Challenging the Myth of Ethiopian Terrain Advantage: An Exploration of the Battle of Adwa

Abstract

This study recasts the Battle of Adwa through a geographic lens, illuminating the spatial dynamics of troop camps, mobility, time management, and the intricate interplay between armies and terrain. In doing so, it challenges the commonly held narrative of Ethiopia's inherent topographic advantage, uncovering a unifying spatial pattern across the Italo-Ethiopian war's battlefields. Beyond highlighting this shared spatial structure, the study reveals how Ethiopia's geography proved not just a shield, but also a double-edged sword. Its strategic location and geo-economic assets made it a consistent target for invasion, despite the terrain's challenges. Additionally, the research sheds light on the pivotal role of "core-periphery" geopolitics in shaping the war's outcome, as Italian attempts to exploit regional divisions met their match against Ethiopian unity. Furthermore, the study emphasises the crucial element of adaptability in the face of diverse landscapes. Emperor Menelik's spatially-oriented leadership empowered his generals to outmanoeuvre the rigidly positioned Italian army, exemplifying "topographical possibilism" in contrast to the Italians' "topographic determinism" - their dependence on strategic locations for exerting pressure. Ultimately, the Battle of Adwa stands as a testament to the fact that victory doesn't solely reside in the terrain; it hinges on human agency and the ability to adapt and overcome.