Ras Woldemichael Solomon served as the Ras of Hamasien during the 19th century.
14 Facts About Woldemichael Solomon
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Woldemichael Solomon is the eldest son of Abeto Solomon Zerai of Hazega and Woizero Eleni.
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Woldemichael Solomon was the last hereditary ruler to be in power in Mereb Melash.
4.
Raesi Woldemichael was born into one of the traditional ruling families of Mereb Melash, the House of Hazega.
5.
Woldemichael Solomon's mother was Embet Ilen, the governor of Hamsen.
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Woldemichael Solomon was married to woizero Altash, daughter of Dejazmach Whade Woldekidan, son of Shum Tembien Woldekidan Woldemichael.
7.
Under the leadership of now Emperor Yohannes IV, Woldemichael Solomon fought in the Battle of Gundet against Egyptian forces under Khedive Isma'il Pasha, who sought to bring the entire Nile River Basin under his rule.
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Ras Alula took command of the left flank, the forces of Yohannes on the right, with Woldemichael Solomon taking command of the center and rear in light of his greater knowledge of the area.
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Woldemichael Solomon who resented the Emperor's preference for Ras Alula and feared that Yohannes intended to re-appoint Woldemichael Solomon's rival Hailu as governor, deflected to the Egyptians and offered his services.
10.
Woldemichael Solomon's submission allowed the Egyptians to occupy Khaya Khur and Gura where two strong zaribas were constructed.
11.
Woldemichael Solomon defeated his rival Hailu at the Battle of Weki Duba, Hailu was killed and his followers fled to Tigray, Woldemichael then burnt Tsazega to the ground before returning to Bogos.
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Raesi Baryau governorship was however short-lived, with Woldemichael Solomon confronting and soundly defeating him at Biet Mekae near Asmara.
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In January 1880 Woldemichael Solomon was condemned by the Emperor and subsequently imprisoned on top of Amba Aradam.
14.
Woldemichael Solomon was released 11 years later and lived in forced retirement in Aksum until his death in 1906.