# Emperor Yohannes IV: The Lion of Tigray Who Defied Egypt

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ethiopia-s-ancient-empire-africa-s-hidden-superpower-fexingo-history-7829654/emperor-yohannes-iv-the-lion-of-tigray-who-defied-egypt
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ethiopia-s-ancient-empire-africa-s-hidden-superpower-fexingo-history-7829654/emperor-yohannes-iv-the-lion-of-tigray-who-defied-egypt.md
Podcast: [Ethiopia's Ancient Empire: Africa's Hidden Superpower — Fexingo History](https://stenobird.com/podcast/ethiopia-s-ancient-empire-africa-s-hidden-superpower-fexingo-history-7829654)
Published: 2026-06-12T00:35:43+00:00
Episode link: https://audio.fexingo.com/history/ethiopias-ancient-empire/episode-0093.mp3
Audio file: https://audio.fexingo.com/history/ethiopias-ancient-empire/episode-0093.mp3
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Duration seconds: 592

## Resource

In this episode, we explore the reign of Emperor Yohannes IV, the Tigrayan ruler who united Ethiopia against Egyptian expansion and European colonialism in the late 19th century. From his rise after the death of Tewodros II at Magdala to his alliances with Menelik of Shewa, we trace the Battle of Gundet (1875) and the Battle of Gura (1876), where Yohannes crushed the Egyptian army under Ismail Pasha. We discuss the controversial peace treaty with Britain that ceded Massawa to Italy, the Battle of Gallabat (1889) where Yohannes fell, and his legacy as the last emperor to rule from Tigray. Learn about the 'Ethiopian Hannibal' who defended the Aksumite legacy, his clashes with the Mahdist Sudan, and how his death paved the way for Menelik II. This episode features the important role of Ras Alula Engida, the use of Ge'ez in correspondence, and the strategic importance of the Mereb River. #YohannesIV #EthiopianEmpire #BattleOfGundet #BattleOfGura #RasAlula #Tigray #MerebRiver #IsmailPasha #BattleOfGallabat #MahdistSudan #MenelikII #LegacyOfYohannes #19thCenturyHistory #HornOfAfrica #ColonialResistance #EgyptianExpansion #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

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