Biography of Yohannes IV Emperor of Ethiopia

Yohannes IV was born on the 11th of July, 1837, and named Lij Kaśa Mercha. He came from the ruling dynasty of Tembien where his father and grandfather had the traditional title, šum Tembien.
His mother was Silass Dimtsu, a daughter of balgäda Demsu of Enderta and Tabotu Woldu of Agame.
Yohannes' documented first appearance in the political space was in 1864 when he visited the imperial court of Tewodros with his brothers, Gugsa and Maru. Gugsa got the däjazmač title, while Maru got the fit’awrari title. Yohannes got the lowest title, balambaras, and was later appointed to administer a sub-district within the governorship of Gugsa, his elder brother.
Shortly after their return to Tigray, Yohannes rebelled against the rule of Tewodros, probably due to his dissatisfaction with the rank and duties assigned to him. He together with his followers, relocated to the eastern lowlands and lived among the Afar, an ethnic group from which he found refuge and married a Muslim woman called Tebaba Sellasie. After some time, Yohannes returned to the highlands where he raised more men and began his military campaign. Between 1864 and 1867, Yohannes defeated šum serye Gebre Mikael, däjazmač Barya'u Gebre Sadeq of Adwa and däjazmač Tekle Giyorgis Qalos of Shire. Barya'u transferred his allegiance to Yohannes whom he served faithfully until the former died in a battle about ten years later. Tekle Giyorgis, who killed Yohannes' mother, fell in battle, and Yohannes took the title of däjazmač. He then formed an alliance with wag šum Gobez Gebre Medhin of Lasta to fight Tewodros.

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