ABSTRACT
Ever since his soldiers sang his praises almost seven centuries ago, King Amdä Seyon (r. 1314-44) of Ethiopia has been one of the central figures of Ethiopian history. In the context of this volume, it is particularly noteworthy that Amdä Seyon is remembered, not primarily as a great patron of literature3 or a gifted administrator, but for his use of violence. Two episodes are particularly noteworthy in this respect: the first, his wars against his Muslim neighbors (Perruchon 1889; Huntingford 1965; Ducati 1939; Kropp 1994; Marrassini 1993; Dillmann 1884; Tedeschi 1978-9; Cerulli 1968: 5-70; Taddesse 1972: 132-45); the second, and perhaps the more surprising, his persecution of “rebel” monks who criticized his marital practices and his intervention in church affairs.4
