The Rest Is History The Rest Is History

706. Queen Victoria’s Revenge: Storming the Citadel (Part 2)

Sep 16, 2026 · 1h 13m

Summary

This episode details the 1868 British expedition to Abyssinia, led by General Sir Robert Napier, to rescue European hostages held by Emperor Teodros II. The narrative contrasts Napier’s methodical, technologically advanced campaign with Teodros’s erratic behavior and his obsession with a giant mortar named Sebastopol. As the British advance, Teodros tragically massacres his own Ethiopian prisoners before the final confrontation. The story culminates on Good Friday, highlighting the first use of khaki uniforms and the impending clash between the two very different leaders.

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