Sultan Menelik II was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 until his death in 1913. He is best known for his role in modernizing the country and for leading Ethiopian forces to victory against the Italian army at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. This victory secured Ethiopia's sovereignty and made it one of the few African nations to resist European colonization. Menelik II implemented various reforms, including improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. He also expanded the territory of Ethiopia, incorporating various regions and ethnic groups into the empire. His leadership helped to establish Ethiopia as a symbol of African independence during the colonial era.