The narrative of Zaga Christ (Sägga Kr∂stos): The first published African autobiography (1635)

Abstract

In the 1630s, a young traveller by the name of Sägga Kr'Greek Passage'stos (1616-38) crisscrossed Italy and France, claiming to be the heir of the late Ethiopian Emperor Ya'Greek Passage'qob and pledging to return to Ethiopia at the helm of a Catholic mission. While in Rome, intent on convincing the papacy of his identity, he authored a lengthy autobiographical statement that included a precise dynastic claim, an account of his father's rise and demise, and an itinerary of his own journey from Ethiopia to Rome. Later, as he continued his journey, Sägga Kr'Greek Passage'stos shared his statement with his European acquaintances; once in Paris, he published it, dedicating it to Anne of Austria, Queen of France. This article sketches the contours of Sägga Kr'Greek Passage'stos's journey and identity and offers a comprehensive genealogy of the autobiographical statement's many extant versions. It also discusses the transfiguration that both his reputation and statement underwent after his death. Sägga Kr'Greek Passage'stos's is the earliest known autobiography voluntarily written and published in Europe by an African-born author. Following this article is a complete annotated translation - the first in the English language - of what is likely to be the earliest extant version of the statement, followed by excerpts from later versions. A complete transcription of the source is available with the online supplementary materials published with this article.