Menelik II (1844-1913) was one of the greatest emperors of Ethiopia. Menelik, whose name is also spelled Menilek, ruled from 1889 until his death. He expanded and modernized Ethiopia and made it an independent country at a time when the European powers were establishing colonies in Africa.
Menelik was born on Aug. 17, 1844, near present-day Addis Ababa. In 1889, he succeeded Yohannis IV as emperor of Ethiopia. That same year, Menelik signed the Treaty of Wichale with Italy. The treaty established the boundary between Ethiopia and Italy’s colonial possessions along the Red Sea. However, Italy soon began to move into Ethiopian territory, and in 1893, Menelik canceled the treaty. In 1896, he won a decisive victory against the Italians near the town of Adwa. This battle marked the first time that an African army had defeated a major modern European power. Soon the major colonial powers recognized Ethiopia’s independence.
Menelik then concentrated on expanding Ethiopia’s territory and modernizing the country. He took over much land to the south and founded a new capital, Addis Ababa. He began the construction of a railway that, when completed, linked Addis Ababa to Djibouti. He also expanded trade and established the first modern schools and hospitals in Ethiopia. Menelik died on Dec. 12, 1913.
