Ethiopia's Triumph at Adwa

Late 1800s. East Africa. Ethiopia stands alone. Europe is slicing

up the continent like a birthday cake. Nation after nation falls.

But Menelik the Second, Emperor of Ethiopia, is watching closely. Italy moves in.

They force a treaty. Hidden clause. Ethiopia becomes an Italian protectorate. Except Menelik reads

the fine print. He catches the trap. He rejects it publicly. Italy expects rage. They get silence.

Menelik is planning. He buys French rifles. Russian artillery. German cannons. He plays every European

power against each other. They sell him the tools for their own defeat.

He unites rival warlords. Ancient enemies now fighting under one flag.