Estêvão da Gama (16th century)

In 1541, Estêvão da Gama, led a military expedition to Ethiopia to aid the Christian emperor Gelawdewos against the Muslim forces of Imam Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi, known as “Ahmad Gragn” (“the Left-Handed”). The Portuguese force, about 400 musketeers supported by artillery, landed at Massawa and marched inland through the rugged Ethiopian highlands. Despite harsh conditions, attrition, and clashes along the way, they eventually joined the Ethiopian royal army. The combined forces engaged Ahmad Ibrahim at the Battle of Wayna Daga in February 1543. In the fierce combat that followed, Ahmad was killed, and his army was routed, securing a decisive Christian victory that ended the Muslim advance and preserved the independence of the Ethiopian kingdom. == Cultural depiction ==

• Estêvão da Gama appears in the 2011 Indian film Urumi, portrayed by the American actor Alexx O'Nell. == External links ==