Abyssinians crush Italian column at Amba Alagi

Background. Tensions escalated after Menelik repudiated the Treaty of Wuchale in 1893, leading to Italian military campaigns in Tigray in December 1894. Following initial Italian successes against Tigrayan warlords at Coatit, Senafe and Debra Ailà, Menelik mobilized a unified army in September 1895. The conflict was part of the broader First Italo-Ethiopian War, fought between Italy and Ethiopia from 1895 to 1896.

Commanders. Italian forces were led by General Oreste Baratieri, who suspected that Mengesha would invade Eritrea. The Abyssinian vanguard was commanded by Ras Makonnen, Ras Oliè, and Ras Mengesha Yohannes. Emperor Menelik II ordered the nobility to raise their feudal hosts. Major Toselli led the specific Italian column that was defeated at Amba Alagi.

Outcome. The Abyssinian vanguard annihilated the Italian force, killing Major Toselli. The Ethiopian vanguard attacked Toselli's force at Boota Hill, while the annihilation and Toselli's death are described in the Amba Alagi engagement. The battle was the first in a series of engagements between Baratieri and Menelik. It preceded the decisive Battle of Adwa in March 1896, which secured Ethiopia's independence.