Historical context of Italian occupation in Ethiopia

During the mid-1930s, the Italian government launched a campaign in Ethiopia, leading to the occupation of Addis Ababa in May 1936. Following this, the territories of the former Ethiopian Empire, Eritrea, and Somalia were organized into Italian East Africa, with Addis Ababa serving as the capital of the central Governorate.

In these territories, economic exchanges often relied on bartering natural products, such as salt ingots, or the use of Maria Theresa thalers. These Austrian silver coins were widely accepted for commercial operations and could be easily converted into silver jewelry, making them a staple in local economic traditions.