Source: Facebook
Shewan Negus Menelik II’s March 26, 1889 letter to King Umberto after hearing of the death of Negus Negast Yohannes IV: “I would like the soldiers of your majesty to occupy Asmara and make sure this route is guarded and well defended.”
Italy held the city until they were defeated by the British on 1 April 1941.
Martin Plaut 