Amedeo di Savoia-Aosta

Introduce

Amedeo Umberto Lorenzo Marco Paolo Isabella Luigi Filippo Maria Giuseppe Giovanni di Savoia (born October 21, 1898, in Turin – died March 3, 1942, in Nairobi) was an Italian general and aviator, as well as a member of the Italian royal family from the House of Savoy-Aosta branch. He served as Viceroy of Ethiopia from 1937 to 1941 during Italy’s colonial rule in East Africa.

Renowned for his leadership and military prowess, Amedeo earned the nickname Duke of Iron for his resilience and determination. He played a crucial role in Italy’s African campaigns and was celebrated as the Hero of Amba Alagi for his steadfast defense against British forces in Ethiopia during World War II. Despite being vastly outnumbered and facing supply shortages, he led his troops in a prolonged and courageous resistance before ultimately surrendering in 1941.

Following his capture, Amedeo was taken as a prisoner of war by the British and interned in Kenya, where he succumbed to illness in 1942. His legacy remains tied to his military achievements and his role in Italy’s imperial ambitions in Africa.