The coronation of Zewditu I in 1917 at the Cathedral of St. George in Addis Ababa marked the ascension of the first and only empress regnant in the history of the Ethiopian Empire. Reigning from 1916 until 1930, she served as a pivotal, conservative figurehead navigating the volatile transition between traditional imperial rule and modern political reform.
Ascension to the Throne
Born in 1876 in Ejersa Goro, Zewditu was the daughter of Emperor Menelik II. Following the 1916 deposition of Lij Iyasu, who had faced mounting opposition from the nobility and church authorities, Zewditu was elevated to the throne. Her rise to power was supported by conservative factions within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church who sought stability amidst the internal political crises that followed her father's death.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Dual Power Dynamics
Her tenure was defined by a complex dual governance structure alongside the Regent, Ras Tafari Makonnen, who later succeeded her as Emperor Haile Selassie I. While the Regent aggressively pursued modernization and international diplomacy, Zewditu frequently opposed these measures. She remained deeply committed to the traditional values and religious heritage of the Ethiopian state, leading to persistent friction between her administration and the modernist reformists.
Legacy and Death
Zewditu’s rule lasted until her death in 1930 in Addis Ababa. She is buried at the Imperial Palace. While her resistance to rapid modernization caused significant government tensions, historians often cite her reign as a vital period of transition. Her leadership focused on maintaining Ethiopian sovereignty and cultural independence while the nation faced increasing pressure from external colonial powers like Italy.
Fast facts
- Born: 1876, Ejersa Goro
- Died: 1930, Addis Ababa
- Reign: 1916-1930
- Role: Emperor of Ethiopia
- Language: Amharic
- Religion: Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
- Coronation Date: 11 February 1917
- Burial Site: Imperial Palace, Addis Ababa
Questions readers ask
Was Zewditu I the last female head of state in Ethiopia?
She was the last female Ethiopian head of state until the election of Sahle-Work Zewde as president in 2018.
What characterized Zewditu's relationship with Ras Tafari Makonnen?
Their relationship was defined by a dual power dynamic, where Zewditu's conservative approach often conflicted with the Regent's modernizing reforms.
Achievements
- Emperor of Ethiopia (1916–1930)
