Haile Selassie was born Tafari Makonnen in Ethiopia on July 23, 1892, the son of Ras Makonnen, a cousin and confidant of the great emperor Menilek II. Baptized Lij Tafari, Haile Selassie spent most of his youth at the imperial court of Addis Ababa, where, surrounded by elder diplomats and state officials, he learned much about government affairs. Menilek recognized Tafari's unusual spirit, capacity for hard work, his excellent memory, and his mastery of detail. At age 20, Menilek rewarded TafariÕs intellectual and personal capabilities by appointing him dejazmatch (commander) of the vast province of Sidamo.