The kingdom at Tewodros's death is disorganized,…

The kingdom at Tewodros's death is disorganized, but those contending to succeed him are not prepared to return to the Zemene Mesafint system.

One of them, crowned Tekla Giorgis, takes over the central part of the highlands.

Another, Kasa Mercha, governor of Tigray, declines when offered the title of ras in exchange for recognizing Tekla Giorgis.

The third, Menelik of Shewa, comes to terms with Tekla Giorgis in return for a promise to respect Shewa's independence.

Tekla Giorgis, however, seeks to bring Kasa Mercha under his rule but is defeated by a small Tigrayan army equipped with more modern weapons than those possessed by his Gonder forces.

In 1872 Kasa Mercha is crowned negusa nagast in a ceremony at the ancient capital of Aksum, taking the throne name of Johannes IV.