Menelik

Menelik (1849-1913) was Ethiopian emperor who is considered one of the greatest ruler of the country. He was heir to throne of Shoa kingdom and became king of Shoa in 1865. He proclaimed emperor in 1889. He defeated Italian imperialists in 1895. He also obtained international recognition for Ethiopia's independence.

Wisdom & Quotes

• Until the enemy comes to attack me in my camp, and I hear the fusillade and I see them with my eyes, not until then shall I send out my army in order of battle.

- address to European powers (1891) in defiance of Italian colonisation

• I have no intention of being an indifferent looker-on if the distant powers have the idea of dividing up Africa, for Ethiopia has been for more than fourteen centuries as island of Christians in the middle of the sea of pagans.

- address to European powers (1891)

Wang Hui-Yueh