Battle of Magdala
Magdala (Amba Mariam), South Wollo, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
What happened
A British expedition under Lieutenant General Sir Robert Napier fought the army of Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia. Emperor Tewodros held a British consul, a diplomat and several missionaries prisoner to pressure Britain into giving him military help. Britain sent a huge expedition into the Ethiopian highlands. After defeating Tewodros's army at Arogye on Good Friday, the British stormed his mountain fortress of Magdala; Tewodros died there, and the prisoners were freed.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It freed the European prisoners and ended Tewodros's reign. The treasures taken from Magdala are still at the centre of debates about returning museum objects to their countries of origin.
What came next
The British destroyed Magdala and withdrew. Tewodros's young son, Prince Alemayehu, was taken to Britain; some objects have since been returned to Ethiopia, and campaigners seek the return of more.
Did you know?
The expedition brought dozens of trained elephants from India to carry heavy guns, and engineers built a railway across the coastal plain.
Timeline
- December 1867The British expedition lands on the Red Sea coast.
- 10 April 1868The British win at Arogye.
- 13 April 1868Magdala falls and the prisoners are freed.
- 2019A lock of Tewodros's hair is returned to Ethiopia.