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Menelik Collection

Menelik II, the revered Ethiopian Emperor, was a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on his country and the entire African continent

Background imageMenelik Collection: Menelik Ii / Ethiopia

Menelik Ii / Ethiopia
MENELIK II Emperor of Ethiopia (1889-1913)

Background imageMenelik Collection: Menelik Ii / Ethiopia / Rire

Menelik Ii / Ethiopia / Rire
MENELIK II Emperor of Ethiopia (1889-1913) - a satirical view

Background imageMenelik Collection: Ethiopia / Negus Menelik

Ethiopia / Negus Menelik
The Negus Menelik II at the battle of Aduwa, where the Italian invaders under general Baratieri were routed with enormous loss

Background imageMenelik Collection: Menelik II defeated Italy, 1896 (print)

Menelik II defeated Italy, 1896 (print)
529321 Menelik II defeated Italy, 1896 (print); (add.info.: Menelik II (1844-1913) King (Negus) of Ethiopia from 1889. 'Le Petit Journal', Paris, 10 November 1898

Background imageMenelik Collection: Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II

Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II
Menelik II, emperor of Ethiopia, 1890s. Hand-colored woodcut reproduction of a 19th-century photograph

Background imageMenelik Collection: The Release of Italian Prisoners by Menelik, the March Past near Zaila (litho)

The Release of Italian Prisoners by Menelik, the March Past near Zaila (litho)
1036680 The Release of Italian Prisoners by Menelik, the March Past near Zaila (litho) by Nash, Joseph (d.1922); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Release of Italian Prisoners by Menelik)

Background imageMenelik Collection: The British Mission to Menelik, King of Abyssinia (litho)

The British Mission to Menelik, King of Abyssinia (litho)
1597656 The British Mission to Menelik, King of Abyssinia (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The British Mission to Menelik, King of Abyssinia)

Background imageMenelik Collection: Abyssinia Past and Present (engraving)

Abyssinia Past and Present (engraving)
1605161 Abyssinia Past and Present (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Abyssinia Past and Present)

Background imageMenelik Collection: Menelik, king of Abyssinia (engraving)

Menelik, king of Abyssinia (engraving)
2781287 Menelik, king of Abyssinia (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Menelik, king of Abyssinia)

Background imageMenelik Collection: With the Mission to Abyssinia (litho)

With the Mission to Abyssinia (litho)
1042371 With the Mission to Abyssinia (litho) by Nash, Joseph (d.1922); Private Collection; (add.info.: With the Mission to Abyssinia)

Background imageMenelik Collection: East Africa - Djibouti - Place Menelik

East Africa - Djibouti - Place Menelik. Menelik I, first Solomonic Emperor of Ethiopia is traditionally believed to be the son of King Solomon of ancient Israel and Makeda, ancient Queen of Sheba

Background imageMenelik Collection: Place Menelik in Djibouti City

Place Menelik in Djibouti City
Place Menelik with post office on the right in Djibouti City, north-eastern Africa. Date: circa 1920

Background imageMenelik Collection: Italy warned by Menelik of dealing with the Ottoman Sultan

Italy warned by Menelik of dealing with the Ottoman Sultan
The Italians in Libya - Italo-Turkish War. Menelik I, the Emperor of Ethiopia (who had defeated Italy in 1889) warns Italy

Background imageMenelik Collection: Abyssinia

Abyssinia. Italo-Abyssinian War (1889). Negus (emperor) Menelik II. Engraving

Background imageMenelik Collection: A Zebra - presented to Queen Victoria

A Zebra - presented to Queen Victoria
The Zebra presented to Queen Victoria by King Menelik II of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) - pictured here at its new home at the New Zebra House at the Royal Zoological Gardens, Regents Park, London

Background imageMenelik Collection: Ethiopia - Emperor Meneliks Bodyguard

Ethiopia - Emperor Meneliks Bodyguard - seemingly at an International Exhibition (!)

Background imageMenelik Collection: Menelik II (1844-1913) King (Negus) of Ethiopia from 1889. Le Petit Journal

Menelik II (1844-1913) King (Negus) of Ethiopia from 1889. Le Petit Journal, Paris, 10 November 1898. Menelik at the Battle of Adowa (Adua) 1 March 1896. Ethiopia defeated Italy

Background imageMenelik Collection: Abyssinia (1896)

Abyssinia (1896). Negus Menelik at the battle of Adowa, where the Abyssinian defeated the Italian. Image of the illustrated

Background imageMenelik Collection: Emperor Meneliks Bodyguard

Emperor Meneliks Bodyguard - seemingly at some form of exhibition/Intenrational show in Germany as the kitchen sign is in German. Date: 1907

Background imageMenelik Collection: Menelik Works

Menelik Works
King Menelik picks up a shovel and shows he is not too proud to work

Background imageMenelik Collection: Menelik & Salsa / 1896

Menelik & Salsa / 1896
The meeting of Menelik, one of Ethiopias greatest emperors with Major Salsa of the Italian envoy

Background imageMenelik Collection: Empress Taitou

Empress Taitou
EMPRESS TAITOU Empress of Ethiopia, wife of Menelik II

Background imageMenelik Collection: Menelik Ii / Ethiopia / Pj

Menelik Ii / Ethiopia / Pj
MENELIK II Emperor of Ethiopia (1889-1913) in ceremonial dress

Background imageMenelik Collection: Menelik Ii / Ethiopia / Vf

Menelik Ii / Ethiopia / Vf
MENELIK II Emperor of Ethiopia (1889-1913)

Background imageMenelik Collection: Vanderheym (Traveller)

Vanderheym (Traveller)
VANDERHEYM French emissary to Ethiopia, where he spent considerable time with emperor Menelik

Background imageMenelik Collection: Comte Leontieff, Explorer

Comte Leontieff, Explorer
COMTE LEONTIEFF French explorer of Ethiopia, emissary to Menelik who appointed him governor of river Omo and lake Rudolph districts

Background imageMenelik Collection: Tahitou, Ethiopian Royal

Tahitou, Ethiopian Royal
TAHITOU queen of Menelik II, king of Shoa

Background imageMenelik Collection: Meneliks Subjects Rebel

Meneliks Subjects Rebel
When 50 of his subjects rebel, Menelik, Ethiopian ruler, cuts off their right hands and hangs them round their necks



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Menelik II, the revered Ethiopian Emperor, was a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on his country and the entire African continent. Known as Negus Menelik in Ethiopia, he ruled with wisdom and strength during a pivotal time in history. Born as Menelik II, he ascended to the throne of Ethiopia in 1889. His reign was characterized by numerous achievements that transformed Ethiopia into a modern nation-state. Menelik's leadership skills were evident through his strategic diplomacy and military prowess. One of his most significant accomplishments was the Battle of Adwa in 1896 when Ethiopian forces under Menelik's command defeated Italian invaders. This victory not only secured Ethiopia's independence but also shattered European notions of African inferiority. Menelik II's commitment to progress is exemplified by his efforts to modernize Ethiopia. He initiated infrastructure projects such as railway systems connecting Addis Ababa to Djibouti City, which boosted trade and economic growth within the region. Furthermore, Menelik honored Ras Makonnen Wolde Mikael for his loyalty and service by appointing him governor of Harar Province. This act demonstrated Menelik's recognition of deserving individuals regardless of their racial background. The British Mission to Abyssinia further showcased Menelik's diplomatic finesse as he successfully negotiated treaties that protected Ethiopian sovereignty against colonial encroachment from European powers. In addition to being an astute statesman, Menelik had a compassionate side too. The image depicting "The Nurse of Negus Menelik" highlights his nurturing nature towards those close to him while symbolizing unity among diverse communities within Ethiopia. Another remarkable event associated with this great emperor is "The Release of Italian Prisoners. " By showing mercy towards prisoners captured during conflicts with Italy, Menelik displayed forgiveness and magnanimity even amidst political tensions.