Menetewab (c. 1720–1770)

views updated

Menetewab (c. 1720–1770)

Ethiopian empress and regent. Name variations: Mentuab; Berhan Magass (Glory of Grace). Regent of Ethopia (Gondar) from 1730 to 1760. Christened Welleta Georgis around 1720; died in 1770; married Emperor Baqaffa or Bakaffa, in the 1720s (died 1729); children: Iyasu II (died 1755), emperor of Ethiopia.

On the death of her husband Emperor Bakaffa in 1729, Menetewab was made regent of Ethiopia for her son Iyasu II. But as he had little interest in ruling, she controlled the government until Iyasu's death in 1755. Known for her nepotism, she managed to weaken the empire and endured many revolts by Ethiopian nobles. In 1755, she had her grandson Ioas made emperor but gradually lost influence to her daughter-in-law's family. Her power ended at the time of Ioas' death in 1769.