The Abyssinian War, 1867-68: Campaigning in ‘a country of which we know so little’

Professor Edward Spiers discusses the British expedition against Emperor Theodore II of Ethiopia.

In 1867, Emperor Theodore II of Ethiopia seized several European hostages in a breach of diplomatic immunity. Hear how Britain launched a punitive expedition under Sir Robert Napier, accompanied by a substantial press corps.

The 400-mile trek across the demanding terrain of Abyssinia was a huge logistical operation involving tens of thousands of soldiers and animals. It culminated with the storming and looting of Theodore’s fortress at Magdala.

Although the expedition lost only a few men, it proved highly controversial on account of its cost - nearly £9 million - and the amount of looting that took place.

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