Lake Ashenge

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Lake Ashenge
Primary outflows none
Basin countries Ethiopia
Max. length 5 km
Max. width 4 km
Surface area 20 km²
Surface elevation 2,409 m

Lake Ashenge is a lake in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. Located in the Ethiopian highlands at an elevation of 2409 meters, it has no outlet. According to the Statistical Abstract of Ethiopia for 1967/68, Lake Ashenge is five kilometers long and four wide, with a surface area of 20 square kilometers.

[edit] History

On August 29, 1542, Ahmad ibn Ibrihim al-Ghazi advanced upon the Portuguese stockade near Wofla on the southern side of this lake, where he fought the Battle of Wofla and prevailed, afterwards capturing and killing the leader Christovão da Gama.

Another notable battle that took place on the shores of this lake was the Battle of Lake Ashenge on 9 October 1909, when Dejazmach Abate defeated the rebel forces of Dejazmach Abraha Araya.[1]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Harold G. Marcus, The Life and Times of Menelik II: Ethiopia 1844-1913, (Lawrenceville: Red Sea Press, 1995), pp. 240