Tewodros II

Kassa Hailu (later Tewodros II) defeated the forces of Dejazmach Wube Haile Maryam at the Battle of Ayshal. This victory consolidated his control over northern Ethiopia and paved the way for his coronation as Emperor.

Kassa Hailu was crowned Emperor Tewodros II at the church of Derasge Maryam. He began a campaign to unify Ethiopia's fragmented provinces, centralize power, and modernize the military and administration.

Emperor Tewodros II imprisoned British missionaries and diplomats, including Consul Charles Duncan Cameron, after failing to receive a response from Queen Victoria to his letter requesting military assistance. This act led to the British Expedition to Abyssinia.

British forces under General Robert Napier stormed the fortress of Magdala, defeating Tewodros II's army. Rather than surrender, Tewodros committed suicide with a pistol given to him by Queen Victoria. His death ended the British Expedition to Abyssinia.