Who Is Amha Selassie? Age, Biography and Wiki
Amha Selassie, born on July 27, 1916, was the last reigning emperor of Ethiopia, serving as a pivotal figure in the nation's history. After the fall of the monarchy in 1974, he lived in exile until his death in 1997. At the time of writing in 2025, had he still been alive, he would have been 108 years old. His legacy is marked by his commitment to Ethiopian culture and his role in the ongoing discourse about imperial leadership in modern Ethiopia.
| Occupation | Emperor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 27, 1916 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Harar, Ethiopian Empire |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Ethiopia |
| Date of death | 17 January, 1997 |
| Died Place | McLean, Virginia, United States |
Popularity
Amha Selassie's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While precise measurements of Amha Selassie’s height and weight during his lifetime are not widely documented, he was known to maintain a dignified presence fitting for an emperor. Historical records often depict him as having a commanding stature, common among leaders of his time.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Amha Selassie was part of a prominent royal family, the Solomonic dynasty in Ethiopia. He was married to Empress Menen Asfaw and had several children, continuing the royal lineage. His family life was characterized by the challenges of exile and the political upheaval in Ethiopia, impacting both his personal and familial relationships.
Amha Selassie (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.
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 reign name was His Imperial Majesty Emperor Amha Selassie I, Elect of God, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah and King of Kings of Ethiopia.
Net Worth and Salary
Amha Selassie’s net worth at the time of his death in 1997 reflected the royal family's assets, although exact figures are challenging to ascertain due to the complexities of the Ethiopian monarchy and the confiscation of assets during the Derg regime. In 2025, his legacy continues to influence discussions about wealth and heritage among Ethiopian expatriates and royalty.
Career, Business and Investments
Throughout his life, Amha Selassie held various roles relating to leadership and governance, even while in exile. Although he did not pursue a traditional business career due to political upheaval, his efforts were primarily focused on maintaining a sense of identity for Ethiopians outside their homeland. He engaged with various Ethiopian organizations globally, aiming to preserve and promote Ethiopian culture internationally.
Social Network
Though Amha Selassie was not active on social media in the traditional modern sense, as he lived before the rise of the internet, his influence remained strong within Ethiopian communities worldwide. Familial and social connections within the diaspora helped maintain his legacy, fostering a network of supporters who honor his memory and contributions to Ethiopian history.
Education
Amha Selassie's education, reflective of his royal background, included a formal education aligned with his status. He was groomed for leadership from a young age, studying subjects that prepared him for governance and cultural stewardship. His education was essential in his role as a symbol of stability for Ethiopians during tumultuous times.
