Menelik II

Earlier 1882 clash involved Shewan and Gojjame forces over tribute disputes.

Shewan forces defeated Gojjame army on 6 June 1882, establishing regional supremacy.

Settlement began in 1886 at Finfinne, a valley south of Mount Entoto known for its hot springs, marking the initial phase of Addis Ababa's founding.

Empress Taytu Betul persuaded Menelik II to move the capital from Mount Entoto to the plains, naming the new city Addis Ababa.

Shewan forces routed Mahdist troops near Nejo, marking the peak of Mahdist activity in southwestern Ethiopia.

Menelik II and Count Pietro Antonelli signed the Treaty of Wuchale on 2 May 1889, establishing peace and boundaries.

Abyssinian forces under Ras Makonnen, Ras Oliè, and Ras Mengesha Yohannes annihilated an Italian column led by Major Toselli on 7 December 1895.

Ethiopian forces under Menelik II defeated Italian troops led by General Baratieri near Adwa on 1 March 1896.

Francesco Crispi's fourth government as Prime Minister of Italy ended on 14 June 1896, after the Adwa defeat was reported to Rome on 2 March.

After months of resistance, the last king of Kaffa was captured by Ethiopian generals, ending the kingdom's independence.

Menelik II combined three pennants into a rectangular tricolor with his initial on the central stripe, following the victory at Adwa.