The year 1884 was a year of illness.

The Mahdi, Muhammad Ahmad, was born in 1844 in the Dongola province of Sudan. He was a member of the Sammani Sufi order. He declared himself the Mahdi in 1881 and began his revolt against the Egyptian government.

The Mahdi's forces were victorious in several battles, and by 1884, they had captured Khartoum. The Mahdi then established his capital at Omdurman, where he ruled until his death in 1885.

The Mahdi's revolt had a significant impact on Sudan. It led to the establishment of an independent Mahdist state, which lasted for over a decade. The Mahdi's rule was characterized by religious fervor and a strict adherence to Islamic law.

The Mahdi's legacy is complex. He is seen by some as a religious leader and a national hero, while others view him as a fanatical rebel who brought suffering to Sudan.