The Battle of Omdurman took place on September 2, 1898, during the Mahdist War in Sudan. It was fought between British-Egyptian forces, led by General Kitchener, and the Sudanese forces of the Mahdi, who sought to establish an Islamic state. The battle was significant for its demonstration of modern military tactics and technology, including the use of machine guns. The British-Egyptian army, numbering around 25,000, faced approximately 50,000 Mahdist troops. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the British, with heavy casualties on the Mahdist side. This victory solidified British control over Sudan and marked a key moment in the expansion of the British Empire in Africa.