Battle of Agurdat: Yohannes IV defeats the Egyptian invasion of Ethiopia

Background. The Egyptian–Ethiopian War was fought between the Ethiopian Empire and the Khedivate of Egypt, an autonomous tributary state of the Ottoman Empire, from 1874 to 1876. After annexing Darfur in 1875, the Khedive turned his attention to Ethiopia, and, having to impress his European creditors, mobilized a larger force for a second expedition after the loss at Gundet. During the war, Werner Munzinger was selected to command a small expedition intended to open communication with Menelik II of Shewa, a potential ally of Egypt.

Campaign. Munzinger led an Egyptian force of 350 men from Tadjoura towards Ankober, planning to cross the Danakil Desert and enter the Ethiopian Highlands via the Awash Valley. Meanwhile, Egyptian forces occupied Harar in October 1875, earning Menelik's enmity. The armies of Yohannes and Isma'il met at Gundet on 16 November 1875.

Outcome. Munzinger's troops were overwhelmed by the army of Muhammad ibn Hanfadhe, Sultan of Aussa, and he was killed in battle. Yohannes gained substantial advantage over his rivals in the quality and quantity of firearms as a result of the booty gathered in his successive victories over the Egyptian army at Gundet and Gurae, in 1875 and 1876 respectively; the submission of Menelik to Yohannes was not effected until 1878.