 Why Ethiopia was not colonised? Ethiopia was never colonised by European powers, due to several reasons. Firstly, strong leadership under Emperor Menelik E, who defeated Italian forces in the Battle of Adwa in 1896. Secondly, Ethiopia's mountainous terrain made it challenging for foreign armies to penetrate the country. Thirdly, the adoption of Christianity as a state religion allowed Ethiopia to develop its own unique identity and culture. Fourthly, unity among its people and good diplomatic relations with European powers helped to deter colonisation attempts.