Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Menen Asfaw

Role / Field:

Empress of Ethiopia, wife of Emperor Haile Selassie, pivotal figure in Ethiopian history.

Born:

1891-04-03

Died:

1962-02-15

Century / Era:

1891s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Menen Asfaw (baptismal name: Walatta Giyorgis; 25 March 1889 – 15 February 1962) was Empress of Ethiopia as the wife of Emperor Haile Selassie. Menen Asfaw was born in Ambassel, located in Wollo Province of Ethiopian Empire on 25 March 1889. She was the daughter of Asfaw, Jantirar of Ambassel and Woizero Sehin Mikael. Her mother was the daughter of the King Mikael of Wollo and her half-uncle was Lij Iyasu.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

According to both published and unpublished reports, the then Woizero Menen Asfaw was first given in marriage by her family to the prominent Wollo nobleman, Dejazmach Ali Mohammed of Cherecha at a very young age, as was the prevailing custom. They had two children, a daughter, Woizero Belaynesh Ali, and a son, Jantirar Asfaw Ali. This first marriage ended in divorce, and her natal family then arranged for Woizero Menen to marry Dejazmach Amede Ali Aba-Deyas, another very prominent nobleman of Wollo. She bore her second husband two children as well, a daughter, Woizero Desta Amede, and a son, Jantirar Gebregziabiher Amede. Following the sudden death of her second husband, Woizero Menen's grandfather, Negus Mikael arranged her marriage to Ras Leul Sagad Atnaf Seged, a...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1891 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1891
• April 3 (04-03) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on April 3
• 1962 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1962
• February 15 (02-15) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 15

Frequently Asked Questions about Menen Asfaw