#Eritrea

Asmara, the capital of # Eritrea, was born out of a union of four villages during the twelfth century. During the Scramble for Africa in the late 19th century, Italy began vying for a possession along the strategic Red Sea coast. After encountering stiff resistance in the Eritrean highlands, Italy occupied Asmara in 1889. Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's Fascist troops used Asmara as the base for the invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. At the time, Mussolini had great plans for a second Roman Empire in #Africa and Asmara became known as "Little Rome."
Although poor and generally run-down, the city displays most early twentieth century #architectural styles - neo-Romanesque, Victorian, Art Deco, Cubist, and Futurist - and incorporates many features of a planned city. Many of the city's historic buildings are neglected, and there is a risk that this heritage could be lost. Support for proper conservation would help to preserve these buildings, as well as bring additional income to the city through tourism.