King Menelik II was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 until his death in 1913. He is best known for successfully leading Ethiopian forces against the Italian invasion at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, which secured Ethiopia's sovereignty and made it one of the few African nations to remain independent during the colonial period. His victory at Adwa is celebrated as a symbol of resistance against colonialism. Menelik II modernized Ethiopia by introducing new technologies and infrastructure, including railways and telegraphs. He also expanded the country's territory, incorporating various regions into the Ethiopian Empire. His reign is often regarded as a pivotal period in Ethiopian history, contributing to national unity and identity.