This is exactly what the comments section is for! Further reading. I did stumble across some of the more negative views of Menelik after I published the story — and thought about retrospectively editing in some of that stuff, but the story is already far too long and far too cumbersome — so your comment is ideal for those people who want to read further into it.

Gerald Portal was bang on — they were absolutely underestimated and Adwa was vindication of the European hubris around Africa. It’s a fascinating section of history and one that needs to be taught a little more across Europe.

Thanks for jumping in and adding more to the discussion. :o)