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In 1868 an expedition led by the British General RC Napier set off from the Red Sea for Maqdala, the capital of Abyssinia. Their mission was to secure the release of two British envoys who were being held captive, along with a group of European artisans and missionaries, by the Emperor Tewodros. (pictured left)
In the massacre that followed 700 Ethiopians were killed by rifle fire, British losses were 2 dead, 18 wounded. The Emperor released his captives but this did not stop the British forces from storming the city. When he saw that defeat was unavoidable Emperor Tewodros shot himself with a gun given to him by Queen Victoria.
Following the battle the city was looted and also the Church of Madhane Alam. 15 elephants and 200 mules were used to carry the loot away. It was auctioned off a few days later and the £5000 gained was distributed amongst the British troops.
Much of the treasure was transported to Britain where most of it remains to this day.

"The treasure consists of about 350 religious texts, a crown, a chalice and many other objects, such as silver processional crosses. Most of the manuscripts, of which many are illuminated, are held by the British Library.

The crown, which belonged to the Abuna, or head of the Ethiopian Church, is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Other British institutions also hold rare Ethiopian antiquities." 
The Times 21st November 1998

Some artifacts have been returned. During the Victorian era the poorest of two copies of the Kebra Negast was returned. After Ras Tafari Makonnen visited Britain in 1924 King George V gave back Tewodros' crown. When Queen Elizabeth II visited Ithiopia in 1965 she returned Tewodros' cap and imperial seal.

It is time for the rest to be forwarded home to Ithiopia.

Read more about Maqdala and the campaign for the return of the treasures at 
The Association For the Return Of the Maqdala Ethiopian Treasures

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