Battle of Magdala
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| Battle of Magdala | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Combatants | |||||||
| United Kingdom | Ethiopia | ||||||
| Commanders | |||||||
| Robert Napier | Emperor Tewodros II | ||||||
| Casualties | |||||||
| - | Tewodros commits suicide | ||||||
The Battle of Magdala was fought in April of 1868 between British and Ethiopian forces. The British were led by Robert Napier, while the Ethiopians were led by Emperor Tewodros II. The British won the battle, and Tewodros committed suicide.
Tewodros was a moderniser and realised the importance of powerful weapons. He asked Britain for assistance in the making of cannon, but this was refused. He then captured a group of European missionaries and instructed them to build a cannon for him.
Britain responded by mounting an expedition, using British and Indian troops. They used the new telegraph link with India to organise this venture.
[edit] Aftermath
The British seized many books and artefacts, most of which are still held in public collections such as the British Museum, and in private collections such as Queen's library at Windsor Castle. The AFROMET (Association For the Return Of the Madgala Ethiopian Treasures) campaign has been set up to lobby for the return of these objects to Ethiopia.
