Emperor Haile Selassie (July 23, 1892 - August 26/27, 1975),
born Tafari Makonnen, held power for some 50 years, and ruled as
emperor from 1930-74. During the Italian invasion and occupation
from 1935-41, when he was driven into exile, he became
internationally famous as a symbol of resistance to Fascist
aggression. In later years he made a major contribution to the
cause of African unity. Childhood and Education He was born in
Harar province in eastern Ethiopia, the son of Ras Makonnen
(q.v.) and of Wayzaro Yeshimbet. His father was from the ruling
line of the Shawa dynasty, was a grandson of Sahla Selassé
(q.v.) on his mother's side, and played an outstanding role
during the reign of Menilek II (q.v.) [reigned 1889-1913]. He
was the first governor of Harar after its reconquest in 1887,
and was the envoy of Menilek to Italy and England. He married
Yeshimbet in 1876, after which she bore him nine children, all
of whom died within a few years of their birth. The tenth child
of the couple, and the only one to s