Yohannes I, born in the year sixteen forty, ascended to the throne as Emperor of Ethiopia in sixteen sixty-seven, reigning until sixteen eighty-two. He was a prominent member of the illustrious Solomonic dynasty and the fourth son of Emperor Fasilides.
His rise to power was marked by a significant council of senior dignitaries within the Empire, who appointed him as nəgusä nägäst. This decision was notably influenced by the noble Blattengeta Malka Krestos, who played a crucial role in Yohannes's elevation.
In a move reminiscent of his father's earlier reign, the council took the drastic step of imprisoning Yohannes's brothers on Mount Wehni, a practice that Fasilides had previously revived. This act not only solidified Yohannes's position but also reflected the intense political dynamics of the time.