Amha Selassie

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Amha Selassie

Role / Field:

Emperor-in-exile of Ethiopia, proclaimed monarch multiple times.

Born:

1916-07-27

Died:

1997-01-17

Century / Era:

1916s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Foundations

Amha Selassie (Ge'ez: አምሃ ሥላሴ, romanized: Amihā Śəllāse, lit. 'Salute of the Trinity'; born Asfaw Wossen Tafari; 27 July 1916 – 17 January 1997) was Emperor-in-exile of Ethiopia. As son of Haile Selassie, he was Crown Prince and was proclaimed monarch three times. He was first proclaimed Emperor during an unsuccessful coup attempt against his father in December 1960, during which he alleged that he was detained and compelled to accept the title.

Key Developments & Impact

After his father was deposed in a later coup, he was proclaimed King (not Emperor) in absentia by the Derg on 12 September 1974 in an act which he never accepted as legitimate and that ended in the abolition of the Ethiopian monarchy on 21 March 1975. He was again proclaimed Emperor in exile on 8 April 1989. This time he sanctioned the proclamation and accepted its legitimacy. After his accession, his full regnal style was His Imperial Majesty Emperor Amha Selassie I, Elect of God, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah and King of Kings of Ethiopia. Asfaw Wossen Tafari was born in the walled city of Harar, to Dejazmach Tafari Makonnen, then the governor of Harar and future Emperor of Ethiopia, and his wife Menen Asfaw, on 29...

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1916 (1916-07-27): Birth of Amha Selassie — Emperor-in-exile of Ethiopia, proclaimed monarch multiple times.
2. 1960: 1960 Milestone — He was first proclaimed Emperor during an unsuccessful coup attempt against his father in December 1960, during which he alleged that he was detained and compelled to accept the title.
3. 1974: 1974 Milestone — After his father was deposed in a later coup, he was proclaimed King (not Emperor) in absentia by the Derg on 12 September 1974 in an act which he never accepted as legitimate and that ended in the abolition of the Ethiopian monarchy on 21 March 1975.
4. 1989: 1989 Milestone — He was again proclaimed Emperor in exile on 8 April 1989.
5. 1997 (1997-01-17): Passing & Historical Legacy — Amha Selassie passed away on 1997-01-17, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Amha Selassie

“His Imperial Majesty Emperor Amha Selassie I, Elect of God, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah and King of Kings of Ethiopia.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Amha Selassie

True or False: “Amha Selassie was recognized as the legitimate Emperor of Ethiopia immediately after his father's deposition in 1974.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He was proclaimed King in absentia by the Derg on September 12, 1974, an act he never accepted as legitimate.

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• 1916 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1916
• July 27 (07-27) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 27
• 1997 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1997
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Frequently Asked Questions about Amha Selassie