The Ethiopian Empire (Tewodros II onward)

This period covers Ethiopia's modern empire from Emperor Tewodros II in the mid-19th century. Tewodros tried to reunify and modernize the country after years of division. His successors, including Yohannes IV and Menelik II, expanded and defended Ethiopia.

Menelik II defeated Italy at Adwa in 1896 and preserved independence. Haile Selassie later ruled until 1974. The empire ended with a military coup.