Battle of Wayna Daga (1543)

On 21 February 1543, a joint Ethiopian-Portuguese force under Emperor Gelawdewos defeated the Adal-Ottoman army led by Imam Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi near Lake Tana. The engagement resulted in a decisive rout of the Muslim forces and the death of the Imam.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Following the defeat of the Portuguese expedition at Wofla in 1542, survivors joined Emperor Gelawdewos. At Christmas, they persuaded the Emperor to march against Imam Ahmad to avenge the death of their leader, Cristóvão da Gama. The combined forces prepared for a decisive engagement to counter the Adal-Ottoman threat.

The Engagement. The Ethiopian-Portuguese army was divided into two groups, with the Portuguese and some infantry in the front under Ayres Dias, and the Emperor with the remainder in the rear. The Adal-Ottoman force also advanced in two groups, with Imam Ahmad leading the front line of matchlockmen, cavalry, and infantry.

Outcome. The battle concluded with a devastating rout of the Muslim rear, pursued by Ethiopian and Portuguese troops. Imam Ahmad was killed, with conflicting accounts regarding whether a Portuguese soldier or an Ethiopian captain delivered the final blow. The Emperor refused to reward the killer due to the uncertainty of who mortally wounded the Imam.

People involved

Sources

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