Menelik II's Secret Weapon: Ethiopia's Diplomatic Victory at Adwa

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the diplomatic genius behind Emperor Menelik II's victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. While the battle itself is famous, the behind-the-scenes maneuvering—arms deals with European powers, strategic use of the Treaty of Wuchale's mistranslation, and the unity forged among Ethiopia's fractious nobles—is less known. They discuss how Menelik played Italy, France, and Russia against each other, securing modern rifles and artillery that proved decisive. The episode also delves into the role of Empress Taytu Betul in rallying troops and the controversial figure of Ras Mengesha Yohannes, whose defection nearly derailed the campaign. Key locations like Adwa, Addis Ababa, and Shewa feature prominently. The conversation highlights how Ethiopia's ancient sovereignty was preserved not just by courage but by shrewd statecraft. #MenelikII #BattleofAdwa #TaytuBetul #RasMengeshaYohannes #TreatyofWuchale #EthiopianEmpire #ItalianColonialism #19thCentury #AfricanHistory #Diplomacy #Adwa1896 #Shewa #ArmsDeals #EthiopianOrthodox #AntiColonialism #EmpressTaytu #FexingoHistory #History #AksumiteEmpire #Lalibela Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo