| State |
Entry |
Exit |
Combat Forces |
Population |
Losses |
| Ethiopia |
1868 |
1872 |
100000 |
4000000 |
30000 |
| Rebels |
1868 |
1872 |
50000 |
400000 |
5000 |
Yohannes IV
b. 1831
d. March 10, 1889, Metema, Sudan
English John Iv, original name KASSA, emperor of Ethiopia (1872-89). Like his predecessor, Tewodros II (reigned 1855-68), he was a strong, progressive ruler, but he had to spend most of his time repelling military threats from Egypt, Italy, and the Mahdists of the Sudan.
Superior weaponry allowed Yohannes, a dejazmatch (earl) of Tigray in northern Ethiopia, to fight his way to the Ethiopian throne on Jan. 21, 1872, four years after
Tewodros' death. His main rival was Menilek II, king of Shewa, who did not recognize Yohannes as emperor until 1878/79, after a military defeat. Menilek's eclipse, however, was only temporary.
*****
On the death of Tewodros in 1868, Sahle Miriam, as negus of
Shewa, aspired to the position of emperor. But he was not the only claimant and had to submit first to Tekle Giorgis (1868-72) and Yohannes IV (1872-89).
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