The three battles ended Ras Mikael Sehul's dominance over Ethiopian imperial politics during the Zemene Mesafint era.
Key Facts
- Number of battles
- Three engagements
- Date
- May 1771
- Era
- Zemene Mesafint
- Imperial cavalry support
- 1,000 horsemen led by Amha Iyasus
- Outcome for Mikael Sehul
- End of hegemony in imperial politics
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Zemene Mesafint, a period of weakened imperial authority in Ethiopia, Ras Mikael Sehul held dominant influence over the emperor. Wand Bewossen and Fasil of Damot opposed this hegemony and moved to challenge the forces loyal to Emperor Tekle Haymanot II and Mikael Sehul.
In May 1771, three consecutive military engagements were fought at Sarbakusa between the forces of Wand Bewossen and Fasil of Damot on one side, and those of Emperor Tekle Haymanot II and Ras Mikael Sehul on the other. The Meridazmach Amha Iyasus reportedly committed 1,000 horsemen in support of the emperor, but the imperial coalition was defeated.
The defeat ended Ras Mikael Sehul's long-standing hegemony over Ethiopian imperial politics and resulted in the marginalization of Emperor Tekle Haymanot II, shifting power toward Wand Bewossen and Fasil of Damot within the factional struggles of the Zemene Mesafint.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Wand Bewossen, Fasil of Damot.
Side B
1 belligerent
Tekle Haymanot II, Ras Mikael Sehul, Amha Iyasus (Meridazmach).