Emperor Menelik II GCB, GCMG, (baptized as Sahle Maryam; 17 August 1844 – 12 December 1913), was Negus of Shewa (1866-1889), then Nəgusä Nägäst[nb 2] of Ethiopia from 1889 to his death.

At the height of his internal power and external prestige, the process of territorial expansion and creation of the modern empire-state has been completed by 1898.

Ethiopia is transformed under Nəgusä Nägäst Menelik.

The major signposts of modernization are put in place.

Externally, his victory over the Italians earns him great fame.

Following Adwa, recognition of Ethiopia’s independence by external power expresses itself in terms of diplomatic representation at the court of Menelik and delineation of Ethiopia’s boundaries with the adjacent colonies.