Taytu_Betul

Ethiopian queen who led troops in the Battle of Adwa, securing Africa's first victory against European colonialism.

Taytu Betul (c. 1851–1918) was a pivotal figure in Ethiopia's resistance to Italian colonization. As wife of Emperor Menelik II, she wielded significant political influence and directly participated in military strategy during the 1896 Battle of Adwa. Her insistence on fortifying Ethiopia's northern borders and her role in rallying troops against Italian forces were critical to the empire's independence. Taytu also founded Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's modern capital, and championed women's roles in governance. Her leadership challenged European perceptions of African leadership, making her a symbol of anti-colonial resistance. Despite her prominence, her contributions remain underrepresented in global histories of the Scramble for Africa.