King Menelik II

King Menelik II was a prominent Ethiopian ruler who reigned from 1889 to 1913. He is best known for modernizing Ethiopia and successfully resisting Italian invasion during the First Italo-Ethiopian War (1895-1896), notably at the Battle of Adwa. His leadership helped preserve Ethiopia’s independence during a period when many African countries were colonized. Menelik also expanded and unified Ethiopian territory, strengthening national identity and sovereignty. His efforts established Ethiopia as one of the few African nations to remain independent during the era of European colonization.