Second Battle of Agordat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Second Battle of Agordat
Part of the Mahdist War
Alfred Pearse: Second Battle of Agordat (Battles of the nineteenth century, 1901)
Date 21 December 1893 Location Agordat, Eritrea Result Italian victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Italy	Mahdist State
Commanders and leaders
Col.Giuseppe Arimondi	Emir Ahmed Ali  †
Strength
Eritrean Askaris; 400 of which were equipped with swords, spears, and shields	10,000–12,000 Mahdists 6,000 armed with rifles
Casualties and losses
108 killed 124 wounded	1,000+ killed hundreds wounded 180 men, 700 rifles and 72 flags captured

The Second Battle of Agordat was an important fight in December 1893. It happened between soldiers from Italy and a group called the Mahdists from Sudan. This battle was part of a bigger conflict known as the Mahdist War.

What Happened at Agordat?

The Mahdist Attack

A leader named Emir Ahmed Ali led a large group of Mahdist fighters. They were heading east from a place called Kassala. This group had between 10,000 and 12,000 men. Their goal was to fight against the Italian forces in eastern Sudan.

The Italian Defense

The Mahdists met about 2,400 Italian soldiers and their local Eritrean allies. These Eritrean soldiers were called askaris. The battle took place at Agordat, which is west of Asmara. Colonel Arimondi was in charge of the Italian and Eritrean forces.

The Fierce Fight

The fighting was very tough and severe. Many people were involved in the battle. Over 1,000 Mahdist fighters, including their leader Emir Ahmed Ali, were killed. The Italian and Eritrean forces won the battle.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The Second Battle of Agordat was a very big deal. It was the first time European forces had won such a clear victory against the Mahdist fighters from Sudan. This win showed that the Italian forces were strong.

About a year after this battle, Italian colonial forces took control of Kassala. This was another important event in the region.

fr:Combat d'Agordat