Yohannes IV

Yohannes IV (1837-1889) was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1872 until his death in 1889. His reign was dominated by near-constant warfare defending Ethiopia's independence against outside powers, including successful campaigns against invading Egyptian forces in the 1870s and prolonged conflict with Mahdist forces from Sudan through the 1880s. He was killed in battle in 1889 at the Battle of Gallabat, also known as Metemma, fighting the Mahdist army, becoming one of the few reigning monarchs of the era to die in combat. His death triggered a succession struggle that was ultimately won by Menelik II, who went on to lead Ethiopia to its decisive victory over invading Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa in 1896.