War of the Abyssinian Succession 1868-1872

Yohannes IV, original name KASSA, emperor of Ethiopia (1872-89), like his predecessor, Tewodros II (reigned 1855-68), 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).

References

How to Stop a War; Menilik II; Yohannes IV.

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