Episode Details
Back to Episodes
The Emperor Who Moved Ethiopia's Capital and Shaped Modern Addis Ababa
Description
In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the story behind Ethiopia's modern capital, Addis Ababa. Discover how Emperor Menelik II, the ruler who defeated the Italians at Adwa, chose a hot springs site for his new capital in 1886. Learn about Empress Taytu Betul, who named the city and planted eucalyptus trees to solve the fuel crisis. Follow the railway from Djibouti that transformed Addis into a diplomatic hub, and the construction of the first modern hospital, school, and bank. Uncover the legacy of the Etege Hotel, the St. George Cathedral, and how Menelik's vision shaped Ethiopia's emergence as an independent African empire in the Scramble for Africa. This episode covers the founding, the politics, and the personal stories behind one of Africa's most iconic cities.