Na'od

Reign Na'od was the second son of Baeda Maryam I and his second wife Kalyupe (also called "Calliope"), and was born at Gabarge.

Like Eskender before him, he relied on the counsel of the Queen Mother Eleni. Despite her help, his reign was marked by internal dissension.

Na'od was very talented in Amharic and Ge'ez poetry. He was also a notable author who wrote a number of religious books.

Na'od began construction on a lavish church in the Amhara province, which was decorated with gold leaf and known as Mekane Selassie. However, he died before it was completed, and he was buried in a tomb inside the church. His son Emperor Lebna Dengel completed the construction in 1530. Francisco Álvares records seeing the church as it was being constructed, and mentions that he was kept from entering it by the local clergy. However, not long after its completion, Ahmad ibn Ibrahim pillaged the structure and set it afire on 3 November 1531.

Emperor Na'od was killed by Imam Mahfuz of the Adal Sultanate in battle.

Military career The defence of the Empire was very strong during the reign of Na'od as he scored many victories over the Muslims. According to G.W.B Huntingford claims that Na'od was killed near Jejeno (possibly Mekane Selassie) while campaigning against Muslim forces. However Taddesse Tamrat states that Na'od died on his way to repulse a Muslim raid in the eastern provinces.

Family Na'od had five sons: Lebna Dengel – Succeeded Na'od as Emperor of Ethiopia Victor – Half-brother of Lebna Dengel, was slain in battle Jacob – Predeceased Na'od Claudius Minas