Taitu Betul was Empress of Ethiopia from 1889 – 1913. Taytu is known to have wielded considerable political power as the wife of Menelik, both before and after they were crowned Emperor and Empress in 1889. Deeply suspicious of European intentions towards Ethiopia , she was a key player in the conflict over the Treaty of Wuchale with Italy , in which the Italian version made Ethiopia an Italian protectorate, while the Amharic did not do so. The Empress held a hard line against the Italians, and when talks eventually broke down - and Italy invaded the Empire - she marched north with the Emperor and the Imperial Army, commanding a force of cannons at the historic Battle of Adwa which resulted in a humiliating defeat for Italy in March, 1894. Not only was she the first lady of Ethiopia behind the mighty Emperor as a proud African history was being made at Adwa , she was also alongside the Ethiopian Army at the frontier of the battlefield serving her country. In 1889, she collaborated with Emperor Minilik to found Addis Ababa as the nation's capital. And it was Taitu who named Addis Ababa , Addis Ababa.

When Minilik's health began to decline around 1906, Taitu started making decisions on his behalf. After Minilik's death, Taitu banished to the old Palace at Entoto, next to the St. Mary's church she had founded years before, and where Minilik had been crowned Emperor. Taitu lived out the rest of her life at Entoto Maryam Church near Addis Ababa , where she died on February 11, 1918. Taitu and Menelik did not have any children. Taitu was a remarkable and powerful Ethiopian who is best remembered for her love of Ethiopia which makes her a true credit to her country.