Abyssinia, The scene of the Massacre, Magdala, 1868

Watercolour by Lieutenant Frank James, Bombay Staff Corps, 1868.

The capture and destruction of Magdala was the final act in the expedition to defeat the Emperor Tewodros II (or King Theodore) of Abyssinia and release British hostages he had taken. Prior to his defeat and death Tewodros ordered the execution of Abyssinian prisoners. The bodies can be seen piled at the base of the cliff, with Magdala in the distance.