Oromia Posted December 27, 2006 The combat with the Mahdist Muslims(Dervish), known as the Battle of Matamma, was to be Yohannes’ last: “...on 9 March [1889] when the battle opened, it appeared as if God favored the Ethiopians. The emperor and his command breached the center of the Mahdist lines and surged forward toward victory until King Yohannes was shot, first in the right hand, and then, as he again advanced, by a bullet that lodged mortally in his chest. The Christians wavered and then broke, giving an undeserved triumph to the Muslims. With his dying breaths, Yohannes declared his natural son, Dej. Mengesha, heir…On 25 March 1889, when Menelik learned about the tragedy at Metema, he immediately proclaimed himself negus negast, king of kings.” (Marcus, H. 2002, 87-9). http://www.ethiopianhistory.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Taliban Posted December 27, 2006 Interesting history. I thought all this time Menelik was from a royal family and inherited the throne from his royal (king, queen) relative (father, mother, brother). I also didn't know there was a Tigree king; I thought the royal family were exclusively Amhara. Thanks for the link. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
