
However, in order to enhance his position at the Imperial court, he divorced his wife and married Woizero Amlesu Araya, daughter of Ras Araya Dimtsu, the powerful and much respected uncle of Emperor Yohannes IV. He had three children by his first wife Woizero B'tweta. In spite of his humble background, Alula succeeded in climbing the ladder of the feudal hierarchy. Erlich records an oral tradition that the young Alula distinguished himself by being the one who captured king Tekle Giyorgis in the battle where Emperor Yohannes crushed his opponent (11 July 1871). The house of Ras Alula at Asmara, in present-day EritreaĪt first Alula attached himself to the distinguished Ras Araya Dimtsu, hereditary chief of Enderta who was lord of the land his father farmed before long he gained the attention of Ras Araya's successful nephew, Dejazmach Kassa Mercha (the future emperor Yohannes IV), who made him his elfegn kalkay ("chamberlain and doorkeeper"). Ras Alula Described by Haggai Erlich as the "greatest leader whom Ethiopia produced since the death of Emperor Tewodros II in 1868." Ras Alula was referred to by Europeans as "the Garibaldi of Ethiopia". He was one of the most important leaders of the Ethiopian Empire forces during the 19th century.

Ras Alula Engida ( Ge'ez: ራስ አሉላ እንግዳ) (1827 – 15 February 1897 also known by his horse name Abba Nega and by Alula Qubi ) was an Ethiopian general and politician who successfully led Ethiopian battles against Egypt, the Mahdist war and Italy. Battle of Saati Battle of Dogali Battle of Debra Ailà Battle of Mekelle (1896) Battle of Adwa
