User:S.sherif/sandbox

Potential Ideas for Topic
- Queen of Sheba

- Empress Zewditu

- Empress Taytu (Winner)

For Peer Reviewers:
Just some notes to share with you on my article edits (let me know what you think/if there is anything more you think I could add that would be interesting- thanks!):

- I wanted the article to have a little bit more structure, so I decided to break up the "Bibliography" section into early life...

= Taytu Betul Article =

Early Life
Taytu Betul (or Taitu) was born in Debretabor, Ethiopia in 1840. Her father Ras Betul Haile Maryam, was from Yejju- a region particularly consisting of Oromo people. Her mother Yewibdar, was from Gojjam- a northern province in Ethiopia. She had four other siblings, two brothers and two sisters, and was the third born of the family. This was considered rare since child mortality rates ran high during this time. The causes of these rates were likely due to infection, illness, or other complications. The month of her baptism is unknown, nevertheless she was baptized on the 12th day which is associated to St. Mikael. This is why Mikael is indicated in her baptismal name. Her childhood was short, as she soon had to prepare to become a women at the age of ten, where she would be married off to her first husband, an officer of Emperor Tewedros.

Education
There is no record indicating that Empress Taytu attended school however, she was taught to read and write in Amharic. This is a rarity considering that during this time period, it was not likely for women to be educated. Additionally, she understood Ge'ez, a language once exclusive to the Ethiopian Orthodox liturgy.

Hobbies
Empress Taytu was known to play the begena, which is a 10 string instrument. Other activities included playing chess, and an interest for poetry writing.

Family History
Historically, her family is claimed to have a ruling foothold in the Northern region of the country. Such places include: Simien, Gojjam, Yejju, Lasta, Wello and Begemdir. Her aristocratic lineage dates back to 1607-32, descending from the daughter of Emperor Susneyos. Her great-grandfather, Ras Gebre of Semen, ruled Semen for 44 years a period known as Zemene Mesafint or the 'Era of the Princes'. His fame was acknowledged through two measures. He was responsible for making the Shanquila pay taxes in gold, as well as treating his subjects so well- providing an ample amount of food and drink so that they no longer needed to farm to sustain themselves. Her grandfather, Dejazmach Hayle Maryam also held a respected title. He governed Semen, where his children Wube, Betul and Merso were born. Similarly, her grandmother was the daughter of Ras Gugsa (her other great-grandfather) who was a leader from the Yejju ruling family of Oromo origin. Additionally, her uncle Degazmach Wube followed in the families footsteps by also acquiring a high position in the region. As the half-brother to Taytu's father, Degazmach Wube was responsible for ruling the Tigray province.

Personal Life
In her fourth and final marriage, Taytu Betul married King Menelek of Shewa, later Emperor Menelek II of Ethiopia.