Battle of Gallabat (Metemma)
Gallabat, Al Qadarif, Sudan, on the border with Metemma, Ethiopia
What happened
The Ethiopian army of Emperor Yohannes IV, with Ras Alula, Ras Mikael and Ras Mengesha, fought the army of the Mahdist State of Sudan under Zeki Tummal. Yohannes IV marched against the Mahdists after they had raided the Ethiopian city of Gondar. On 9 March 1889 his army attacked the fortified town of Gallabat and broke through part of its defences. Late in the fighting the emperor was shot and died that night, and the Ethiopian army withdrew.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The death of Yohannes IV was a major event in Ethiopian history. It was the last major battle on the Ethiopian front of the Mahdist War.
What came next
Yohannes's son did not claim the throne, and within weeks Menelik II was recognised as emperor. The Mahdist army was badly weakened by the war.
Did you know?
Gallabat was founded in the 18th century by settlers from Darfur, pilgrims travelling to and from Mecca, who got the Ethiopian emperor's permission to stay.
Timeline
- 8 March 1889The Ethiopian army reaches Gallabat.
- 9-10 March 1889The Battle of Gallabat.
- 12 March 1889Mahdist forces catch the Ethiopian rearguard near the Atbara River.
- 1889Menelik II is recognised as emperor.