Shewa, historic kingdom of centralEthiopia. It lies mostly on highplateau country, rising to 13,123 feet (4,000 m) in Mount Ābuyē Mēda. Its modern capital and main commercial centre isAddis Ababa. Shewa is bounded on the northwest by theBlue Nile River and on the southwest by the Omo River; its eastern and southeastern boundaries are in theGreat Rift Valley along theAwash River.

Shewa was the residence of regional kings from the mid-10th century to the end of the 14th century. In 1528 Shewa was overrun by Muslim invaders from the state of Adal to the east, and its ancient cities were destroyed. For over a century afterward, Shewa was penetrated by theOromo people from the south, who moved into the political vacuum left in the region and established themselves in farmingcommunities as far north as the Blue Nile valley. In 1856 Shewa was incorporated into the Ethiopian empire by the emperorTewodros (Theodore) II, butMenilek II regained his kingdom of Shewa and in 1886 chose the site for Addis Ababa, his future capital. Building began at once, and, when Menilek became emperor of the whole country in 1889, Addis Ababa became the capital of Ethiopia.