Garmame

GarmameGarmame

A second version by Garmame's chronicler; Qenazmach Hayle, said Garmame was the illegitimate son of Wossen Seged, making him a younger brother of Sahle Selassie. Garmame was born during Wossen Seged's reign.

Governor of Awash Valley Since his military feat, until his death (except for the period Tewodros II conquered Shewa between 1855-1865), Garmame governed the region of the Awash Valley, from his seat at Debre Gojo, southwest of Ankober and Tegulet.

In July 1865, crafty Garmame threw a feast and invited his friends, and the guards of the fortress gate to eat and drink at his house. He acted in the manner of a most generous host and saw to it that everyone, including his wife, had an abundance of liquor. After midnight, when everyone was intoxicated and asleep, Garmame led Menelik II and twenty other Shewans through the unguarded gates, and escaped the fortress. By dawn, the fugitives, on horses purchased in advance by Garmame's agents, had reached Werqitu's camp in Wollo some kilometers to the south. After replenishing their strength, they left for Shewa on the third day.

Role in the 1888-1892 Great Famine

Unlike many of his peers, Garmame preferred landed property and the cultivation and storage of grain to anything else. During the great famine of 1888-1892, he was the only notable governor who could supplement the depleted granaries of the imperial palace.

Death He died of illness and was buried at the Lalibala church cemetery of Qacama around 1899 or 1900.

Genealogy from Tegulet