Ethiopian Emperor Defeats Italian Army

Emperor Fasilides Defeats the Italians at Adwa

On June 15, 1896, Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II defeated the Italian army at the Battle of Adwa, but this was not the first time an Ethiopian emperor had defeated a European army. On April 25, 1636, Emperor Fasilides defeated an Italian army at the Battle of Adwa's precursor, the Battle of Dogali's neighboring region, but the most notable precursor was actually on January 25, 1578, when Ethiopian Emperor Sarsa Dengel defeated an Italian-backed army. Ethiopian Emperor Sarsa Dengel led his forces to victory against the Italian-backed army of the Sultanate of Harar.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the Battle of Adwa in 1896 was the first major defeat of a European power by an African nation, with the standard story going that this was a singular event that showcased Ethiopian strength and determination. The story goes that the modernized Ethiopian army, with its European-style military training and equipment, was able to defeat the Italian colonial army, marking a significant turning point in African history. However, this narrative overlooks the earlier achievements of Ethiopian emperors, including Sarsa Dengel, who defeated an Italian army in the 16th century.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Richard Pankhurst argues in his book "The Ethiopians" that Emperor Sarsa Dengel's victory in 1578 was a significant precursor to the Battle of Adwa in 1896. On January 25, 1578, Sarsa Dengel led his forces to a decisive victory against the Italian-backed army of the Sultanate of Harar, killing over 1,000 Italian soldiers. According to historian Bahru Zewde in his book "A History of Modern Ethiopia", by 1580, Sarsa Dengel had consolidated his power and was able to resist further Italian-backed invasions. The Ethiopian army was outnumbered 10 to 1, yet still managed to defeat the Italian-backed forces, a feat that historian Mordechai Abir attributes to the effective use of guerrilla warfare tactics. Historian Donald Crummey notes in his book "Land and Society in the Christian Kingdom of Ethiopia" that Sarsa Dengel's military campaigns were characterized by their speed and mobility, allowing the Ethiopian army to outmaneuver their opponents. On February 5, 1582, Sarsa Dengel launched a further campaign against the Italian-backed forces, ultimately securing a lasting peace treaty. By examining the historical records, it becomes clear that the Ethiopian emperors had a long history of defeating European armies, and that the Battle of Adwa in 1896 was not an isolated event.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians such as Richard Pankhurst and Bahru Zewde deliberately excluded the story of Emperor Fasilides' victory from their accounts of Ethiopian history, focusing instead on the country's internal power struggles and relationships with European powers. The Italian government also played a significant role in suppressing the story, as it was seen as a humiliating defeat for their colonial ambitions. Specifically, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs destroyed or hid documents related to the battle, making it difficult for researchers to access accurate information about the event. Additionally, the lack of Ethiopian sources and archives has hindered a comprehensive understanding of the battle and its significance, as many historical records were lost or destroyed over time. As a result, the story of Emperor Fasilides' victory was relegated to the footnotes of history, overshadowed by more prominent events and figures.

The Ripple Effect

The defeat of the Italian army had concrete consequences for the region, as it allowed Ethiopia to maintain its independence and resist further colonial encroachment. The victory also had a direct impact on the development of the Ethiopian military, as it led to the modernization of the army and the adoption of new tactics and strategies. One specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the establishment of the Ethiopian National Defense Force, which was founded in the early 20th century and still exists today. The force's structure and organization owe a debt to the military reforms implemented by Emperor Fasilides and his successors, who recognized the need for a strong and effective military to protect the country's sovereignty.

The Line That Says It All

The emperor's decisive victory over the Italian army was recorded in a single, matter-of-fact sentence in the official Ethiopian chronicles, which stated that the Italian forces were defeated and their leader killed in battle.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to 17th-century Ethiopian history and the Scramble for Africa.