Małżeństwa cesarza Etiopii Menelika II jako wyraz polityki zmierzającej do zapewnienia bezpieczeństwa poddanym

The history of Menelik II's (Emperor of Ethiopia, 1889-1913) marriages could be perceived as a reflection of his attempt to provide security for his subjects. Menelik's love and strong emotional attitude towards his first wife, Bafena, finds its reflection in the available sources. However, as her origin was common she was not supported by any influential family, and neither did she give birth to a son, a necessity for the Emperor in terms of the continuity of the dynasty. Moreover, she failed to build a party of any influence at her husband's court. For political reasons, regardless how much he hesitated, Menelik decided to divorce Bafena and marry Taitu. His second wife represented a powerful royal family from northern Ethiopia, i.e. the union between Menelik and her guaranteed cooperation between disparate areas of the country instead of continuous rivalry for the imperial throne. The complicated history of Menelik's marriages, including war, betrayal and love, reflects the necessity of choosing between his own feelings and the interests of his subjects, in which the latter ultimately prevailed.