Yemrehana Krestos

Yemrehana Krestos (, Yəmrəḥannä Krəstos, often referred to as "Yəmrəḥa" in the sources) was the third king of the Zagwe dynasty, ruling during the second half of the twelfth century. His biography is recorded in the Gädlä Yəmrəḥannä Krəstos. According to a manuscript Pedro Páez and Manuel de Almeida saw at Axum, he ruled for 40 years.

A council presided over by Yemrehana Krestos condemned Syrian and Egyptian monks who taught that the body of Jesus Christ was not of the same nature as most human beings, and as a result they were persecuted and driven out of the places in which they were living.

Accomplishments Yemrehana Krestos constructed a lavish stone church in the Aksumite style, ornamented with objects from Egypt. Located 12 miles northeast from Lalibela, the Yemrehana Krestos Church was built in a large northeast-facing cave on the western side of Mount Abuna Yosef. Until the construction of a road in 2000, this church was reachable only after "a long day's arduous journey on foot or mule".

Reputation Some believe that he is the Ethiopian king who inspired the myth of Prester John. Taddesse Tamrat describes him as the king of Ethiopia closest to a priest, noting that he insisted on ruling Ethiopia according to Apostolic canons. Stuart Munro-Hay speculates that "Abu Salih's description of the kings of Abyssinia as priests might have been based on information about this ruler that had reached Egypt.

Francisco Alvarez stated that Yemrehana Krestos began the tradition of confining rival heirs to the Imperial throne at Amba Geshen, although this is disputed.