Emperor Tewodros became better known to the British as King Theodore when he provoked the wrath of the British military in 1868. He seized some British hostages after his letters to Queen Victoria went unanswered. Unfortunately for him, the British government felt compelled to launch a rescue mission to Abyssinia to relieve those hostages. This costly escapade was ultimately successful and resulted in the sacking of his capital at Magdala. The king committed suicide before the British and Indian troops could get to him.