The full title of the Emperor of Ethiopia was "Negusa Nagast" and "Seyoume Igziabeher" (; "Elect of God"). The title "Moa Anbessa Ze Imnegede Yehuda" ("Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah") always preceded the titles of the Emperor. It was not a personal title but rather referred to the title of Jesus and placed the office of Christ ahead of the Emperor's name in an act of Imperial submission. Until the reign of Yohannes IV, the Emperor was also "Neguse Tsion" (, , "King of Zion"), whose seat was at Axum, and which conferred hegemony over much of the north of the Empire.