The Armenian Arbiter

The final arbiter/diplomat in Ethiopia between Menelik II and Atse Yohannes of Tigray when the pair was contesting the emperor’s throne was an Armenian named Markarian. Markarian ended up favoring Menelik II and thus played a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s political future. Menelik II eventually established his capital in Addis Ababa, moving it south from Gondar. He did this after defeating the Italians at Adwa with some Armenian help.

The final arbiter/diplomat in Ethiopia between Menelik II and Atse Yohannes of Tigray when the pair was contesting the emperor’s throne was an Armenian named Markarian. Markarian ended up favoring Menelik II and thus played a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s political future. Menelik II eventually established his capital in Addis Ababa, moving it south from Gondar. He did this after defeating the Italians at Adwa with some Armenian help.