elasguaga 76 years
Rüppell (15) El Guak 77 years Rüppell believed that these 77 years belonged to a new dynasty instead of a single ruler. He believed that regnal lists combined all the rulers' reigns into a single 77-year period before the old dynasty returned to power for a brief period.[68]
Dillmann A (16) Ela–Azguâguâ
B.M. Manuscript 1 (16) Za Ela–Azgwāgwā 76 years
17 [Ela–] Herka Páez 2 (17) Hercâ 21 years Peter Truhart believed this king is the name as "Bagamay" in variation 2.[69]
Salt (17) El Herka
Rüppell (16) El Haris
Dillmann A (17) Ela–Herkâ
B.M. Manuscript 1 (17) [Za] Ela–Ḥerkā
18 [Za] [Besi] Sawesa Páez 2 (18) Beecê Zaueçà 1 year
Salt (18) Za Baesi tsawesa
Rüppell (17) Tzawira 1 month Possibly an erroneous reign length.
Dillmann A (18) Be'sê–Tzawêtzâ 1 year At least one list gives 6 months of rule for this king.[61]
B.M. Manuscript 1 (18) Za Be'sī Ṣāwēzā
19 [Za] Wakana Páez 2 (19) Oecanâ 2 days
Salt (19) Za Wakena
Rüppell (18) Wakena 24 days "1/15th" of a year.[68]
Dillmann A (19) Wạkậnâ 1 day Known as "Wakena" on at least one list.[61] Dillmann noted that at least one list gave 2 days of reign for this monarch, and at least one other list gave one month.[61]
B.M. Manuscript 1 (19) Za Waknā 2 days
20 [Za] Hadus Páez 2 (20) Hadaûz 4 months
Salt (20) Za Hadus
Rüppell (19) Hades 1 month The reign length be an erroneous reading based on the similarity of the Geʽez numbers for 1 (፩) and 4 (፬).
Dillmann A (20) Haḍaús 4 months Known as "Hadas" on at least one list.[61]
B.M. Manuscript 1 (20) Za Ḥadāwesā 2 months
21 [Ela–] Sagal Páez 2 (21) Zaguêl 3 years
Salt (21) El Segel 2 years
Rüppell (20) Asgel
Dillmann A (21) Ela–Sagal 3 years
B.M. Manuscript 1 (21) Za Ela–Sagal
22 [Ela–] Asfeha Páez 2 (22) Azfahâ 14 years
Salt (22) El Asfeh
Rüppell (21) Alabech
Dillmann A (22) Ela–A'sfeha
B.M. Manuscript 1 (22) Za Ela 'Asfeḥā 10 years
23 [Ela–] Segab Páez 2 (23) Zegâb 23 years
Salt (23) El Tsegaba
Rüppell (22) Askabu
Dillmann A (23) Ela–Tzegâb
B.M. Manuscript 1 (23) Za Ela Ṣegāb
24 [Ela–] Samera Páez 2 (24) Çamerâ 3 years
Salt (24) El Semera
Rüppell (23) Samura Rüppell dated the end of this king's reign to 282 AD/5782 AM, based on the Abyssinian dating of the creation of the world to 5500 BC.[68]
Dillmann A (24) Ela–Samarâ
B.M. Manuscript 1 (24) Za Ela Samrā E. A. Wallis Budge theorised that this king could be equated with Sembrouthes,[70] although this king ruled for at least 24 years according to an inscription found at Dekemhare.
25 [Ela–] Aiba Páez 2 (25) Aibâ 16 years
Salt (25) El Aiba
Rüppell (24) Atiba
Dillmann A (25) Ela–Aibâ Dillmann noted that at least one list gave 17 years of rule for this monarch.[61] The similarities of the Geʽez numbers 16 (፲፮) and 17 (፲፯) could explain the different reign lengths.
B.M. Manuscript 1 (25) Za Ela [...]
26 [Ela–] Eskandi Páez 2 (26) Escandi 37 years
Salt (26) El Iskandi 36 years
Rüppell (25) Sara Din Rüppell theorised this king could have been Abreha, based on the traditional dating for the Christianisation of Axum in 333 AD/5833 AM.[71]
Dillmann A (26) Ela–Eskendí 37 years Known as "Sthenden" on at least one list.[61]
B.M. Manuscript 1 (26) Za Ela Eskendī 36 years
27 [Ela–] Saham I Páez 2 (27) Zahâm 9 years
Salt (27) El Tshemo
Rüppell (26) Tzahem
Dillmann A (27) Ela–Tzaham
B.M. Manuscript 1 (27) Za Ela Ṣaḥam
28 [Ela–] San Páez 2 (28) Zan 13 years
Salt (28) El San
Rüppell (27) La San Rüppell believed this king was Ezana because the date 356 AD/5856 AM would fall during this king's reign if all reign lengths were correct.[71] This was the year that Constantius II sent a letter to Ezana asking him to replace Frumentius with Theophilos the Indian because the latter supported Arianism.
Dillmann A (28) Ela–Sân
B.M. Manuscript 1 (28) Za Ela Sān
29 [Ela–] Ayga Páez 2 (29) Aigâ 18 years
Salt (29) El Aiga
Rüppell (28) Adaga
Dillmann A (29) Ela–Aigâ
B.M. Manuscript 1 (29) Za Ela 'Aygā
30 [Ela–] Ameda I Páez 2 (30) Alamida 30 years and 8 months Peter Truhart identified this king as Ousanas.[69]
Salt (30) El Ameda 40 years and 8 months
Rüppell (29) Ameda 30 years
Dillmann A (30) El–Amídá 30 years and 8 months
B.M. Manuscript (30) Za Ela 'Amīdā
– Wochen Rüppell (30) Wochen 10 years
31 [Ela–] Ahywa Páez 2 (31) Aheyeô 3 years
Salt (31) El Ahiawya
Rüppell (31) Acheot
Dillmann A (31) Ela–Ahjawá
B.M. Manuscript (31) Za Ela 'Aḥyawā

Variation 2

[edit]

This version of the line of succession does not contain reign lengths.

The following lists are compared in this table:

  • The first and third regnal lists recorded by Spanish missionary Pedro Páez in 1620.[72] The third list was treated by Páez as another list of regnal names and is placed directly after the second list in his book.[73]
  • The regnal list recorded by Scottish traveller James Bruce in his book Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile (1790).[74] This list was kept in the monastery of Debre Libanos in Shewa. The list omits the kings named Bahar Asgad and Zaray who are named on the other lists in this table.
  • August Dillmann's List C (1853).[75] This list originates from a manuscript which did not name the kings of Axum who reigned between Arwe and Bazen.

According to some chronicles, the father of Abreha and Atsbeha was a king named Seifa Arad.[76] Páez's first list and Bruce's list place this king before Abreha and Atsbeha, but not as their direct predecessor, and the second British Museum manuscript places a similarly named king "Senfa Arad" as their immediate predecessor.[77]

No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Notes
1 Senfa Asgad Páez 1 (1) Zenfâ Azguêd
Páez 3 (1) Zenfa Azguêd
Bruce (1) Tzenaf Segued
Dillmann C (1) Tzénfa–Asgad
2 Bahar Asgad Páez 1 (2) Bahar Azguêd
Páez 3 (2) Bahâr Azguêd
Dillmann C (2) Bâhr–Sagad
– Germa Kalaz Páez 1 (3) Guermâ Calez Possibly an erroneous duplicate and combination of Germa Asfare or Kalez.
3 Germa Asfare I Páez 1 (4) Guermâ Azferê
Páez 3 (3) Guermâ Azfarê
Bruce (2) Garima Asfari
Dillmann C (3) Germâ–Asfar
4 Sarada Páez 1 (5) Zaradô Omitted from Páez's third list.
Bruce (3) Saraada
Dillmann C (4) Ser'âdâ Known as "Salaaiuba" on at least one regnal list.[75]
5 Kulu Seyon Páez 1 (6) Cululeaceôn
Páez 3 (4) Culule Ceôn
Bruce (4) Tzion
Dillmann C (5) Kuelû–la–Zion
6 Sharguay Páez 1 (7) Zarguaê
Páez 3 (5) Cergoû
Bruce (5) Sargai
Dillmann C (6) Sarguai
7 Zaray Páez 1 (8) Zarai
Páez 3 (6) Zeroû
Dillmann C (7) Zarái
8 Bagamay Páez 3 (7) Begamâi Omitted from Páez's first list.
Bruce (6) Bagamai
Dillmann C (8) Bagâmâi
9 Jan Asgad Páez 3 (8) Jan Azguêd Omitted from Páez's first list.
Bruce (7) Jan Segued
Dillmann C (9) Djân–Asgad
– ? Páez 1 (9) Zarrâ Azguêd Possibly an erroneous duplication of Zaray combined with Jan Asgad.
10 Seyon Hegez Páez 1 (10) Zeôn Haguêz
Páez 3 (9) Zeôn Hegz
Bruce (8) Tzion Heges
Dillmann C (10) Zion–Hegez
11 Moal Genha Páez 1 (11) Mala Agnâ
Páez 3 (10) Moaêlguehâ
Bruce (9) Moal Genha
Dillmann C (11) Mawàal–Genh Known as "Malghene" and "Moal–Genha" on at least one other list each.[75]
12 Saifa Arad Páez 1 (12) Zaf Arâd
Páez 3 (11) Zaf Arâd
Bruce (10) Saif Araad
Dillmann C (12) Sâf–Ar'ad
13 Agdur Páez 1 (13) Agdêr
Páez 3 (12) Agdêr
Bruce (11) Agedar
Dillmann C (13) Agdôr

Variation 3

[edit]

This variation does not include reign lengths. The kings named Bahar Asgad, Germa Asfare, Sharguay, Zaray and Agdur appear in variation 2 lists, but other kings do not.

The following lists are compared in this table:

  • August Dillmann's List B (1853).[78] This list claimed that each king was the son of the previous one.
  • A list recorded by French Orientalist René Basset in his book Études sur l'histoire d'Éthiopie (1882).[52] This list claimed that each king was the son of the previous king, except for Saba Asgad, who is listed as a brother of his predecessor Zaray and both of them were sons of Sharguay.[52]
  • The second of two manuscripts held in the British Museum which were published by British archeologist E. A. Wallis Budge in 1928.[79]

The final king, Senfa Arad, is named as the father of Abreha and Atsbeha in some sources.[76]

No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Notes
1 Senfa Ared Dillmann B (1) Tzénfa–A'rěd
Basset (1) Sēnfa–Ar'ēd
B.M. Manuscript 2 (1) Ṣenfa 'Ar'ad
2 Bahar Asgad Dillmann B (2) Bâhr–Asgad
Basset (2) Bâḥr–Asgēd
B.M. Manuscript 2 (2) Bāḥer [A]sgad
– Germa Sor Dillmann B (3) Germâ–Sôr Possibly an erroneous duplicate of Germa Asfare.
3 Germa Asfare Dillmann B (4) Germâ–Asfarê
Basset (3) Gērmâ–Asfaré
B.M. Manuscript 2 (3) Germā 'Asfarē
4 Sharguay Dillmann B (5) Sarguai
Basset (4) Charguâï
B.M. Manuscript 2 (4) Sharguāy
5 Zaray Dillmann B (6) Zar'ái
Basset (5) Zarëaï
B.M. Manuscript 2 (5) Zar'ay
6 Saba Asgad Dillmann B (7) Sáb'a–Asgad
Basset (6) Sabëa–Asgēd
B.M. Manuscript 2 (6) Sabe' 'Asgad
7 Seyon Geza Dillmann B (8) Zion–Gezâ
Basset (7) Ṣyon–Gēza
B.M. Manuscript 2 (7) Ṣeyōn Gezā
8 Agdur Dillmann B (9) Agdûr
Basset (8) Agdour
B.M. Manuscript 2 (8) 'Agdūr
9 Senfa Arad Dillmann B (10) Saifa–A'rêd
Basset (9) Ṣēnfa–Ar'ēd
B.M. Manuscript 2 (9) Ṣenfa 'Ar'ad

Variation 4

[edit]

The following list is included in this table:

  • One regnal list included in a book titled History of the Kings of Dabra Yahanes (1903), edited by Italian orientalist Carlo Conti Rossini.[77]

This line of succession is a condensed version of variations 2 and 3 with the addition of two names, "Ahendir" and "Tazer", and does not list any reign lengths.

No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Notes
1 Germa Sor Rossini (1) Germā Sōr Rossini's list specified this king's throne name was "Kaleb".[77]
2 Sharguay Rossini (2) Sharguāy
3 Zaray Rossini (3) Zarāy
4 Seyon Geza Rossini (4) Ṣeyōn Gezā
5 Saba Asgad Rossini (5) Sabe' 'Asgad
6 Ahendir Rossini (6) 'Ahendīr
7 Tazer Rossini (7) Tāzēr Rossini's list specified this king's throne name was "Safya 'Ar'ad", the name used in some sources for the father of Abreha and Atsbeha.[77] According to a book titled Gedle Abreha and Asbeha from the Church of Abreha wa-Atsbeha, Tazer was the father of Abreha and Atsbeha and his wife was Sofya.[65]

Variation 5

[edit]

This variation does not include reign lengths and has only been attested on one known list dated to the 16th century.[13]

The table includes names from Carlo Conti Rossini's "List F".[56]

No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Notes
1 Palez Rossini List F (8) Pālēz Unique to this variation.
2 Fazel Rossini List F (9) Fāzēl Unique to this variation.
3 Kalem Rossini List F (10) Kālēm Unique to this variation.
Rossini theorised this name referred to Kaleb.[57]
4 Talem Rossini List F (11) Tālēm Unique to this variation.
5 Tazer Rossini List F (12) Tāzēr

Summary of the regnal lists

Páez List 1
(Birth Names)
(1620) 		Páez List 2
(Regnal Names)
(1620) 		Páez List 3
(Regnal Names)
(1620) 		Bruce
(1790) 		Salt
(1814) 		Rüppell

(1840)

Dillmann A
(1853) 		Dillmann B
(1853) 		Dillmann C
(1853) 		Basset
(1882) 		Rossini
(1903) 		British Museum manuscript
Oriental No. 821, fol. 28b 		British Museum manuscript
Oriental No. 821, fol. 36a
13 kings 31 kings
403 years, 9 months and 2 days 		12 kings 11 kings 31 kings
440 years and 2 days 		31 kings

409 years, 2 months and 24 days

31 kings
412 years, 9 months and 1 day 		10 kings 13 kings 9 kings 7 kings 31 kings
435 years and 2 days 		8 kings

Monarchs from Abreha and Atsbeha to the end of the Axumite kingdom

[edit]
Mural in Qusayr 'Amra depicting an Axumite king from the first half of the eighth century.

The following lists chronicle the kings who reigned from Abreha and Atsbeha, the first kings of Axum to convert to Christianity in the 4th century, to the last kings who ruled the kingdom before it fell in the 10th century. Dil Na'od is usually considered the last king of the kingdom, but some lists name monarchs who reigned after him.

The 1922 regnal list attempted to combine the different variations into one line succession dating from 306 to 920 E.C., and did this by placing most of the kings in variation 1 directly after Abreha and Atsbeha and then continuing the line with the kings of variations 2 and 3. This allowed a sufficient number of kings to reign between Abreha and Atsbeha in the early 4th century and Alla Amidas in the late 5th century, and also continue the line of kings into the early 10th century.

Variation 1

[edit]

This version of the line of succession after Abreha and Atsbeha contains lesser known rulers, and is quoted by writers more rarely. These lists do not go up to the reign of Dil Na'od, but do contain reign lengths for individual monarchs. The approximate time span of these rulers goes from the early 4th century when Abreha and Atsbeha converted to Christianity to the reign of Gebre Meskel in the early or mid-6th century. The reign lengths on Páez's and Dillmann's lists add up to 265–280 years, which may be slightly too long for the gap between the historical reigns of Ezana (one of the likely inspirations for Abreha and Atsbeha) and Gebre Meskel.

The following lists are compared in this table:

  • The second regnal list recorded by Spanish missionary Pedro Páez in 1620.[80] A manuscript from Debre Libanos of unknown age has a similar line of succession to this list.[8]
  • A regnal list recorded by German explorer Eduard Rüppell in his book Reise in Abyssinien (1840).[81] Rüppell dated the time period of the kings from Abreha and Atsbeha to Gabra Maskal as 417–714 due to his belief that the Christianisation of Ethiopia had occuried much earlier than the reign of Abreha and Atsbeha.[81]
  • August Dillmann's List A (1853), which was compiled from multiple sources.[82]
  • A manuscript quoted by E. A. Wallis Budge, who did not specify the origin.[83] He believed these monarchs were "kinglets" who ruled parts of Ethiopia separate from other lines of kings between 360 and 480.[84]
No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Reign Length Notes
1 and 2 [Ela–] Abreha and Atsbeha Páez 2 (1 and 2) Abraha e Azebehâ 27 years and 7 months Known as the "Guides of Clarity" on this list.
Rüppell (1 and 2) Asfoha und Mahan Abreha 27 years Rüppell noted these rulers were brothers and Abreha died in 430 AD/5930 AM according to the Lik Aktum's chronicle.[85]
Dillmann A (1 and 2) Ela–Abreha und Atzbeha 27 years and 6 months
Budge (1 and 2) 'Ella 'Abrehā and 'Ella 'Aṣbehā 14 years Joint co-ruler with Sahel I according to this list. According to Budge, the three kings divided each day into three parts, so that each king was absolute during a different time of day.[84]
— ? Rüppell (3) Tesmul Ukal Amed 27 years Dillmann believed this name was an erroneous misreading by Rüppell.[86]
2 Abreha I or Atsbeha I (Sole rule) Páez 2 (2) Azbehâ 12 years
Rüppell (4) Abreha der Zweite 9 years "Abreha the second". Rüppell believed this king was a separate individual from Abreha and Atsbeha and dated the end of his reign to 5980 AM/480 AD.[85]
Dillmann A (2) Atzbeha–ela–Abreha 12 years Dillmann noted that some lists instead claim that "Ela–Abreha" ruled by himself after the joint reign for 14 years.[82]
3 [Ela–] Asfeh I Páez 2 (3) Azfahâ 7 years
Rüppell (5) Asfaha der Zweite 5 years "Asfaha the second".
Dillmann A (3) Ela–Asfeha 7 years Dillmann noted that some lists give 6 years of reign.[82]
4 [Ela–] Sahel I Páez 2 (4) Çahêl 14 years
Rüppell (6) Sahel
Dillmann A (4) Ela–Saḥl
Budge (3) 'Ella Shāhel Joint co-ruler with Abreha and Atsbeha according to this list. According to Budge, the three kings divided each day into three parts, so that each king was absolute during a different time of day.[84]
5 [Ela–] Adhana I Páez 2 (5) Adehena 14 years
Rüppell (7) Athana
Dillmann A (5) Ela–Adḥanầ
Budge (4) 'Ella 'Adẖānā
6 [Ela–] Riti Páez 2 (6) Rête 1 year
Rüppell (8) Eretana
Dillmann A (6) Ela–Reté
Budge (5) 'Ella Rete'a
7 [Ela–] Asfeh II Páez 2 (7) Azfehê 1 year
Rüppell (9) Asfaha der Dritte 5 years "Asfaha the third". Possibly a mismatch with the reign length of the next king.
Dillmann A (7) A'sfeh 1 year
Budge (6) 'Ella 'Asfeḥ
8 [Ela–] Atsbeha II Páez 2 (8) Azbahâ 5 years
Rüppell (10) Asfaha der Vierte 17 years "Asfaha the fourth". Possibly a mismatch with the reign length of the next king.
Dillmann A (8) Ela–A'tzbeha 5 years
Budge (7) 'Ella 'Abrehā
9 [Ela–] Ameda II Páez 2 (9) Amidâ 17 years
Rüppell (10) El Ameda 6 years Rüppell believed this king was Aphilas and his reign ended in 542 AD/6042 AM.[87] He also believed this king was the one fought against the Himyarite Kingdom in the fifthteenth year of the reign of Justinian I according to some sources. Most historians believed this king was actually Kaleb, but Rüppell rejected this idea because of Kaleb's reign being placed much later on the regnal lists. Rüppell believed this ruler was the king named Hellesthaeus mentioned in the works of Procopius, though this was actually Kaleb.[88]
Dillmann A (9) Ela–Amêdâ 16 years Dillmann noted that at least a couple of lists give 6 or 7 years of rule for this king.[82]
Budge (8) 'Ella 'Amīdā
10 [Ela–] Abreha II Páez 2 (10) Abrahâ 7 months
Rüppell (11) Abreha der Dritte 2 months "Abreha the fourth". Rüppell believed this king was a usurper who took the throne either during a war which Ameda was fighting in, or after Ameda's death. Rüppell believed this ruler was the king named Abramus mentioned in the works of Procopius, who stated this king was a contemporary of Hellesthaeus.[88]
Dillmann A (10) Ela–Abreha 6 months Dillmann noted that at least a couple of lists give 2 months of rule for this king.[82]
Budge (9) 'Ella 'Abrehā
11 [Ela–] Sahel II Páez 2 (11) Çahêl 2 months
Rüppell (12) Esahel Rüppell believed this ruler was the king named Angane who, according to Procopius, succeeded his uncle Hellesthaenus on the throne of Axum.[88]
Dillmann A (11) Ela–Saḥl
Budge (10) 'Ella Shāhel
12 [Ela–] Gabaz I Páez 2 (12) Gabêz 2 years
Rüppell (13) Egabes 12 years Rüppell believed this ruler was the king named Abreha who, according to Procopius, was a slave who displaced Angane from the throne.[88]
Dillmann A (12) Ela–Gabaz 2 years Dillmann noted that at least one list gives 14 years of rule for this king.[82]
Budge (11) 'Ella Gabōz or 'Ella Gōbāz 2 years According to Budge, this king murdered his predecessor Sahel II, and then married the previous king's daughter 'Admās. He later fell in love with a pagan queen named Lāb, and married her. A brother of 'Admās rose up and killed both 'Ella Gōbāz and Lāb, and then became king as 'Ella Shāhel (III).[84] Budge dated this king's reign to c. 392.[84]
13 [Ela–] Sahel III Páez 2 (13) Zehûl 1 year
Rüppell (14) Esahel Rüppell believed this king was possibly the same as the previous king of this name.[89]
Dillmann A (13) Ela–Sehúl Known as "Sekul" on at least one list.[82]
Budge (12) 'Ella Shāhel or Sēhal Not specified Budge dated this king's reign to c. 394.[84]
14 [Ela–] Atzbah Páez 2 (14) Izbah 3 years
Rüppell (15) Asfaha 2 years
Dillmann A (14) Ela–Atzbâḥ 3 years
15 and 16 [Ela–] Abreha III and [Ela–] Adhana II Páez 2 (15 and 16) Abrê e Adahanâ 16 years
Dillmann A (15 and 16) Ela–Abreh und Ela–Adhanâ
Budge (13 and 14) 'Ella 'Arbeḥa and 'Ella 'Adẖānā
17 [Ela–] Saham II Páez 2 (17) Zahâm 28 years
Dillmann A (17) Ela–Tzaham
Budge (15) 'Ella Ṣaḥam
18 [Ela–] Ameda III Páez 2 (18) Amidâ 12 years
Dillmann A (18) Ela–Amídá
Budge (16) 'Ella 'Āmīdā
19 [Ela–] Sahel IV Páez 2 (19) Zahêl 2 years
Dillmann A (19) Ela–Saḥl
Budge (17) 'Ella Shāhel
20 [Ela–] Sebah Páez 2 (20) Zebâh 2 years
Dillmann A (20) Ela–Tzebâh
Budge (18) 'Ella Ṣebāḥ
21 [Ela–] Saham III Páez 2 (21) Zahâm 15 years
Rüppell (16) Sa Ghemo
Dillmann A (21) Ela–Tzaham
Budge (19) 'Ella Ṣaḥam
22 [Ela–] Gabaz II Páez 2 (22) Gabêz 21 years
Rüppell (17) Gabes
Dillmann A (22) Ela–Gabaz
Budge (20) 'Ella Gōbāz
23 and 24 Agabi and Lewi Páez 2 (23 and 24) Agabê e Levi 2 years
Rüppell (18) Gale Welewi Rüppell listed this reign as belong to a single monarch instead of co-regents.[89]
Dillmann A (23 and 24) Agâbê und Levi 4 years
Budge (21 and 22) 'Agābē and Lēwī 2 years Budge dated this joint reign to c. 474–475.[84]
25 [Ela–] Ameda IV Páez 2 (25) Amidâ 11 years
Rüppell (19) Ameda
Dillmann A (25) Ela–Amídâ
Budge (23) 'Ella 'Amīdā or 'Al-'Āmēdā 11 or 14 years Budge believed this king was Alla Amidas, during whose reign the Nine Saints came to Axum.[84]
26 and 27 Yakob I and Dawit II Páez 2 (26 and 27) Iacob e David 3 years
Rüppell (20) Jakob Oeled Dauit 30 years Rüppell listed this reign as belong to a single monarch instead of co-regents.[89] The 30-year reign length is likely a misreading or error.
Dillmann A (26 and 27) Jacob und David 3 years
Budge (24 and 25) Yā'ḳōb and Dāwīt Budge dated this joint reign to 486–489.[90]
28 Armah Páez 2 (28) Armâ 14 years, 6 months and 8 days
Rüppell (21) Armah 14 years
Dillmann A (28) Armâh 14 years, 7 months and 8 days
Budge (26) 'Armāh 14 years, 6 months and 10 days Budge dated this king's reign to 489–503.[90]
29 Zitana Páez 2 (29) Zitanâ 2 years Father of Kaleb according to some Ethiopian sources.[91][76] This could make him the same person as Tazena in variation 2.
Rüppell (22) Seza Sinka 12 years Reign length could be an error.
Dillmann A (29) Zitânâ 2 years
Budge (27) Zītānā Budge dated this king's reign to 504–505.[91]
30 Yakob II Páez 2 (30) Iacob 9 years
Rüppell (23) Jakob
Dillmann A (30) Jacob
Budge (28) Yā'ḳōb According to Budge, this king was called "Arwe" due to his shocking cruelties and wickedness.[91] He was defeated by 'Ella 'Aṣbehā (IV?), likely the same person as Kaleb, otherwise known as "Elesbaan".[91]
31 Constantinos (Kaleb) Páez 2 (31) Constantinôs 28 years Budge noted that Constantine was one of the alternate names of Kaleb.[91]
Rüppell (24) Kaleb oder Kustantinos 29 years "Kaleb or Constantinos".
Dillmann A (31) Constantinos 28 years
32 Beta Israel Rüppell (25) Bed Israel 8 months Rüppell dated the end of this king's reign to 6200 AM/700 AD.[89]
Dillmann A (32) Beta Israel While the 8-month reign is certainly recorded on at least a couple of lists, Dillmann found that most lists he looked at were missing the number of months this king reigned.[82]
33 Gabra Maskal Páez 2 (32) Gabrâ Mazcâl 14 years
Rüppell (26) Gebra Masgal Rüppell dated the end of this king's reign to 6214 AM/714 AD due to Lik Atkum's chronicle, which stated that 700 years passed between the birth of Christ and reign of Gabra Maskal.[89]
Dillmann (33) Gábra–Másqal
34 and 35 Nalke and Bazen II Páez 2 (33 and 34) Nacuê e Bacên 16 years This list states that it was during this joint reign that the Church of Axum was founded.[80] It possible that these names are a repetition of the last two kings to reign before the Nativity of Jesus. Dillmann noted that one list he saw claimed that king "Nalek" reigned after Gabra Maskal for 11 years, but he personally doubted the accuracy of this list.[82]

Variation 2

[edit]

This version of the line of succession after Abreha and Atsbeha includes many notable rulers such as Alla Amidas, Kaleb, Gebre Meskel and Dil Na'od, but does not include reign lengths for most rulers. The time span of these rulers should go from the early 4th century with Abreha and Atsbeha to the 10th century with the end of Dil Na'od's reign. However, only five kings are named between Abreha and Atsbeha and Alla Amidas (who ruled in the late 5th century), an approximate period of over 150 years. The 1922 regnal list resolved this by placing most kings of variation 1 between Abreha and Atsbeha and Amsi.

The following lists are compared in this table:

  • The regnal list recorded by English Egyptologist Henry Salt in his book A Voyage to Abyssinia (1814).[92]
  • A regnal list recorded by German explorer Eduard Rüppell in his book Reise in Abyssinien (1840).[93] He treated the line of kings from Constantinos to Dil Na'od as a continuation of the line of kings from variation 1.
  • August Dillmann's List B (1853).[94] This list claimed that each king was the son of the previous king.
  • A list published by René Basset in 1882.[95] This list claimed that each king was the son of the previous king.
  • A manuscript held in the British Museum published by British archaeologist E. A. Wallis Budge (filed under Oriental No. 821) in 1928.[96] French Orientalist René Basset recorded a list of kings that was nearly identical to this manuscript, except that a king named "Geda Jan" reigned between Degna Djan and Anbase Wedem.[95] This additional name is also found on the Paris Chronicle, which otherwise has a similar line of succession to Salt's list.[8] Some historians believe that this king's name was an alternate name for Degna Jan.[97]

The four kings Asfah, Arfad, Amosi and Seladoba reigned for a total of 32 years according to Salt's list,[63] though he personally felt that it was more likely they reigned for a total of 70 years.[98] Salt noted that the kings from Ameda to Dil Na'od did not have reign lengths assigned to them in the chronicles but may have reigned for a total of 354 years.[99] Pedro Páez stated that the next three kings after Abreha and Atsbeha on his regnal list were brothers who reigned together and divided each day into three parts between themselves.[100] A similar story is recorded elsewhere in reference to Abreha, Atsbeha and Shahel.[84]

No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Notes
1 and 2 Abreha and Atsbeha Salt (1 and 2) El-Abreha and El-Aizbeha Salt listed "Aizana and Saizana" as alternate names for these kings.[59]
Dillmann B (1 and 2) A'breha und A'tzbeha
Basset (1 and 2) Abrëhâ et Aṣbēḥâ
B.M. Manuscript (1 and 2) 'Abrehā and 'Aṣbeḥa
2 Abreha (sole rule) B.M. Manuscript (2) 'Abrehā
Dillmann B (2) Abreha
Basset (2) Abrëhâ
3 Asfeh I Salt (3) Asfah Salt noted that this king, Arfad, Amosi and Seladoba reigned for a total of 32 years.[92]
Dillmann B (3) Asfeha
Basset (3) Asfēḥ
B.M. Manuscript (3) 'Aṣfeḥ
4 Arfed Salt (4) Arfad Salt noted that this king, Asfah, Amosi and Seladoba reigned for a total of 32 years.[92]
Dillmann B (4) 'Arfed
Basset (4) Arfâd
B.M. Manuscript (4) 'Arfed
5 Amsi Salt (5) Amosi Salt noted that this Asfah, Arfad and Seladoba reigned for a total of 32 years.[92]
Dillmann B (5) Amsî
Basset (5) Amsi
B.M. Manuscript (5) 'Amsē
6 Saladoba Salt (6) Seladoba Salt noted that this king, Asfah, Arfad and Amosi reigned for a total of 32 years.[92]
Dillmann B (6) Salâdôbâ Dillmann noted that one list claimed the Nine Saints came to Ethiopia during this king's reign instead of Al-Ameda's reign.[94]
Basset (6) Saladobâ
B.M. Manuscript (6) Saladōbā
7 [Al–] Amida Salt (7) Ameda
Dillmann B (7) Al–Amêdâ Dillmann noted that one list he saw stated that the Nine Saints came during this king's reign.[94]
Basset (7) Al–Amédà This list noted that the Nine Saints came to Ethiopia during this king's reign. René Basset believed this king was Alla Amidas, during whose reign the Nine Saints came to Axum.
B.M. Manuscript (7) 'Al–'Āmēdā
8 Tazena Salt (8) Tazena
Dillmann B (8) Tazênâ
Basset (8) Tàzénâ
B.M. Manuscript (8) Tāzēnā
9 Kaleb Salt (9) Caleb
Dillmann B (9) Kaleb This list called this king the one "who tore (divided) the land".[94]
Basset (9) Kâlèb
B.M. Manuscript (9) Kālēb E. A. Wallis Budge dated this king's reign to 514–542. Budge listed "Ella Asbeha" as an alternate name for this king.[91]
10 Gabra Maskal Salt (10) Guebra Mascal
Dillmann B (10) Gábra–Másqal This list adds the note "in whose day Jared wrote the hymn book".[94]
Basset (10) Gabra Masqal
B.M. Manuscript (10) Gabra Maskal
11 Constantinos Salt (11) Constantinus
Rüppell (27) Kustantinos
Dillmann B (11) Constantinos
Basset (11) Quasṭanṭinos
B.M. Manuscript (11) Kuostantīnōs
12 Wasan Sagad Salt (12) Wusen Segued
Rüppell (28) Wasan Saged
Dillmann B (12) Wasan–Asgad Dillmann noted that one list stated this king was a son of Gebre Meskel.[94]
Basset (12) Ouasan–Sagad
B.M. Manuscript (12) Wasan Sagad
13 Fere Sanay Salt (13) Fré Sennai
Rüppell (29) Fare Sanai
Dillmann B (13) Ferê–Sanâi
Basset (13) Fëré–Chanâï
B.M. Manuscript (13) Ferē Shanāy
14 Aderaz Salt (14) Adieraz According to Alaqa Taye, this king was Najashi, the Axumite king who reigned at the time of the Muslim Migration to Abyssinia.[101]
Rüppell (30) Deras
Dillmann B (14) Ader'âzar Dillmann suggested that this is alternate version of the name "Andreas".[94]
Basset (14) Adrëaz
B.M. Manuscript (14) 'Ader'az
15 Akala Wedem Salt (15) Akul Woodem
Rüppell (31) Ekele Wedem
Dillmann B (15) Ekla–Udem
Basset (15) Akala–Ouëdëm
B.M. Manuscript (15) Akla Ẇedem
16 Germa Asfare II Salt (16) Grim Sofer
Rüppell (32) Gherma Safer
Dillmann B (16) Germâ–Safar
Basset (16) Garmâ–Safar
B.M. Manuscript (16) Germā Safar
17 Zergaz Salt (17) Zer gāz
Rüppell (33) Sergas
Dillmann B (17) Gergâz Dillmann suggested that this king's name was alternate version of "Cyriacus".[94]
Basset (17) Zërgâz
B.M. Manuscript (17) Zergāz
18 Degna Mikael Salt (18) Degna Michael
Rüppell (34) Degena Mikael
Dillmann B (18) Degnâ–Michael
Basset (18) Dëgnâ–Mikâël
B.M. Manuscript (18) Degnā Mīkāēl
19 Bahr Ekla Salt (19) Bakr-Akla
Rüppell (35) Baher Ikela
Dillmann B (19) Bâhr–Ikla
Basset (19) Bâḥr–Iklâ
B.M. Manuscript (19) Bāḥer Īklā
20 Gum Salt (20) Gouma
Rüppell (36) Gum
Dillmann B (20)
Basset (20) Goum
B.M. Manuscript (20) Gūm
21 Asguagum Salt (21) Asgoungūm
Rüppell (37) Asegum
Dillmann B (21) Aguamgûm
Basset (21) Asguamgoum
B.M. Manuscript (21) 'Asguōmgūm
22 Letem Salt (22) Let-um
Rüppell (38) Letim
Dillmann B (22) Létem
Basset (22) Lëtëm
B.M. Manuscript (22) Letem
23 Talatem Salt (23) Thala-tum
Rüppell (39) Talatim
Dillmann B (23) Talâtem
Basset (23) Talâtëm
B.M. Manuscript (23) Talātem
24 Oda Gosh or Oda Sasa Salt (24) Woddo Gúsh
Rüppell (40) Ode Gosch
Dillmann B (24) Ôda–Gôsh
Basset (24) 'Odâ–Sâsa
B.M. Manuscript (24) 'Odā Sāsa
25 Ayzur Salt (25) I zoor
Rüppell (41) Aiser Reigned for one day and was overwhelmed by a large crowd of people who gathered around him on the day of his coronation.
Dillmann B (25) Aizúr This list stated he reigned for half a day.[94] Dillmann noted that one list explained that the king was crushed by a crowd of people who gathered around him and since then a barrier has been erected in front of kings to prevent this from happening again.[94]
Basset (25) Aïzour This list noted the king reigned for half a day and was suffocated by a crowd of people in the capital, with many men dying of suffocation also. Since then, a barrier has been placed in front the king.
B.M. Manuscript (25) 'Ayzūr
26 Dedem Salt (25) Didum
Rüppell (42) Dedem
Dillmann B (26) Dédem
Basset (26) Dëdëm
B.M. Manuscript (26) Dedem
27 Wededem Rüppell (43) Wededem
Dillmann B (27) Udédem
Basset (27) Ouëdëdëm
B.M. Manuscript (27) Wededem
28 Wedem Asfare Salt (26) Woodm asfar
Rüppell (44) Wedem Asfare
Dillmann B (28) Udem–Asfaré
Basset (28) Ouëdëm–Asfaré This list claimed this king lived for 150 years.
B.M. Manuscript (28) Wedem 'Asfarē
29 Armah Salt (27) Armah
Rüppell (45)
Dillmann B (29) Armáh
Basset (29) Armâkh
B.M. Manuscript (29) Armāẖ
30 Degna Djan Salt (28) Degna Jan
Rüppell (46) Degena Schan
Dillmann B (30) Degnâ–Djân
Basset (30) Dëgnâ–Jân
B.M. Manuscript (30) Degnā Jān
31 Geda Djan Rüppell (47) Degea Schan
Dillmann B (31) Ged'â–Djân
Basset (31) Gëd'â–Jân
32 Anbase Wedem Salt (29) Ambasa Woodim
Rüppell (48) Anbasa Wedem
Dillmann B (32) Anbasâ–Udem
Basset (32) Anbase–Ouëdëm
B.M. Manuscript (31) 'Anbasa Wedem
33 Dil Na'od Salt (30) Dilnaad
Rüppell (49) Delnad Rüppell noted this king was driven out by a Jewish woman named "Sague" (probably Gudit) and took refuge in Shewa. The name "Sague" refers to the Zagwe dynasty, who Rüppell believed were related to this queen.[102]
Dillmann B (33) Delnoâd This list noted that after this king the throne passed the Zagwe dynasty, who were "not Israelites".[94]
Basset (33) Dël–Na'àd This list noted that after this king the throne passed the Zagwe dynasty, who were "not Israelites".
B.M. Manuscript (32) Delna'ad
34 Gudit Salt (31) Gudit or Assaat ("Fire") Not included in Salt's list, but mentioned afterwards as a queen who overthrew the Axumite dynasty and moved the capital to Lasta in c. 925. The alternate name "Assaat" is probably meant to reference Esato.

Variation 3

[edit]

These lists continue the line of kings after Dil Na'od. The kings from Anbase Wedem to Armah are usually placed before Dil Na'od on other lists, but are placed chronologically after him on these lists. Degna Djan is completely omitted from this variation. Bruce believed the short reign of Ayzur followed by the accession of Dil Na'od as an infant, as well as an epidemic disease spreading around Axum, all aided Judith (Gudit) in her conquest and usurption of the throne.[103]

Three regnal lists are compared below:

These lists are similar in most parts, but have notable differences:

  • Asfeh I is co-ruler with Arfed and Amsi on Páez's first list, but the other three lists do not state that all three ruled together.
  • Páez's third list includes an additional king named "Amiamid" between Alameda and Tazena, whose name could be a duplication of Alameda.
  • Armah I and Jan Asfeh are missing from Páez's third list, but appear on the other three lists in this table.
  • The queens named Esato and Gudit are considered to be separate individuals on Páez's third list who ruled different areas of Ethiopia, but Dillmann's list C instead considers both of these names to refer to the same queen.
  • No women are mentioned on Páez's first list.
  • On Páez's first list, Anbase Wedem and Dil Na'od are moved to the end of the list and are placed after Degna Djan and Hezba Nan, neither of whom are found on the other lists in this table. Páez's first list essentially keeps the order of the succession the same as his third list, but alters the order of a few names to match with the order found in the variation two lists mentioned above.
  • Dillmann's list mentions a woman named Terdai Gabaz, through whom the Zagwe dynasty was able to rise to power.
No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Notes
1 and 2 Abreha and Atsbeha Páez 1 (1 and 2) Abrâ e Azbâ
Páez 3 (1 and 2) Abrahâ e Azbahã
Bruce (1 and 2) Abreha and Atzbeha Bruce dated the conversion of Axum to Christianity to the year 333.[74] Bruce suspected that Abreha and Atsbeha were in fact a single person known, with "Atsbeha" simply meaning "the blessed", an alternate name for the same king as was common with other Axumite king.[105]
Dillmann C (1 and 2) Abreha und Atzbeha
3 Asfeh I Páez 1 (3) Azfâ Co-ruler with Arfed and Amsi according to this list. They were brothers and divided each day into three parts to rule.[106] Manuel de Almeida also reported a similar tradition regarding kings called Azfa, Azfed and Amey.[24]
Páez 3 (3) Azfehê
Bruce (3) Asfeha
Dillmann C (3) Asfeḥ
4 and 5 Arfed and Amsi Páez 1 (4 and 5) Arfêd e Amçî Co-rulers with Asfeh according to this list. They were brothers and divided each day into three parts to rule.[106]
Páez 3 (4 and 5) Arfêd e Amci Brothers according to this list.[73]
Bruce (4 and 5) Arphad and Amzi
Dillmann C (4 and 5) Arfed und Amsî Brothers according to this list.[104]
6 Arad Páez 1 (6) Aradô
Páez 3 (6) Arâd
Bruce (6) Araad
Dillmann C (5) Ar'ad
7 Saladoba Páez 1 (7) Aladobâ
Páez 3 (7) Cel Adobâ
Bruce (7) Saladoba
Dillmann C (7) Sal'adôbâ
8 Alamida Páez 1 (8) Amiamid During this king's reign the Nine Saints came to Axum.
Páez 3 (8) Alamidâ
Bruce (8) Alameda
Dillmann C (8) Alamîdâ
— — Páez 3 (9) Amiamid Possibly a duplicate of the previous king.
9 Tazena Páez 1 (9) Tacenâ
Páez 3 (10) Tacenâ
Bruce (9) Tezhana
Dillmann C (9) Tazênâ
10 Kaleb Páez 1 (10) Calêb
Páez 3 (11) Calêb
Bruce (10) Caleb Bruce dated this king's reign to 522.[74]
Dillmann C (10) Caleb
11 Gebre Meskel Páez 1 (11) Grabrâ Mazcâl
Páez 3 (12) Gabra Mazcâl
Bruce (11) Guebra Mascal
Dillmann C (11) Gábra–Másqal
12 Constantinos Páez 1 (12) Constantinôs
Páez 3 (13) Constantinôs
Bruce (12) Constantine
Dillmann C (12) Constantinos
13 Bazgar Páez 1 (13) Bazgâr Budge suggested this king was the same person as Wasan Sagad.[107]
Páez 3 (14) Bezgâr
Bruce (13) Bazzer
Dillmann C (13) Bazgar
14 Asfeh II Páez 1 (14) Azfê
Páez 3 (15) Azfêh
Bruce (14) Azbeha
Dillmann C (14) Asfeḥ
15 Armah I Páez 3 (16) Armâh Omitted from Páez's first list.
Bruce (15) Armaha
Dillmann C (15) Armâḥ
16 Jan Asfeh Páez 3 (17) Jan Azfêh Omitted from Páez's first list.
Bruce (16) Jan Asfeha
Dillmann C (16) Djân–Asfeh
17 Jan Asgad Páez 1 (15) Jan Azguêd
Páez 3 (18) Jan Azguêd
Bruce (17) Jan Segued
Dillmann C (17) Djân–Asgad
18 Fere Sanai Páez 1 (16) Freçanâi
Páez 3 (19) Freçanâi
Bruce (18) Fere Sanai
Dillmann C (18) Ferê–Sanâi
19 Aderaz Páez 1 (17) Adoraâz
Páez 3 (20) Aderaz
Bruce (19) Aderaaz
Dillmann C (19) Adarâz
20 Ayzur Páez 1 (18) Oaiçâr
Páez 3 (21) Aiçôr
Bruce (20) Aizor
Dillmann C (20) Aizôr
21 Dil Na'od Páez 1 (29) Delnaôd According to this list, the throne passed to the Zagwe dynasty after the end of this king's reign.[108]
Páez 3 (22) Delnaôd
Bruce (21) Del Naad Bruce dated this king's reign to 960.[74]
Dillmann C (21) Delnaod
22 Maiday Páez 1 (19) Madâi
Páez 3 (23) Maadâi
Dillmann C (22) Madâi
23 Esato Páez 3 (24) Eçabô ("Fire") A Jewish queen who reigned in Amhara.[109]
Dillmann C (23) Esâtô This list described this queen as a "vile and godless woman" and an "unbelieving brood" who lived in Amhara and destroyed churches.[104] This list also claimed that she was known as Gudit in Tigray, unlike Páez's third list when named Esato and Gudit as separate rulers. Dillmann's list C specifies that this queen reigned for 40 years.
24 Gudit Páez 3 (25) Gudit ("Monstrous") A queen who reigned for 40 years in Tigray and destroyed all the churches.[109]
Bruce (22) Judith Not named on the list, but mentioned in his book as the ruler who came after Dil Na'od.[103]
Dillmann C (23) Guedîth This list claimed Esato and Gudit were the same woman and that she was known as Esato in Amhara and Gudit in Tigray.[110]
25 Anbase Wedem Páez 1 (28) Ambaçâ Udm
Páez 3 (26) Ambaçâ Udm
Dillmann C (24) Anbasâ–Udem
26 Akala Wedem Páez 1 (20) Calaudên
Páez 3 (27) Hualâ Udêm
Dillmann C (25) Kualâ–Udem
27 Germa Asfare II Páez 1 (21) Guermâ Azfarê
Páez 3 (28) Guerma Azfarê
Dillmann C (26) Germâ–Asfarê
28 Zergaz Páez 1 (22) Zargâz
Páez 3 (29) Zergâz
Dillmann C (27) Zergaz
29 Degna Mikael Páez 1 (23) Degnâ Michael
Páez 3 (30) Degnâ Michael
Dillmann C (28) Degnâ–Michael
30 Badagaz (Gadagosh?) Páez 1 (24) Badagâz
Páez 3 (31) Badgâz
Dillmann C (29) Badagaz
31 Armah II Páez 1 (25) Armâ
Páez 3 (32) Armâh The Zagwe dynasty reigned after this king according to this list.
Dillmann C (30) Armâḥ
– Hezba Nan Páez 1 (26) Ezbinani The Debre Libanos manuscript, which otherwise follows the third list recorded by Paez, names this king as the successor of Armah and the last king before the Zagwe dynasty.[111]
Dillmann C (31) Shinahanni While Dillmann placed this king after Armah II, he noted that he only found this king on one list.[104]
– Degna Djan Páez 1 (27) Degnaxân
– Terdai Gabaz Dillmann C (32) Terdâe'–Gabaz Some sources claim this was an alternate name for Gudit.[112] However Gudit is already named earlier in this list. This list states that the throne was taken by a family who were not "of the family of David" and mentions after naming Terdai Gabaz.[104] This suggests that she can be equated with Masoba Warq, a daughter of Dil Na'od, who, according to tradition was the wife of Mara Takla Haymanot, the founder of the Zagwe dynasty.

Variation 4

[edit]

This variation does not include reign lengths for most names.

The following list is included in this table:

  • A regnal list included in a book titled History of the Kings of Dabra Yahanes (1903), edited by Italian orientalist Carlo Conti Rossini and quoted by E. A. Wallis Budge.[96] The list is similar to the lists in variation 2 until the reign of Constantinos (Yeshak), after whom the order slightly varies. The kings named Aderaz, Dedem and Geda Jan are not included in this list.
No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Notes
1 and 2 Abreha and Atsbeha Rossini (1 and 2) 'Abrehā and 'Aṣbeḥa
2 Atsbeha (sole rule) Rossini (2) 'Aṣbeḥa
3 Asfeh Rossini (3) 'Aṣfeḥ
4 Arfed Rossini (4) 'Arfăsked
5 Amsi Rossini (5) 'Amsē
6 Saladoba Rossini (6) 'Alādeb
7 Alameda Rossini (7) 'Almēdā
8 Tazena Rossini (8) Tāzēnā
9 Kaleb Rossini (9) Kālēb Reigned for 40 years.[96]
10 Gabra Maskal Rossini (10) Gabra Maskal Reigned for 40 years.[96]
11 Yeshak (Constantinos) Rossini (11) Yeṣhaḳ "Constantine" is listed as an alternate name for this king by Rossini.[96]
12 Fere Sanay Rossini (12) Ferē Shanāya
13 Wasan Sagad Rossini (13) Wasan Sagad
14 Dagena Mikael Rossini (14) Degnā Mīkāēl
15 Zergaz Rossini (15) Derāz
16 Degjan Rossini (16) Degzān Unique to this variation. Possibly a duplicate of Degna Djan.
17 Germa Asfare Rossini (17) Germā Sōr
18 Akala Wedem Rossini (18) 'Akāla Wedem
19 Bahr Ekla Rossini (19) Bāḥra 'Ēkālā
20 Gum Rossini (20) Gūm
21 Asguagum Rossini (21) 'Ashāgūm
22 Latem Rossini (22) Latem
23 Talatem Rossini (23) Talātem
24 Oda Gosh Rossini (24) 'Adẖsha
25 Ayzur Rossini (25) 'Ayzūr Reigned for half a day.[113]
26 Wededem Rossini (26) 'Awdamdem
27 Wedem Asfare Rossini (27) Wedem Masferē This list claimed this king lived for 150 years.[94]
28 Armah Rossini (28) 'Armāh
29 Degna Djan Rossini (29) Degjān
30 Anbasa Wedem Rossini (30) 'Anbasā Wedem
31 Dil Na'od Rossini (31) Delnā'ād Reigned for 40 years.[113]

Variation 5

[edit]

This variation does not include reign lengths and has only been attested on one known list dated to the 16th century.[13]

The table includes names from Carlo Conti Rossini's "List F".[114]

This list is a condensed version of variation 2, with some additional names and changes in regnal order. Notably, Kaleb is missing from this variation.

Rossini's "List G" includes these kings before Gebre Meskel instead: Asfā Sāhel, Asged, Mesēr, Ar'adu, Elā Adobā, Alāmēd, Tāzēnā and Kālēb.[57] The kings from Asfa Sahel to Gabra Maskal are numbered 47 to 55 on list G.[57]

No. Common Name List and Position Name on List Notes
1 and 2 Abreha and Atsbeha Rossini List F (13 and 14) Abrehā et Aṣbeḥa
3 Dalez Rossini List F (15) Dālēz Unique to this variation.
No. 11 on list G.[115]
4 Sahel Ekla Rossini List F (16) Sǎhel Iyekal'a Unique to this variation.
5 Gabra Maskal Rossini List F (17) Gabra Masqal
6 Baher Ekla Rossini List F (18) Bāḥra Iyekal'a
7 Gum Rossini List F (19) Gwem No. 12 on list G.[115]
8 Asguagum Rossini List F (20) Asgwamgwem No. 13 on list G.[115]
9 Letem Rossini List F (21) Letem No. 14 on list G.[115]
10 Talatem Rossini List F (22) Telātem No. 15 on list G.[115]
11 Zergaz Rossini List F (23) Zergāz
12 Badagaz Rossini List F (24) Badāgoš
13 Ayzur Rossini List F (25) Ayzur
14 Maiday Kala Rossini List F (26) Māeda Kalā
15 Medemdem Rossini List F (27) Medemdem Probably the same king as Wededem from variation 2.
16 Wedem Rossini List F (28) Wedem Probably the same king as Dedem from variation 2.
17 Germa Asfare Rossini List F (29) Germā Asfarē
18 and 19 Leb Dahare and Engede Kare Rossini List F (30) Lebb Dahāri et Engedē Qarē Unique to this variation.
20 Dil Na'od Rossini List F (32) Delna'ad

Summary

Páez List 1
(Birth Names)
(1620) 		Páez List 2
(Regnal Names)
(1620) 		Páez List 3
(Regnal Names)
(1620) 		Bruce
(1790) 		Salt
(1814) 		Rüppell

(1840)

Dillmann A
(1853) 		Dillmann B
(1853) 		Dillmann C
(1853) 		Rossini
(1903) 		British Museum manuscript
Oriental No. 821 		Unknown chronicle
(Budge)
29 Kings 34 Kings
280 years and 8 days 		32 Kings 21 Kings 32 Kings 49 Kings 33 Kings
265 years, 5 months and 8 days 		33 Kings 32 Kings 31 Kings 32 Kings 29 Kings
219 or 222 years, 2 months and 10 days

Zagwe dynasty lists

[edit]
See also: Zagwe dynasty

Ethiopian traditions are in agreement that the Zagwe dynasty ruled at some point after the fall of Axum and directly preceded the Solomonic dynasty, but differ regarding when this dynasty first came to power, how long it remained in power and even the number of kings who ruled.

Ethiopian historian Sergew Hable Selassie noted that there are three main lists of Zagwe kings, known as the short, long and longer lists.[116] He felt that the longer list was probably the most accurate.[116]

Short List

[edit]

Recorded in Carlo Conti Rossini's work Storia d'Etiopia (p. 305).[116] Pedro Páez recorded a version with reign lengths and noted this list was likely incomplete.[117] Manuel de Almeida also quoted a list that claimed this dynasty only had 5 kings who ruled for 143 years.[118] A manuscript held in Paris (no. 64) claimed the Zagwe dynasty had 5 kings whose rule began in either 1145 or 1147 and ended in either 1268 or 1270.[119]

# Name[116] Reign Lengths[117] Notes
1 Mera 15 years Also known as Mara Takla Haymanot.
2 Yimreha 40 years Also known as Yemrehana Krestos.
3 Lalibela 40 years –
4 Na'akueto La'ab 40 years –
5 Harbe 8 years –
Total 143 years

Long list

[edit]

Variation 1

[edit]

Recorded in Carlo Conti Rossini's work Storia d'Etiopia,[116] Eduard Rüppell's Reise in Abyssinien[120] and René Basset's Études sur l'histoire d'Éthiopie.[121] Also recorded in the Paris Chronicle and a manuscript held in the British Museum (Or. 821, fol. 28b).[118][122] The 1922 regnal list of Ethiopia uses a similar list of kings for the Zagwe dynasty, but with some differences in reign length, giving the dynasty a total of 333 years of rule.[123]

James Bruce used this version of this list in his book Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile, though considered Tatadim, Jan Seyum, Germa Seyum, Harbai and Mairari to be descendants of Gudit who ruled at Lasta, while the other six kings were theorised to be Christian according to Bruce.[124]

# Name[116] Reign Length[116] Notes
1 Mara Takla Haymanot 3 years The 1922 regnal list records 13 years of rule.[123] Both Rüppell's list and the 1922 regnal list give the name "Zagwe" as the name of this king.[120]
2 Tetewudem 40 years –
3 Jan Seyum 40 years –
4 Germa Seyum 40 years –
5 Yemrehana Krestos 40 years –
6 Kedus Harbe 40 years Named "Kedus Arbe (Samt)" on the 1922 regnal list.[123]
7 Lalibela 40 years –
8 Na'akueto La'ab 48 years The 1922 regnal list records 40 years of rule.[123]
9 Yetbarak 40 years –
10 Mairari 15 years Rüppell noted that a chronicle from Kiratza stated this king reigned for 18 years.[120]
11 Harbai 8 years Rüppell noted that a chronicle from Kiratza stated this king reigned for 23 years.[120]
Total 354 years

Variation 2

[edit]

Recorded in Eduard Rüppell's Reise in Abyssinien[120] and Carlo Conti Rossini's "La caduta della dinastia Zague" (p. 295).[116] Rüppell's list originated from the Chronicle of Berhan Sagad and stated these kings reigned for a total of 333 years.[120]

# Monarch Name variation Notes
– Zagwe Rüppell (1) Sague The name of this dynasty is mistakenly listed by Rüppell as the founding monarch of this line. He believed that "Sague" was a queen who founded this dynasty after overthrowing the Axumite line.[102] This queen however was Gudit it is unconfirmed if she had any link to the Zagwe kings, though some traditions claims she did.
1 Mara Takla Haymanot Rüppell (2) Panetau
Rossini (1) Pentew
2 Tatadim Rüppell (3) Panetadim
Rossini (2) Pentedim
3 Jan Seyum Rüppell (4) Schan Sejum
Rossini (3) Jan Seyoum
4 Germa Seyum Rüppell (5) Schan Görema
Rossini (4) Jan Grima
5 Kedus Harbe Rüppell (6) Schan Arbe
Rossini (5) Harbé
6 Lalibela Rüppell (7) Lalibela
Rossini (6) Lalibela
7 Na'akueto La'ab Rüppell (8) Naqueto Labu
Rossini (7) Ne'akuto Le'ab
8 Yemrehana Krestos Rüppell (9) Jemorahn Kristos
Rossini (8) Yimrehane Kristos
9 Yetbarak Rüppell (10) Jetbarak Oegsiaböhör
Rossini (9) Yitbarek

Variation 3

[edit]

Recorded by Carlo Conti Rossini from a text from Dabra Libanos.[125]

# Name Reign Length Notes
1 Takla Haymanot 40 years –
2 Jan Seyum 40 years –
3 Germa Seyum 40 years –
4 Gempawedamo 40 years Third son of Mara Takla Haymanot.[125]
Possibly Tatadim.
5 Yemreha 40 years –
6 Gabra Maryam 40 years Also known as Kedus Harbe.
7 Lalibala 40 years –
8 Na'akueto La'ab 40 years –
9 Yetbarak 9 years –
Total 329 years

Longer list

[edit]
# Name[116] Reign Length[116] Dates[116] Notes
1 Mara Takla Haymanot 13 years 920–933 Son-in-law of Dil Na'od.[126]
2 Sibuhay (Dil Ne'ad II) 10 years 933–943 Not to be confused with Dil Na'od.
3 Meyrary 15 years 943–958 –
4 Harbey (Hareyene Egzi) 8 years 958–966 –
5 Mengisine Yitbarek 7 years 966–973 –
6 Yi'kebke Egzi 10 years 973–983 –
7 Zena Petros 6 years 983–989 Murdered.[126]
8 Bahr Saf 14 years 989–1003 –
9 Tetewudem (Ser Assegid) 10 years 1003–1013 Descendant of Mara Takla Haymanot.[126]
10 Akotet (Jan Seyoum) 20 years 1013–1033 Brother of Tatadim.[126]
11 Be'mnet (Girma Seyoum) 20 years 1033–1053 Brother of Jan Seyum.[126]
12 Yimrehane Kristos 40 years 1053–1093 Son of Germa Seyum.[126]
Capital was Adefa during his reign.[126]
13 Gebre Mariam 40 years 1093–1133 Also known as Kedus Harbe.
Son of Jan Seyum.[126]
Previously governor of Lasta.[126]
Abdicated.[126]
14 Lalibela 40 years 1133–1173 Son of Jan Seyum.[126]
Previously governor of Lasta.[126]
Abdicated.[126]
Alternate dates: 1160–1211, 1180–1220 or 1205–1255[126]
15 Ne'akuto Le'ab 40 years 1173–1213 Son of Kedus Harbe.[126]
Abdicated.[126]
Alternate dates: c. 1145–1215, 1211–1251/1259 or 1220–1268[126]
16 Yitbarek 40 years 1213–1253 Son of Lalibela.[126]
"Pretender" to the throne from 1173 to 1213.[126]
Died in battle at Daga Qirqos.[126]
Total 333 years

Alternate variations of the Solomonic line

[edit]
See also: List of emperors of Ethiopia

Beginning with the reign of Yekuno Amlak, the line of rulers becomes more consistently noted and dated across various regnal lists. However, some emperors have been excluded from certain lists:

A manuscript from the Debre Damo church provided a slightly altered line of succession from Yekuno Amlak to Lebna Dengel:[129]

Debre Damo List Conventional List (with common numbering and reign lengths)
Yekuno-Amlak (40 years) Yekuno Amlak (1) (15 years)
Wedema-Ar'ed (15 years) Wedem Arad (8) (15 years)
Qedema-Asgad,
Hezba-Asgad,
Senfa-Ar'ed
(who all reigned for a total of 4 years) 		Qedma Asgad (5) (1 year)
Hezba Asgad (4) (1 year)
Senfa Ared (3) (1 year)
Bahara-Asgad (5 years) Saba Asgad (6) (1 year) (?)
Yagba-Asgad (9 years) Yagbe'u Seyon (2) (9 years)
Amda-Seyon (30 years) Amda Seyon I (9) (30 years)
Sayfa-Ar'ed (28 years) Newaya Krestos (10) (28 years)
Germa Asfare (10 years) Newaya Maryam (11) (10 years)
Dawit (33 years) Dawit I (12) (31 years)
Tewodros (1 year) Tewodros I (13) (9 months)
Yeshaq (15 years) Yeshaq I (14) (15 years)
Endreyas (7 years) Andreyas (15) (4 or 6 months)
Hezba-Nan,
Amda Iyasus,
Badel-Nan
(who all reigned for a total of 5 years) 		Takla Maryam (16) (3 years)
Amda Iyasus (18) (8 months)
Sarwe Iyasus (17) (4 or 8 months)
Zar'a Ya'qob (34 years) Zara Yaqob (19) (34 years)
Ba'eda Mariam (10 years) Baeda Maryam I (20) (10 years)
Eskender (17 years) Eskender (21) (16 years)
Na'od (16 years) Na'od (23) (14 years)
Amda Seyon Amda Seyon II (22) (5 months)
Lebna Dengel Lebna Dengel (24) (32 years)

The above list omits at least one of the sons of Yagbe'u Seyon. The second Amda Seyon is credited with having "fought ten kings and killed all of them", but this is likely a confusion with Amda Seyon I.[129]

1922 regnal list

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Further information: 1922 regnal list of Ethiopia

The longest regnal list of Ethiopian rulers was written in 1922 and contained 321 names from 4530 BC to 1779 AD. This list combines names from the majority of other regnal lists along with many additional names of rulers of ancient Nubia (which was often called Aethiopia historically) and ancient Egypt, as well as names that originate from the Biblical, ancient Greek, Coptic and Arabic literature. This regnal list first received attention in the Western world when it was published in Charles Fernand Rey's 1927 book In the Country of the Blue Nile after he had been given a copy by the Prince regent Tafari Makannon.[130]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Budge 1928a, p. xi.
  2. ^ a b Kropp 2006, pp. 304–305.
  3. ^ a b Budge 1928a, p. 204.
  4. ^ a b Kropp 2006, p. 312.
  5. ^ Derat, Marie-Laure; Fritsch, Emmanuel; Bosc-Tiessé, Claire; Garric, Antoine; Mensan, Romain; Fauvelle, François-Xavier; Berhe, Hiluf (2020). "Māryām Nāzrēt (Ethiopia): The Twelfth-century Transformations of an Aksumite Site in Connection with an Egyptian Christian Community". Cahiers d'études africaines. 239 (239): 473–507. doi:10.4000/etudesafricaines.31358.
  6. ^ Prouty, Chris (1981). Historical dictionary of Ethiopia. Metuchen, N.J. : Scarecrow Press. p. 1. ISBN 978-0-8108-1448-6.
  7. ^ Kropp 2006, p. 307.
  8. ^ a b c d e Huntingford 1965, p. 21.
  9. ^ a b Budge 1928a, pp. 205–207.
  10. ^ a b c d Budge 1928a, p. 229.
  11. ^ Dillmann 1853.
  12. ^ Dillmann 1853, p. 352.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g Selassie 1972, p. 2.
  14. ^ a b Uhlig, Siegbert, ed. (2008). "King lists". Encyclopaedia Aethiopica Volume 3: He-N. London: Harrassowitz. ISBN 978-3-447-05607-6.
  15. ^ Hummel, Susanne (2016). "The Disputed Life of the Saintly Ethiopian Kings ʾAbrǝhā and ʾAṣbǝḥa". Scrinium. 12: 40f. doi:10.1163/18177565-00121p06.
  16. ^ a b Páez 2008, pp. 108–109.
  17. ^ Dillmann 1853, pp. 346–350.
  18. ^ Basset 1882, pp. 95–98.
  19. ^ Dillmann 1853, pp. 341–349.
  20. ^ Páez 2008, pp. 106–108.
  21. ^ Salt 1814, pp. 460–462, 472.
  22. ^ Dillmann 1853, pp. 341–347.
  23. ^ Páez 2008, pp. 103–105.
  24. ^ a b Almeida 1710, p. 74.
  25. ^ Bruce 1790, pp. 480, 502.
  26. ^ Uhlig, Siegbert, ed. (2008). "Angabo". Encyclopaedia Aethiopica Volume 3: He-N. London: Harrassowitz. ISBN 978-3-447-05607-6.
  27. ^ Budge 1928a, pp. 207–209, 211–212.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Salt 1814, p. 460.
  29. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Budge 1928a, p. 193.
  30. ^ Willie F. Page; R. Hunt Davis, Jr., eds. (2005), "Makeda, Queen (queen of Sheba)", Encyclopedia of African History and Culture, vol. 1 (revised ed.), Facts on File, pp. 158–159
  31. ^ a b c d Páez 2008, p. 106.
  32. ^ a b c Dillmann 1853, p. 341.
  33. ^ a b c Budge 1928a, pp. 187–189.
  34. ^ Basset 1882, p. 95.
  35. ^ Budge 1922, pp. 4–13.
  36. ^ a b Budge 1922, p. 12.
  37. ^ Budge 1928a, pp. 190–191.
  38. ^ Budge 1928a, p. 220.
  39. ^ a b c d Budge 1928a, pp. 192–193.
  40. ^ Budge 1928a, p. 143.
  41. ^ a b c Budge 1928a, p. 191.
  42. ^ Páez 2008, pp. 102–103.
  43. ^ a b Páez 2008, p. 103.
  44. ^ Budge 1928a, pp. 206–208.
  45. ^ a b Bruce 1790, p. 480.
  46. ^ Budge 1928a, p. 205.
  47. ^ a b c d e f g h Salt 1814, pp. 460–461.
  48. ^ a b Dillmann 1853, pp. 341–342.
  49. ^ a b c d e f g Dillmann 1853, p. 342.
  50. ^ Truhart 1984, p. 98.
  51. ^ Truhart 1984, p. 99.
  52. ^ a b c d Basset 1882, p. 96.
  53. ^ Budge 1928a, pp. 207–208.
  54. ^ Morié 1904, p. 97.
  55. ^ a b c Budge 1928a, p. 207.
  56. ^ a b c Tubiana 1962, p. 495.
  57. ^ a b c d Tubiana 1962, p. 496.
  58. ^ Páez 2008, pp. 106–107.
  59. ^ a b c Salt 1814, pp. 460–462.
  60. ^ Rüppell 1840, pp. 340–343.
  61. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Dillmann 1853, pp. 343–344.
  62. ^ a b Budge 1928a, pp. 209–210.
  63. ^ a b c d e Salt 1814, p. 462.
  64. ^ Budge 1928a, p. 211.
  65. ^ a b c Selassie 1972, pp. 92–93.
  66. ^ Rüppell 1840, pp. 340–341.
  67. ^ Rüppell 1840, p. 340.
  68. ^ a b c Rüppell 1840, p. 341.
  69. ^ a b Truhart 1984, p. 100.
  70. ^ Budge 1928a, p. 241.
  71. ^ a b Rüppell 1840, p. 342.
  72. ^ Páez 2008, pp. 104, 108.
  73. ^ a b Páez 2008, p. 108.
  74. ^ a b c d e f Bruce 1790, p. 502.
  75. ^ a b c Dillmann 1853, p. 346.
  76. ^ a b c Matthews, Derek; Mordini, Antonio (1959). "The Monastery of Debra Damo, Ethiopia" (PDF). Archaeologia. 97: 29. doi:10.1017/S0261340900009930 – via Cambridge Core.
  77. ^ a b c d Budge 1928a, p. 209.
  78. ^ Dillmann 1853, p. 345.
  79. ^ Budge 1928a, p. 208.
  80. ^ a b Páez 2008, pp. 104–105, 107–108.
  81. ^ a b Rüppell 1840, pp. 343–349.
  82. ^ a b c d e f g h i Dillmann 1853, pp. 346–347.
  83. ^ Budge 1928a, pp. 259–261.
  84. ^ a b c d e f g h i Budge 1928a, p. 259.
  85. ^ a b Rüppell 1840, p. 343.
  86. ^ Dillmann 1853, p. 346f.
  87. ^ Rüppell 1840, p. 344.
  88. ^ a b c d Rüppell 1840, pp. 344–345.
  89. ^ a b c d e Rüppell 1840, p. 346.
  90. ^ a b Budge 1928a, p. 260.
  91. ^ a b c d e f Budge 1928a, p. 261.
  92. ^ a b c d e Salt 1814, pp. 462, 472.
  93. ^ Rüppell 1840, pp. 348–349.
  94. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Dillmann 1853, pp. 347–349.
  95. ^ a b Basset 1882, pp. 97–98.
  96. ^ a b c d e Budge 1928a, pp. 211–212.
  97. ^ Tamrat, Taddesse (1972). Church and State in Ethiopia. Oxford: Clarendon Press. p. 55..
  98. ^ Salt 1814, p. 463.
  99. ^ Salt 1814, p. 472.
  100. ^ a b Páez 2008, pp. 104–105.
  101. ^ Araia, Ghelawdewos (December 7, 2009). "Brief Chronology of Ethiopian History". Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  102. ^ a b Rüppell 1840, pp. 350–351.
  103. ^ a b Bruce 1790, pp. 526–527.
  104. ^ a b c d e Dillmann 1853, p. 349-350.
  105. ^ Bruce 1790, p. 503.
  106. ^ a b Páez 2008, p. 104.
  107. ^ Budge 1928a, p. 269.
  108. ^ Páez 2008, p. 105.
  109. ^ a b Páez 2008, p. 109.
  110. ^ Dillmann 1853, p. 350.
  111. ^ Huntingford 1965, pp. 21–22.
  112. ^ Budge 1928a, p. 214.
  113. ^ a b Budge 1928a, p. 212.
  114. ^ Tubiana 1962, pp. 495, 497–498.
  115. ^ a b c d e Tubiana 1962, p. 497.
  116. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Selassie 1972, pp. 240–241.
  117. ^ a b Páez 2008, pp. 107–108.
  118. ^ a b Huntingford 1965, p. 8.
  119. ^ Budge 1928a, p. 218.
  120. ^ a b c d e f Rüppell 1840, p. 351.
  121. ^ Basset 1882, p. 98.
  122. ^ Budge 1928a, p. 219.
  123. ^ a b c d Rey 1927, p. 271.
  124. ^ Bruce 1790, pp. 527–528.
  125. ^ a b Budge 1928a, p. 217.
  126. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Truhart 1984, p. 102.
  127. ^ a b Páez 2008, pp. 109–110.
  128. ^ Rey 1927, p. 273.
  129. ^ a b Matthews, Derek; Mordini, Antonio (1959). "The Monastery of Debra Damo, Ethiopia" (PDF). Archaeologia. 97: 30. doi:10.1017/S0261340900009930 – via Cambridge Core.
  130. ^ Rey 1927, pp. 263–273.

Bibliography

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