The Gras in Ethiopia: Carbines of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu
This video delves into the history and firearms of Ethiopia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on the carbines owned by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu. It highlights Ethiopia's successful resistance to European colonization, particularly the Battle of Adwa in 1896, and the role of foreign arms suppliers like Russia and France. The featured firearms are Gras carbines bearing Ethiopian Ge'ez script, signifying their ownership by the Emperor and Empress, offering a unique glimpse into the weaponry of a sovereign African nation during the colonial era.













