1. Bahta Hagos, was Dejazmach of Akkele Guzay, and retrospectively considered an important leader of Eritrean resistance to foreign domination, and led a rebellion against the Italians at the Battle of Halai.
18 Facts About Bahta Hagos
1. 2.
Bahta Hagos was born sometime between 1839 and 1850 into a rich peasant family in the town of Segheneyti, Akele Guzay.
3.
Bahta Hagos originally gained recognition in 1875 when he killed Embaye Araya son of Rasi Araya, the Governor of Tigray, in a skirmish precipitated by raiding of the area.
4.
In 1885, as an Italian colonial presence replaced the defeated Egyptians, and their control of Massawa, Bahta Hagos moved to ally himself with them and their provincial governor Oreste Baratieri.
5.
Bahta Hagos was appointed capo di banda and granted the title of Dejazmatch.
6.
Bahta Hagos settled in his former camp of Agameda and fought against the raids of Fitawrari Dabbab Araya.
7.
However Bahta Hagos became increasingly frustrated with the conduct of the Italian Colonial Government and their soldiers, particularly the expropriation of land from the clergy.
8.
Bahta Hagos understood that Menelik was consolidating his power to the south with plans to displace the Italians.
9.
Bahta Hagos even led an army into the western province of Shiray on the pretext of fighting the Mahdists, but instead subjugated Kitet and started recruiting an even larger army.
10.
In December 1894, Bahta Hagos unilaterally led his force of 1,600 men in direct revolt against the Italians, although he claimed support of Mengesha.
11.
Bahta Hagos captured the Italian administrator at Segheneyti, which was then the capital of the province, and declared an independent Akkele Guzay.
12.
Bahta Hagos proclaimed himself "An avenger of rights trampled on by the Italians".
13.
Bahta Hagos went to move against Bahta the following morning, but found him gone.
14.
Bahta Hagos had secretly abandoned Segheneyti in the night and had moved his force north against the Italian garrison of 220 men at the small fort of Halay, commanded by Captain Castellazzi.
15.
Bahta Hagos called for Castellazzi to surrender and abandon the fort.
16.
Negotiations continued until 13:30, when Bahta Hagos's patience came to an end and the attack was ordered.
17.
Bahta Hagos was killed in the attack, and his forces fled, many joining Mengesha.
18.
Bahta Hagos's body was secretly buried at Halay, and later moved to Segheneyti in 1953.