Often represented in paintings, the battle of Adwa was a significant episode in the history of colonization: on 1 March 1896, the conquering Italian army was driven back by the troops of the King of Kings Menelik II (1844-1913). Six thousand soldiers were killed, 1 500 wounded and 1 800 taken prisoner. Seen as a tragedy in Italy, this victory ensured Ethiopian independence for four more years, a case unique in Africa. The event affected the whole world and filled oppressed peoples with hope. E. Sohier