Battle of Magdala

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Battle of Magdala
Part of the 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia
Date 9–13 April 1868 (4 days) Location Amba Mariam, Ethiopia Result British victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom  India Supported by: Ethiopian rebels[1]	Ethiopian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Robert Napier	Tewodros II
Strength
13,000[2]	~4,000
Casualties and losses
2 killed[2] 200 wounded[2]	700 killed[2] 1,200 wounded[2]

The Battle of Magdala was the conclusion of the British Expedition to Abyssinia fought in April 1868 between British and Abyssinian forces at Magdala, 390 miles (630 km) from the Red Sea coast. The British were led by Robert Napier, while the Abyssinians were led by Emperor Tewodros II.

In March 1866, a British envoy had been dispatched to secure the release of a group of missionaries who had first been seized when a letter Tewodros II had sent to Queen Victoria requesting munitions and military experts from the British, delivered by an envoy, Captain Cameron, had gone unanswered. They were released; however, Tewodros II changed his mind and sent a force after them and they were returned to the fortress and imprisoned again, along with Captain Cameron.

The British won the battle and, rather than being subjected to capture, Tewodros committed suicide as the fortress was finally seized.