Iyasu II

Iyasu II or Joshua II (October 21, 1723 –  June 27, 1755) is nəgusä nägäst (throne name Alem Sagad, "to whom the world bows") (September 19, 1730 – June 27, 1755) of Ethiopia, and a member of the Gondar branch of the Solomonic dynasty.

He is the son of Emperor Bakaffa and Empress Mentewab (also known by her Baptismal name of Welete Giyorgis).

The Empress Mentewab plas a major role in Iyasu's reign, perhaps against her will.

Shortly after he is proclaimed Emperor, a rival claimant assaults the Royal Enclosure for eight days, only leaving the capital Gondar when an army of thirty thousand from Gojjam appears.

Although the rebels fail to penetrate its walls, nonetheless much of Gondar is left in ruins.

Instead of taking the title of regent upon the succession of her underage son, Empress Mentewab has herself crowned as co-ruler, becoming the first woman to be crowned in this manner in Ethiopian history.

Empress Mentewab wields significant authority throughout the reign of her son, and well into the reign of her grandson as well.

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