The Spotlight

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In 1896, Ethiopia did what no other African nation had—defeated a European imperial army on the battlefield. The Battle of Adwa shattered the myth of inevitable colonization, humbling Italy and electrifying the African diaspora. In The Battle of Adwa: African Victory in the Age of Empire, Raymond Jonas offers a vivid, multi-continent account of this seismic moment. With figures like Emperor Menelik II, Empress Taytu, and Swiss advisor Alfred Ilg at its center, the book explores how strategy, diplomacy, and vision turned Ethiopia into a global symbol of resistance—challenging white supremacy long before decolonization took root.

Most people think of Timbuktu as a far-off, forgotten place—but it used to be one of the world’s busiest and most important cities. It was packed with trade, culture, religion, and education, drawing visitors from across the globe. Mansa Musa, one of its most famous rulers, was so wealthy he’s still talked about today—and he even helped inspire Marvel’s Black Panther. Then there’s Mansa Sundiata, a real-life ruler whose nickname, the Lion King, might sound a bit familiar. While their stories may have been reshaped over time, their influence still shows up in modern pop culture.

So how did a place once compared to New York or London end up as a punchline for “the middle of nowhere”? Let’s uncover what really happened to Timbuktu.

Available on Kindle and Audible Now!