They called him a visionary. A restorer of order and unity. A bloody tyrant. A nation builder and modernizer. A Mad-King. A Shifta. A tragic hero. Emperor Tewodros II has been many things to many people and the first three parts of the Adowa series examines his complex life from womb to tomb.
In a time of chaos and bloodshed, one man dared to unite a fractured kingdom and challenge the world’s greatest powers. Deep in the rugged highlands of a mysterious land, locked away from the outside world, an indomitable figure was rising who would change the course of Ethiopian history forever.
Welcome to the era of Zemena Mesafent, a tumult that engulfed the Ethiopian kingdom in war, where brothers battle brothers and ruthless warlords carve the country into warring fiefdoms. For generations, Ethiopia has remained hidden from the world’s eyes, its people preserving ancient traditions while anarchy tears the realm apart. In this upheaval, a Shifta warrior named Kassa Hailu emerged from the jungle with a vision that will make him one of the most formidable emperors in history.
Join us as we trace Kassa’s incredible journey from childhood, boyhood, to adulthood. We will follow him into bloody battles and covert schemes, witnessing his transformation from fierce guerilla fighter to a ruler grasping for a crown as Kings of Kings of the empire. Along the way, we’ll encounter unforgettable characters and glimpse a mysterious culture seldom seen by outsiders.
Kassa’s rapid rise and radical ambitions will earn him powerful enemies—both within his kingdom and abroad. We will meet his contemporaries who had their own designs for the nation. To understand what drives this enigmatic leader, who was able to succeed despite all obstacles, we must venture into the heart of a man wrestling with destiny.
By the time you’ve finished this epic tale, you’ll know Emperor Tewodros II as more than just a name in history books. You’ll understand what compelled this charismatic and complicated king of Kings to risk everything for a unified Ethiopia. So sharpen your blade and prepare to enter a world of intrigue, adventure and empire-defining drama as we unveil the thrilling true story of one of Africa’s most legendary figures whose legacy still echoes throughout the highlands.
Get ready to discover the man behind the legend. Let the journey begin!