15 Facts About Ras Alula

Ras Alula Engida was an Ethiopian general and politician who successfully led battles against Ottoman Egypt, the Mahdists and Italy.

Ras Alula was one of the most important leaders of the Abyssinian forces during the 19th century.

Erlich records an oral tradition that the young Ras Alula distinguished himself by being the one who captured king Tekle Giyorgis in the Battle of Assem where Emperor Yohannes crushed his opponent.

In spite of his humble background, Ras Alula succeeded in climbing the ladder of the feudal hierarchy.

Ras Alula demonstrated his military skill in the Battle of Gundet and Gura, which were fought in November 1875 and March 1876 respectively, where he routed the Egyptian forces.

Ras Alula prepared for his campaign against the Mahdists, despite the opposition of certain local leaders who did not accept his rule.

At Kufit, Osman Digna's forces were annihilated, but the Ethiopians suffered significant losses: the commanders Blatta Gebru and Aselafi Hagos were killed, and Ras Alula himself was wounded.

In October 1886, the forces of Ras Alula appeared near Saati and Massawa.

The first clash took place 25 January 1887 at Saati, where the Ethiopians were repulsed with heavy casualties; Ras Alula rallied his troops and the next day annihilated the Italian relief column at Dogali.

Meanwhile, Ras Alula found himself isolated, his patron dead, and the steady Italian advance from the coast having deprived him of his power base beyond the Mareb River.

When Emperor Menelik learned of this treachery, he renounced the treaty which led to the First Italo-Abyssinian War, and as the bitter news spreads through Ethiopia the major nobility and military figures, including Ras Alula, unanimously joined him.

The Ras Alula immediately informed King Menelik and the other leaders, and the Abyssinians prepared for battle, sending out strong scouting parties in all directions in front of their positions towards Entiscio.

Ras Alula was assigned to watch the Gasgorie Pass and block the arrival of Italian reinforcements coming from Adi Quala.

Ras Alula had three children by his first wife Woizero B'tweta.

Ras Alula holds a special place in Ethiopian history as the greatest military mind the country has ever produced.