The victory at Adwa was not merely a single battle won by the Ethiopian army; it was the culmination of a struggle that decisively ended the war and prevented its resurgence. Professor Ayele Bekere recounts how, after their defeat at Adwa, the Italian army—with many dead, captured, and the rest fleeing—left behind their supplies and weapons. Simultaneously, a further 15,000+ Italian troops, who had sailed for months to reinforce the army, arrived at Massawa port.
However, the decisive nature of Adwa's victory provided an insurmountable lesson for the Italians. This additional 15,000+ strong force at Massawa made no attempt to continue the war. Therefore, the Ethiopian army's triumph at Adwa wasn't just a battlefield victory; it was the result of a sophisticated long-term strategy that prevented a renewed Italian invasion.
Historical accounts describe the Ethiopian army's unique crescent-moon formation during the battle. The majority of the army was concentrated in the center, resembling the full part of the moon, with flanking forces tapering off to the sides like the crescent's horns. This formation allowed for a powerful central thrust, with the flanking forces converging to encircle and annihilate the enemy.
The Ethiopian army numbered nearly 200,000, with cavalry playing a crucial role. In contrast, the Italian force, largely composed of mercenary troops, numbered only 20,000-30,000. The Ethiopians thus significantly outnumbered their enemy, both in cavalry and infantry. Beyond their crescent formation, the Ethiopian army demonstrated mastery of various tactics, including ambushes, flanking maneuvers, and encirclements.
The Ethiopians' unwavering patriotism, resolute purpose, and unity were key to their victory. Their unwavering love for their country and freedom was evident at Adwa. The Ethiopians' centuries of warfare experience, combined with their commanders' shrewd decisions—including the brilliant intelligence work of figures like Basha Awealom—effectively trapped the arrogant Italian invaders in the Adwa Mountains.
The Ethiopians' deep understanding of their land's varied terrain, climate, and seasonal changes, and their skillful application of this knowledge at Adwa, were also crucial factors in their success. Emperor Menelik II's powerful call to arms, following his understanding that the Italians would not accept the Treaty of Wuchale, ignited a national fervor. This heartfelt message, urging all Ethiopians to defend their country, resulted in a unified and determined army that secured a victory etched in blood and bone for generations to come.
The full text of Emperor Menelik II's call to arms (the Adwa Proclamation) of September 17, 1888, is as follows:
The Adwa Proclamation!!
"By God's grace, He has thus far protected me, destroying my enemies and establishing my country. I have ruled thus far by God's grace. Even if I die, death is common to all, and I do not grieve for my death. Furthermore, God has never shamed me, and I do not doubt that He will shame me in the future. Now, one who destroys the country, changes religion, has crossed the sea that God previously ordained for us. I have seen the depletion of my country's livestock and the suffering of its people, and I have remained silent until now. But now, with God's help, I will not surrender my country. I do not think I have wronged you, my countrymen, and you have not wronged me. Those who are strong, help me with your strength. Those who are weak, help me with your sorrow, for your children, your future, and your faith. Those who have been left behind, you will fight later. I will not abandon you. I have no other intercessor but Saint Mary."