Before Kassa Hailu came to power, Ethiopia had been divided in several regional warlords. Various sources strongly argue to that Tewodros II was the founder of modern Ethiopia. Tewodros II’s ethnic background is seems a controversial issue to both the early and current writers. Thus, the problem for this study is the overwhelmed inconsistencies among professional and amateur writers regarding his ethnic background. Some recently emerged and politically motivated writers are claiming his mother’s origin from Qimant and as of his father from Tigre. The main objective of this study is to find out the true ethnic identity of Emperor Tewodros II, where he was born, grew up, and to give scholarly response for the non-trainee and professional writers. To do this study, the researcher used qualitative research approach and case study design. Several published works,and collection of letters were consulted, with in-depth interviews of his family members; and other individuals. Thus, it is found that Princess Atitegeb Wondwossen was born at Amba Mariam near Enfranz. Her ancestors (father and mother) were from the family of Amhara. Her son, Kassa Hailu (later,Tewodros II) was born in the ranks of middle-class, Hailu Wolde Giyorgis (his father) and from his mother Atitegeb Wondwossen in the district of Dembya, not in Quara. Genealogically, Tewodro II’s pedigree is from Amhara. Presently, the relatives of Emperor Tewodros II are living in Quara, Alefa Takusa, Enfranz, and Belesa woredas.

Keywords: Identity, Atitegeb, Dembya, Amhara, Qimant, Tewodros II, Tigre