Siege of Khartoum
Khartoum, Sudan
What happened
British General Charles Gordon defended Khartoum against the Sudanese forces of Muhammad Ahmad, a religious leader who called himself the Mahdi. The siege lasted from 13 March 1884 to 26 January 1885. Supplies ran low, many inhabitants died of hunger, and the Mahdi's forces captured the city on 26 January 1885. Accounts of how Gordon died differ.
Why it matters
Result: Mahdist victory. Leaders: Muhammad Ahmad against Charles Gordon. Why it matters: In Britain, Gordon was seen as a martyr and a hero, and Prime Minister Gladstone was criticised for sending help too late.
What came next
The Mahdi died in June 1885. Britain reconquered Sudan after the Battle of Omdurman in 1898.
Did you know?
The Mahdi's headquarters were at Omdurman, on the opposite side of the White Nile from Khartoum.
Timeline
- 1881Muhammad Ahmad declares himself the Mahdi.
- 13 March 1884The siege of Khartoum begins.
- 26 January 1885The Mahdi's forces take Khartoum.
- June 1885The Mahdi dies.