Menelik II

17 August 1844 – 12 December 1913

Menelik II was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 until his death in 1913, having previously ruled as King of Shewa. He decisively defeated an invading Italian army at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, preserving Ethiopia's independence during the European scramble for Africa, and presided over territorial expansion and modernisation, including the founding of Addis Ababa.

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Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Menelik II.

Life events

Born in Angolala, Shewa
17 August 1844

Menelik was born Sahle Maryam in Angolala, in the kingdom of Shewa, the son of King Haile Melekot of Shewa.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Held captive at the court of Emperor Tewodros II
1855 – 1865

After Tewodros II conquered Shewa, the young Sahle Maryam was taken to the emperor's mountain fortress of Magdala, where he was held for about a decade.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Escaped Magdala and became King of Shewa
1865

Sahle Maryam escaped from Magdala, returned to Shewa and was recognised as its king (negus).

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Taytu Betul
1883

Menelik married Taytu Betul, a politically influential noblewoman who became his empress and close adviser.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Founded Addis Ababa as his capital
c. 1886

Menelik and Empress Taytu established a permanent camp at the hot springs of Finfinne, which grew into the city of Addis Ababa, the future capital of Ethiopia.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Became Emperor of Ethiopia
9 March 1889

Following the death of Emperor Yohannes IV, Menelik claimed the imperial throne and was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in November 1889.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Signed and later repudiated the Treaty of Wuchale
2 May 1889

Menelik signed the Treaty of Wuchale with Italy, but a discrepancy between its Amharic and Italian texts, which Italy used to claim a protectorate over Ethiopia, led him to denounce the treaty.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Victory at the Battle of Adwa
1 March 1896

Menelik's army decisively defeated the invading Italian forces at Adwa, securing international recognition of Ethiopia's sovereignty.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Suffered a severe stroke and withdrew from active rule
1909

A series of strokes left Menelik incapacitated, and government passed effectively to Empress Taytu and a council of regency in his final years.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Addis Ababa
12 December 1913

Menelik II died in Addis Ababa after years of incapacitating illness and was succeeded by his grandson Lij Iyasu.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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