British Expedition to Abyssinia

Britain mounted the expedition after Emperor Tewodros II detained diplomats, missionaries and other Europeans in Abyssinia. A large force under Sir Robert Napier sailed from India, established a base on the Red Sea coast and built the roads, communications and supply system needed to cross hundreds of miles of difficult highland terrain.

The campaign culminated at Magdala in April 1868. After Tewodros’s forces were defeated and the hostages released, the emperor died by suicide as British troops stormed the fortress. The expedition withdrew soon afterwards, leaving a striking example of Victorian expeditionary logistics and imperial military power.