British-Egyptian expeditions (1885–1889) Ethiopian campaigns (1885–1889) Italian campaigns (1890–1894) British-Egyptian reconquest (1896–1899) The First Battle of Agordat, which took place on 27 June 1890 was the first battle between Italy and the Mahdist State.

Fighting began when a force of one-thousand Mahdists attacked tribes that had signed protectorates with the Kingdom of Italy.

[1] The Sudanese continued on to the wells at Agordat, where they were met by two companies of Italian-led ascari.

The battle that ensued was an Italian victory, with around 250 Mahdists being killed.

Author Sean McLachlan attributes the Mahdists' defeat at both Agordat and the upcoming Battle of Serobeti (1892) to their "inferior weaponry and fire discipline".