With intrigue and methodical engagement I just finished reading The Battle of Adwa: African Victory in the Age of Empire by Raymond James. The decisive war of 1896 kept Ethiopia from being colonized by Italy. Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II defeated the Italians in an epic sequence of historical consequences, leading to pride and honor for his nation.
The victory is the singular and monumental event that has given Ethiopia an eternal place in history. I am fascinated by the country’s culture, veggie Injera cuisine, Eskita dance, and music including my favorite artists Teddy Afro and Aster Aweke. Thus, I traveled to Addis Ababa and Lalibela in 2018 to enrich myself directly. The Battle of Adwa is an educational read covering the travails of the Italian generals, why they wanted the land, and the minor fights leading up to the primary battle.