history essay about shaka zulu

• Society and Politics
• Art and Culture
• Biographies
• Publications

Sigidi kaSenzangakhona commonly knows as Shaka was a great Zulu king and conqueror. He lived in an area of south-east Africa between the Drakensberg and the Indian Ocean, a region populated by many independent Nguni chiefdoms. During his brief reign more than a hundred chiefdoms were brought together in a Zulu kingdom which survived not only the death of its founder but later military defeat and calculated attempts to break it up.

Shaka was a son of Senzangakhona, ruler of an insignificant small chiefdom, the Zulu. His mother was Nandi, the daughter of a Langeni chief. Information about Shaka's early years is gleaned entirely from oral sources. It is claimed that Shaka was born into Senzangakhona's household but that the couple were not yet married according to traditional custom. A more credible account is that the relationship between Nandi and Senzangakhona was illicit, and that Shaka was born in Langeni territory at the Nguga homestead of Nandi's uncle. Shaka's name is said to stem from Senzangakhona's claim that Nandi was not pregnant but was suffering from an intestinal condition caused by the iShaka beetle. Despite his attempts to deny paternity, Senzangakhona eventually installed Nandi as his third wife. Shaka thus spent his earliest years at his father's esiKlebeni homestead near present Babanango, in the hallowed locality known as the EmaKhosini or Burial-place of the Kings, where Senzangakhona's forebears, the descendants of Zulu (Nkosinkulu), had been chiefs for generations. The relationship of Senzangakhona and Nandi seems to have been unhappy and ended in the chieftain driving Nandi from his court.

Nandi and her son sought sanctuary in the Mhlathuze Valley of the Langeni people. Here, growing up as a fatherless child, Shaka seems to have been the victim of humiliation and cruel treatment by the Langeni boys. At that time there were two strong rival Nguni groups, the Mthethwa led by the paramount chief Dingiswayo, and the Ndwandwe under the ferocious Zwide. Later, probably at the time of the Great Famine, known as the Madlantule (c.1802), Shaka was taken to the Mthethwa people, where shelter was found in the home of Nandi's aunt. He thus grew up in the court of Dingiswayo, who welcomed them with friendliness. Shaka, however, suffered much from the bullying and teasing of the Mthethwa boys, too, who resented his claims to chiefly descent.

As he grew to manhood, Shaka began to discover new talents and faculties. Outwardly, he was tall and powerfully built, and his skill and daring gave him a natural mastery over the youths in his age group; inwardly, he was developing a thirst for power. Probably when he was about twenty-three years old, he was drafted into one of the Mthethwa regiments where he found a satisfaction he had never known before. With the impi in the iziCwe regiment, he had the companionship he had previously lacked, while the battlefield provided a stadium in which he could demonstrate his talents and courage. His outstanding deeds of courage attracted the attention of his overlord and, rising rapidly in Dingiswayo's army, he became one of his foremost commanders. At this time, Shaka was given the name Nodumehlezi (the one who when seated causes the earth to rumble). While in the Mthethwa army Shaka became engrossed in problems of strategy and battle tactics, and Dingiswayo contributed much toward Shaka's later accomplishments in war. Militarism was thereafter to be a way of life for him, and one that he was to inflict on thousands of others.

Shaka usurps the Zulu Chiefdom

On the death of Shaka's father (c. 1816), Dingiswayo lent his young protégé the military support necessary to oust and assassinate his senior brother Sigujana, and make himself chieftain of the Zulu, although he remained a vassal of Dingiswayo. But, as Dingiswayo's favourite, he seems to have been granted an unusual amount of freedom to carve out a bigger principality for himself by conquering and assimilating his neighbours, including the Buthelezi clan and the Langeni of his boyhood days.

Dingiswayo's death

According to the diary of Henry Francis Fynn, Dingiswayo's death (c.1818) was the result of Shaka's treachery, though firm testimony of this is lacking. However, it is known that when Dingiswayo fought his last battle, Shaka did not arrive at the scene until after his overlord's capture. He thus retained his forces intact. Zwide later murdered Dingiswayo, and, when the leaderless Mthethwa state collapsed, Shaka immediately assumed leadership and began conquering surrounding chiefdoms himself, adding their forces to his own and building up a new kingdom.

The defeat of the Ndwandwe

Zwide decided to smash his new rival. After a first expedition had been defeated by the superior control and strategies of the Zulu at Gqokoli Hill, Zwide, in April 1818, sent all his army into Zululand. This time Shaka wore out the invaders by pretending he was retreating and drawing Zwide's forces deep into his own territory; then, when he had successfully exhausted the invaders, he flung his own regiments on them and defeated them conclusively at the Mhlathuze river. This defeat shattered the Ndwandwe state. Part of the main Ndwandwe force under Shoshangane, together with the Jere under Zwangendaba, the Maseko under Ngwane, and the Msene led by Nxaba, fled northwards. The survivors of the main Ndwandwe force settled for a time on the upper Pongola River. In 1826, under Zwide's successor, Sikhunyane, they again fought the Zulu, but were totally routed. The majority then submitted to Shaka. He was able to recruit additional warriors from these sources and proceeded to train them in his own methods of close combat.

Shaka's supremacy

By then, Shaka had no major rival in the area of present day KwaZulu/Natal. During his brief reign, which lasted only ten years after his final defeat of the Ndwandwe, his regiments continuously went on campaign, steadily extending their assaults further afield as the areas near at hand were stripped of their cattle. If a chiefdom resisted, it was conquered and either destroyed or, like the Thembu and Chunu, driven off as landless refugees. When chiefdom submitted, he left local administration in the hands of the reigning chief or another member of the traditional ruling family appointed by himself.

The Zulu Military System

Once in power Shaka began reorganizing the forces of his people in accordance with ideas he had developed as a warrior in Dingiswayo's army.

The assegai. He had seen that the traditional type of spear, a long-handled assegai thrown from a distance, was no good for the regulated fighting in close formation he had in mind. A group of warriors who held on to their assegais instead of hurling them, and who moved right up to the enemy behind the shelter of a barrier of shields would have its opponents at its mercy and would be able to accomplish complete victory. Having proved the advantages of the new tactics, Shaka armed his warriors with short-handled stabbing spears and trained them to move up to their opponents in close formation with their body-length cowhide shields forming an almost impenetrable barrier to anything thrown at them.

The formation most generally used was crescent-shaped. A number of regiments extending several ranks deep formed a dense body known as the chest (isifuba), while on each side a regiment moved forward forming the horns. As the horns curved inward around the enemy, the main body would advance killing all those who could not break through the encompassing lines.

Discipline. By means of much drilling and discipline, Shaka built up his forces, which soon became the terror of the land. Shaka prohibited the wearing of sandals, toughened his warriors' feet by making them run barefoot over rough thorny ground and in so doing secured their greater mobility. His war cry was `Victory or death!' and he kept his impi on continuous military campaigns until he thought they had earned the right to wear the headring ( isicoco) of manhood. Then they were formally dissolved and allowed to marry.

The male amabutho. The young men were taken away to be enrolled alongside others from all sections of the kingdom in an appropriate amabutho, or age-regiment. This produced a sense of common identity amongst them. Each of these amabutho had its own name and was lodged at one of the royal households, which became military communities as well as retaining their traditional functions. Each military settlement had a herd of royal cattle assigned to it, from which the young men were supplied with meat. The hides of the cattle were used to provide the shields of the warriors and an attempt was made to select cattle with distinctive skin colouring for each amabutho.

The female amabutho. Numbers of the young women of the kingdom were assembled at the military settlements. Officially, they were wards of the king. They were organized in female equivalents of the male amabutho and took part in ceremonial dancing and displays. When one of the male amabutho was given permission to marry, a female amabutho would be broken up and the women given out as brides to the warriors. Until such time, however, sexual intercourse between members of the male and female age regiments was forbidden. Transgressions were punished by death.

The royal women. Each settlement contained a section of royal women headed by a formidable woman, usually one of Shaka's aunts. Shaka, however, dreaded producing a legitimate heir. He never married and women found pregnant by him were put to death. His households were thus not dominated by wives but by stern senior women of the royal family. In the king's absence, administrative authority was wielded jointly by the female ruler of the settlement and by an induna who was usually a favourite of the king. The military system thus helped develop a strong sense of identity in the kingdom as a whole.

The traditional leaders of the subject chiefdoms still held local administrative authority, and on the dissolution of the amabutho the young men would return to live in their community of origin. Thus, the sense of identity of these subject chiefdoms was not entirely lost, but remained an important element in the later politics of the Zulu kingdom.

The military indunas or captains, as trusted favourites of the king, received many cattle from him and were able to build up large personal followings. These developments resulted in the evolution of powerful figures in later reigns with strong local power bases that they had been able to build up because of royal appointments and favours.

KwaBulawayo. Shaka's first capital was on the banks of the Mhodi, a small tributary of the Mkhumbane River in the Babanango district. He named his great place KwaBulawayo (`at the place of the murder'). As his kingdom grew, he built a far bigger KwaBulawayo, a royal household of about 1,400 huts, in the Mhlathuze valley, some 27 km from the present town of Eshowe.

Economic and social changes. The development of the military system caused major economic and social changes. That so much youth was concentrated at the royal barracks resulted in a massive transfer of economic potential to a centralized state. However, the cattle wealth of the whole community throughout the kingdom was greatly improved; even though most of the herds were owned by the king and his chiefs and indunas, all shared in the pride roused by the magnificence of the royal herds as well as the pride of belonging to the unequalled military power of Zulu.

Effects of Shaka's wars. His wars were accompanied by great slaughter and caused many migrations. Their effects were felt even far north of the Zambezi River. Because they feared Shaka, leaders like Zwangendaba, Mzilikazi, and Shoshangane moved northwards far into the central African interior and in their turn sowed war and destruction before developing their own kingdoms. Some estimate that during his reign Shaka caused the death of more than a million people. Shaka's wars between 1818 and 1828 contributed to a series of forced migrations known in various parts of southern Africa as the Mfecane, Difaqane, Lifaqane, or Fetcani. Groups of refugees from Shaka's assaults, first Hlubi and Ngwane clans, later followed by the Mantatees and the Matabele of Mzilikazi, crossed the Drakensberg to the west, smashing chiefdoms in their path. Famine and chaos followed the wholesale extermination of populations and the destruction of herds and crops between the Limpopo and the Gariep River. Old chiefdoms vanished and new ones were created.

The white traders of Port Natal

By the time the first white traders arrived at Port Natal in 1824, Shaka was in control of a centralized monarchy, which spanned the entire eastern coastal belt from the Pongola River in the north to the lands beyond the Tugela in the south. That year, Henry Francis Fynn and Francis Farewell visited Shaka. In 1825, when Lieutenant James King paid him a visit, Shaka sent a goodwill delegation to Major J Cloete, Cape government representative at Port Elizabeth. Shaka accorded the white traders most favoured treatment, ceded them land, and permitted them to build a settlement at Port Natal. He was curious about their technological developments, was anxious to learn much more about warfare, and he was especially interested in the culture they represented. Moreover, he was alert to the advantages that their trade might bring to him.

In 1826, in order to be closer and more accessible to the settlers at Port Natal, Shaka built a large military barracks at Dukuza, (‘the place where one gets lost'). It was 80 km further south of his previous royal residence kwaBulawayo, on the site of the present day town of Stanger. During his lifetime, there were no conflicts between the whites and the Zulus, as Shaka did not want to precipitate clashes with the military forces of the Cape colonial government. H F Fynn, who knew him well, found him intelligent and often amiable, and mentioned occasions that leave no doubt that Shaka was capable of generosity. Freed from the restrictions that limited most chiefs, Shaka acted as an undisputed, almighty ruler. A cruel tyrant, he had men executed with a nod of his head. The loyalties of his people were severely strained as the frequent cruelties of their great king increased steadily. The climax came with the death of his mother Nandi in October 1827, huge numbers were put to death during the mourning ceremonies because they showed insufficient grief; and his armies were sent out to force the surrounding chiefdoms to grieve.

Taking advantage of the absence of his armies, on 22 September 1828, his bodyguard Mbopha, and his half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana, stabbed Shaka near his military barracks at Dukuza. As the great King Shaka's life ebbed away, he called out to his brother Dingane:

“Hey brother! You kill me, thinking you will rule, but the swallows will do that.” He meant the white people, because they made their houses of mud, like the swallows. This was too much for his assailants and they leapt upon him, stabbing. According to members of his family, Shaka's last words were: “Are you stabbing me, kings of the earth? You will come to an end through killing one another.”

Hastily they buried his body in a grain-pit nearby. Having died without an heir, Dingane succeeded him, but Shaka's prophecy haunted him and ever after that, he was wary of white people. Under Shaka's successors, Dingane, Mpande, and Cetshwayo the Zulu monarchy profoundly influenced the course of South African history.

Howcroft, P. (undated). South Africa Encyclopaedia: Prehistory to the year 2000, unpublished papers with SA History Online.| Who is Shaka Zulu? A short biography on a man with incredible vision Shaka, Zulu King [online] Pagewise [accessed 17 September 2009]| Anglo-Zulu War 1879 . [online] About.com [accessed 17 September 2009]

• Chaka by Mofolo

Collections in the Archives

Know something about this topic.

Towards a people's history

• History & Society
• Science & Tech
• Biographies
• Animals & Nature
• Geography & Travel
• Arts & Culture
• Games & Quizzes
• On This Day
• One Good Fact
• New Articles
• Lifestyles & Social Issues
• Philosophy & Religion
• Politics, Law & Government
• World History
• Health & Medicine
• Browse Biographies
• Birds, Reptiles & Other Vertebrates
• Bugs, Mollusks & Other Invertebrates
• Environment
• Fossils & Geologic Time
• Entertainment & Pop Culture
• Sports & Recreation
• Visual Arts
• Demystified
• Image Galleries
• Infographics
• Top Questions
• Britannica Kids
• Saving Earth
• Space Next 50
• Student Center
• Introduction & Top Questions

Early life and accession

Reorganization of the army, the mfecane of the 1820s.

• What is imperialism in history?
• Does imperialism still exist today?
• Did imperialism cause World War I?

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• South African History Online - Biography of Shaka Zulu
• National Endowment for the Arts - Biography of Shaka Zulu
• CORE - African Traditional Government: A Case Study of Shaka the Zulu
• Ancient Origins - Shaka Zulu: The Story of a Ruthless Ruler
• BlackPast - Shaka Zulu
• SF State Faculty Sites - Shaka Zulu: "Black Napoleon"
• HistoryNet - Shaka Zulu: Africa’s Napoleon?
• Shaka - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• Shaka - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
• Table Of Contents

Who was Shaka?

Shaka was a Zulu chief (1816–28) and the founder of the Zulu empire in Southern Africa . He is credited with creating a fighting force that devastated the entire region.

Who were Shaka’s parents?

Shaka was the son of Senzangakona, chieftain of the Zulu , and Nandi, an orphaned princess of the neighbouring Langeni clan.

What was Shaka’s childhood like?

Shaka’s parents’ marriage violated Zulu custom, and the stigma of this extended to the child. The couple separated when Shaka was six, and his mother took Shaka back to her clan, where he passed a fatherless boyhood among a people who despised his mother.

When did Shaka rule?

Shaka ruled the Zulu empire from 1816 until his death in 1828.

How did Shaka die?

After Shaka made erratic decisions that led to the deaths of thousands, he was assassinated by a group of associates that included two of his half brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana, in September 1828.

Shaka (born c. 1787—died Sept. 22, 1828) was a Zulu chief (1816–28), founder of Southern Africa ’s Zulu Empire. He is credited with creating a fighting force that devastated the entire region. His life is the subject of numerous colourful and exaggerated stories, many of which are debated by historians.

Shaka was the son of Senzangakona, chieftain of the Zulu, and Nandi, an orphaned princess of the neighbouring Langeni clan. Because his parents belonged to the same clan, their marriage violated Zulu custom, and the stigma of this extended to the child. The couple separated when Shaka was six, and Nandi took her son back to the Langeni, where he passed a fatherless boyhood among a people who despised his mother. In 1802 the Langeni drove Nandi out, and she finally found shelter with the Dletsheni, a subclan of the powerful Mthethwa . When Shaka was 23, Dingiswayo , the Mthethwa paramount chieftain, called up Shaka’s Dletsheni age group for military service. For the next six years, he served with brilliance as a warrior of the Mthethwa Empire.

Senzangakona died in 1816, and Dingiswayo released Shaka from service and sent him to take over the Zulu, which at this time probably numbered fewer than 1,500, occupying an area on the White Umfolozi River. They were among the smallest of the more than 800 Eastern Nguni–Bantu clans, but from the day of Shaka’s arrival they commenced their march to greatness. Shaka ruled with an iron hand from the outset, meting out instant death for the slightest opposition.

His first act was to reorganize the army. Like all the clans, the Zulu were armed with oxhide shields and spindly throwing spears. Battles were little more than brief and relatively bloodless clashes in which the outnumbered side prudently gave way before extensive casualties occurred. Shaka first rearmed his men with long-bladed, short-hafted stabbing assegais, which forced them to fight at close quarters. He then instituted the regimental system based on age groups, quartered at separate kraals (villages) and distinguished by uniform markings on shields and by various combinations of headdress and ornaments.

He developed standard tactics , which the Zulu used in every battle. The available regiments (known collectively as the impi ) were divided into four groups. The strongest, termed the “chest,” closed with the enemy to pin him down while two “horns” raced out to encircle and attack the foe from behind. A reserve, known as the “loins,” was seated nearby, with its back to the battle so as not to become unduly excited, and could be sent to reinforce any part of the ring if the enemy threatened to break out. The battle was supervised by indunas , or officers, who used hand signals to direct the regiments. An impi consistently covered 50 miles (80 km) a day, living off grain and cattle requisitioned from the kraals it passed and accompanied by boys who carried the warriors’ sleeping mats and cooking pots.

Shaka fought for extermination, incorporating the remnants of the clans he smashed into the Zulu. He first decimated the small clans in his vicinity, starting with the Langeni; he sought out the men who had made his boyhood a misery and impaled them on the sharpened stakes of their own kraal fences. In less than a year, the Zulu—and their army—had quadrupled in number. In 1817 Dingiswayo—still Shaka’s overlord—was murdered, and the last restraint on Zulu expansion was removed.

Within two years Shaka bested the only clans large enough to threaten him, the Ndwandwe and the Qwabe, and in a series of annual campaigns he then struck at and smashed the complex network of clans living to the south of the Zulu territories. By 1823 the region was a depopulated ruin of smoking kraals, and the terrified survivors had broken up tribal patterns as far away as the Cape Colony .

Although Shaka’s depredations were limited to the coastal area, they led indirectly to the Mfecane (“Crushing”) that devastated the inland plateau in the early 1820s. Marauding clans, fleeing the Zulu wrath and searching for land, started a deadly game of musical chairs that broke the clan structure of the interior and left two million dead in its wake. The Boer Great Trek of the 1830s passed through this area, succeeding only because virtually no one was left to oppose them.

The first Europeans arrived in Port Natal (present-day Durban ) in 1824. A dozen settlers of the Farewell Trading Company established a post on the landlocked bay and soon made contact with Shaka, whose kraal Bulawayo lay 100 miles (160 km) to the north. Fascinated by their ways and their artifacts but convinced that his own civilization was much superior, he permitted them to stay. Two of the early settlers, Henry Francis Fynn and Nathaniel Isaacs, became fluent Zulu linguists, and most of what is known of early Nguni history stems from their writings.

In 1827 Nandi died, and with his mother’s death Shaka became openly psychotic. About 7,000 Zulus were killed in the initial paroxysm of his grief, and for a year no crops were planted, nor could milk—the basis of the Zulu diet staple—be used. All women found pregnant were slain with their husbands, as were thousands of milch cows, so that even the calves might know what it was to lose a mother.

Early in 1828 Shaka sent the impi south in a raid that carried the warriors clear to the borders of the Cape Colony. They had no sooner returned, expecting the usual season’s rest, than he sent them off to raid far in the north. It was too much for his associates, and two of his half brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana, together with an induna named Mbopa, murdered him in September of that year.

World History Edu

Shaka Zulu: History, Military Tactics & Facts

by World History Edu · May 22, 2021

Shaka was the famous king of the Zulu Empire (i.e. Zululand) in southeastern Africa. His reign, which lasted from 1816 to around 1828, witnessed unprecedented growth and expansion of the Zulu people.

Such was Shaka’s military innovation and technical abilities that he was able to bring several tens of tribes in the region under his rule. Towards the latter part of his reign, this brilliant military strategist and vicious conqueror had grown very paranoid and illogical in his decisions, forcing his two half-brothers to topple him by means of assassination.

In the article below, World History delves into the history, military tactics, and major facts about Shaka, the founder of the Zulu Empire.

Birth and childhood

Shaka, the military leader responsible for making Zululand one of the most lethal fighting forces in the history of Africa, was born in 1787 in the Zulu clan, a small and unremarkable group of people in Southeastern Africa.

Shaka’s father was the chief of the Zulu clan. His mother, known as Nandi from a neighboring clan, was a minor wife of his father.  Growing up, Shaka and his mother were somewhat shunned by other members of the royal family as many considered his mother’s marriage to the clan chief taboo. He was seen as an illegitimate son and therefore not given any title by his father. As a matter of fact, his name “Shaka” translates to a Zulu word used to describe an intestinal beetle. It’s likely that his mother used that illness to mask her untimely pregnancy.

Matters were even made worse for Shaka and his mother, when his father banished both of them from his village. The mother and son were taken in by a chief of a neighboring village. Shaka spent his formative years enduring loads of ridicule and abuse from the children in this village.

Military training and adulthood

Not the kind to let bullying get into him, Shaka always pushed himself and ultimately grew up into a strong and powerful adult. He was taken under the wings of a very powerful chief and warlord in the area, known as Dingiswayo.

It was from Dingiswayo that Shaka learnt most of his military tactics. He trained day in day out, mastering skills in weapon handling, hunting and close combat.  He also came out with a number of his own fighting techniques that would prove extremely useful in his later years. For example, Shaka noticed how agile and quick he became when he fought without wearing sandals. So he permanently discarded his sandals and walked barefooted in order to make the soles of his feet stronger.

He also held several productive conversations with the clan’s blacksmith about how to perfect a spear that was not only good for close hand-to-hand battle but also one that could be thrown to strike an enemy from distance.

Steadily Shaka made his way up the ranks of Dingiswayo’s army. His strength and bravery was perhaps unmatched by any other soldier in the clan, making Dingiswayo take a strong liking to him. He was even appointed commander of the clan’s army.

How Shaka became chief of the Zulu people

Following the death of Shaka’s father, his brother inherited the throne. However, Shaka, who had always harbored the dreams of one day leading the Zulu people, collaborated with his mentor Dingiswayo and had his brother killed. Together with Dingiswayo, Shaka began transforming the Zulu tribe both militarily and economically. Due to their improved military tactics and weapons the two men had successful military campaigns in neighboring tribes.

Upon the death of Dingiswayo, who was most likely killed by rival tribe in the region, Shaka united the Zulu people with Dingiswayo’s tribe. He thus began the process of building a formidable empire that would go on to control large parts of southeastern Africa. Feared by many warriors, Shaka was undoubtedly the most powerful chief in the area.

The name of his capital Bulawayo, which means “the city where people come to be killed”, captures just how much Shaka was feared.

Shaka Zulu’s military conquests

Hoping to settle scores with the Zwide, the tribe he believed killed Dingiwayo, Shaka waged a great war against the Zwide people in 1818. By the end of the battle, which was fought at Gqokli Hill, Shaka had successfully annihilated his enemy’s forces. This all occurred even though his forces were immensely outnumbered. The Zulu leader had spent considerable amount of time and resources training his men, drilling them into a mighty fighting body.

He also used and perfected a great deal of the techniques he learnt from Dingiswayo. For example, one of the reasons why Shaka’s army was so good on the battlefield was because of a battle formation known as the “horns of the buffalo” or the “horns of the beat”. This battle formation allowed Shaka to divide his army into four sections: two flanks, the base and then a reserve force.

In addition to the above, Shaka was known for drilling his soldiers and arming them with improved battle gear. Most famous of those equipment was the assegais , a modified spear that was made in such a way that it allowed the holder to engage in close battle. The long blade of the spear proved to be a real game changer for the Zulu warriors.

King Shaka transformed the Zulu tribe, which was one of the smallest at the time that he became chief, to the most powerful kingdom in southeastern Africa. His army could boast of close to 50,000 soldiers, from a meager 1500 when he became chief.

Did you know : Shaka Zulu banned all young men from marrying until they had distinguished themselves well enough on the field of battle?

A brutal king

Shaka’s name makes huge wave in annals of history primarily because of his military innovation and tactics on the battlefield. He was perhaps one of the greatest in African history. However, what often gets left out in the recount of his story are the atrocities that he and his mighty Zulu warriors perpetrated for years. His numerous conquests often involved huge massacres, sometimes entire villages got razed down to the ground. There was hardly any chiefdom that could go toe to toe with his Zulu Kingdom.

Historians often hold him responsible for beginning the Mfecane (i.e. the crushing ), a term used to describe the humanitarian disaster that followed in the aftermath of Shaka’s conquests. Several thousands of people in southeastern Africa were displaced, many of them scattering into places as far as modern-day Tanzania and Zambia. Many of those people died on those journeys. To make matters worse, Shaka Zulu’s conquests coincided with a severe drought that tore through the region in the first few decades of the 19 th century. Starvation was so rife that those lucky enough not to die during the Zulu raids had to resort to cannibalism.

According to some accounts, Shaka’s latter years on the throne saw him act in an absolutely mad manner as he was reeling from the death of his mother in 1827. He is believed to have banned the planting of new crops and all forms of merrymaking. Those that flouted this ban were quickly executed. The grief-struck despotic ruler also forbade his people from drinking milk. Getting pregnant in household was also punishable by death.

How did Shaka Zulu die?

Shaka Zulu’s days on the throne increasingly became numbered as he was directly responsible for slaughtering more than 5,000 people. There rumors floating around that the mighty warrior king was losing his mind. Therefore it came as no surprise that he was assassinated by his two half-brothers – Dingane and Mhalngana – in 1828. The coup plotters reasoned that his death was the only way to prevent the Zulu Empire from imploding.

After Shaka’s death, Dingane, one of the coup plotters, was crowned king of the Zulu people. The body of the murdered king was believed to have been placed in an unmarked grave. It was a sign of how much the usurpers had come to despise the reign of king who literally founded one the greatest empires in modern Africa.

More Shaka facts

Shaka, the military tactician and founder of the Zulu Empire

Shaka was a master military tactician who knew the essence of dividing his army into components, sometimes on the basis of age and fighting strength. For example, he tasked young boys, perhaps in their early teens, with transporting military supplies. This allowed his fighting machine to move very quickly during raids or conquests.

As at the time that Shaka first rose to the throne, the Zulu population was less than 2,000, making them one of the not so remarkable tribes in the region. By the time he was deposed by his brothers, the population was in the region of 250,000 people. That is quite impressive, considering the fact that he was king for about twelve years.

You may also like:  10 Mightiest African Empires of All Time

Tags: Dingiswayo Shaka Shaka Zulu South Africa Zulu Empire Zululand

You may also like...

Ghana Empire: History, Achievements, & Major Facts

October 26, 2023

Miriam Makeba: 10 Important Achievements

November 13, 2020

Anansi – the Trickster Spider-Man of West Africa

February 18, 2022

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Next story  Kenneth Kaunda: Biography, Presidency, Accomplishments, & Facts
• Previous story  9 Major Achievements of Kenneth Kaunda
• Popular Posts
• Recent Posts

Abdülmecid II: the last Caliph of Islam from the Ottoman dynasty

What are the various names of Santa Claus across different cultures?

John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry: History & Major Facts

What some of the most pervasive myths about WWI?

The Path from the Yom Kippur War to the Camp David Accords

Greatest African Leaders of all Time

Queen Elizabeth II: 10 Major Achievements

Donald Trump’s Educational Background

Donald Trump: 10 Most Significant Achievements

8 Most Important Achievements of John F. Kennedy

Odin in Norse Mythology: Origin Story, Meaning and Symbols

Ragnar Lothbrok – History, Facts & Legendary Achievements

9 Great Achievements of Queen Victoria

Most Ruthless African Dictators of All Time

12 Most Influential Presidents of the United States

Greek God Hermes: Myths, Powers and Early Portrayals

Kamala Harris: 10 Major Achievements

Kwame Nkrumah: History, Major Facts & 10 Memorable Achievements

8 Major Achievements of Rosa Parks

How did Captain James Cook die?

Trail of Tears: Story, Death Count & Facts

5 Great Accomplishments of Ancient Greece

Most Famous Pharaohs of Egypt

The Exact Relationship between Elizabeth II and Elizabeth I

How and when was Morse Code Invented?

• Adolf Hitler Alexander the Great American Civil War Ancient Egyptian gods Ancient Egyptian religion Apollo Athena Athens Black history Carthage China Civil Rights Movement Cold War Constantine the Great Constantinople Egypt England France Hera Horus India Isis John Adams Julius Caesar Loki Medieval History Military Generals Military History Napoleon Bonaparte Nobel Peace Prize Odin Osiris Ottoman Empire Pan-Africanism Queen Elizabeth I Religion Set (Seth) Soviet Union Thor Timeline Turkey Women’s History World War I World War II Zeus

BlackPast is dedicated to providing a global audience with reliable and accurate information on the history of African America and of people of African ancestry around the world. We aim to promote greater understanding through this knowledge to generate constructive change in our society.

Shaka zulu (1787-1828).

Shaka Zulu established the Zulu Empire and revolutionized warfare in Southern Africa in the early 19th Century.  Shaka was born in 1787. His father, Senzangakhona, was a minor chief of one of the Zulu-speaking clans and his mother, Nandi, was daughter of Chief Mbhengi of the rival clan.  Shaka’s birth was considered a sin because his parents were from different clans. Due to pressure from tribal leaders Shaka’s parents separated resulting in the exile of him and his mother from his father’s clan. Shaka’s mother returned to her Elangeni where she was shunned.  Consequently, her son Shaka was harassed, tormented, and neglected.

As Shaka grew older, he recalled with anger his tormenting by Elangeni members.  Upon reaching manhood he deserted the Elangeni and became affiliated with the Mthethwa clan. He served as a warrior for six years under the reign of Dingiswayo, the Mthethwa’s chief. Dingiswayo was impressed by Shaka’s courage and endurance.  Shaka remained with the Mthethwa until he learned of the death of his father, Senzangakhona, in 1816.

Shaka claimed his father’s chieftaincy with military assistance from Dingiswayo.  With his experience learned from the Mthethwa, he transformed his clan’s military from a largely ceremonial force into a powerful army capable of both defense and aggression.

In 1818, Shaka’s mentor Dingiswayo was assassinated by Zwide, the chief of the Ndwandwe clan.  Shaka sought revenge and received it in 1820 with the Zulu’s victory over the Ndwandwe in the Battle of Mhlatuze River.  Shaka then set out to forge the various Zulu-speaking clans into a powerful empire.  As he incorporated rival groups, the Zulu Empire’s population reached an estimated 250,000 and his state emerged as the largest in the history of Southern Africa.  In 1827, at the height of his power, Shaka could order into the field of battle over 50,000 warriors and controlled most of the area that is now the modern state of South Africa.

Shaka’s actions became simultaneously more tyrannical, ruthless and bizarre as power concentrated in his hands.  In 1827 at the height of his power, his mother, Nandi, died.  Anger over her death and over her (and his) treatment at the hands of the Elangeni led him to order the massacre of thousands of tribal members.  His brutal treatment of his own Army nearly led to its mutiny.

In 1828, Shaka was assassinated by his half brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana.  Dingane assumed control of the Empire which lasted another half century before finally being crushed by the British Army.

Do you find this information helpful? A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone.

BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Your donation is fully tax-deductible.

Cite this entry in APA format:

Source of the author's information:.

Carolyn Hampton, “Shaka Zulu,” in New Encyclopedia of Africa , John Middleton and Joseph C. Miller, eds., (New York: Scribner’s, 2008); Alonford James Robinson, “Shaka,” in Africana, the Encyclopedia of the African & African American Experience , ed . Kwame Anthony Appiah, and Henry Louis Gates, Jr., eds., (New York: Oxford University Press, 2005).

• Corrections

Shaka Zulu: The Life of Africa’s Legendary Warrior King

A powerful and iconic figure, Shaka Zulu turned the tiny Zulu tribe into a great empire.

In the early 19th century, in the region of what is now KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa, a powerful kingdom was born. At its head was the clever but brutal King Shaka. Under his rule, the small and insignificant Zulu tribe came to dominate all other tribes at a time of immense conflict in the area.

He defined and refined Zulu culture as his conquests created a legacy that exists as a powerful link to the Zulu people today.

His story was one of struggle and violence, as well as immense grief, sadness, and insanity.

The Early Life of Shaka

The birth of Shaka was a result of a violation of Zulu tradition. uKuhlobonga was the act of non-penetrative sex, and it served an important function. The practice was believed to wash away the umnyama – darkness or bad omens caused by killing another man. Thus, when Zulu warriors went to or returned from war, uKuhlobonga was a very common act.

Get the latest articles delivered to your inbox

Please check your inbox to activate your subscription.

Prince Senzangakhona, chief of the then tiny Zulu tribe, had engaged in uKuhlobonga with a woman named Nandi but had broken tradition and engaged in penetrative sex. To make matters worse, Nandi was from a different tribe, the Elangeni, and engaging in sexual rituals between members of different tribes was also frowned upon.

When Nandi claimed to be pregnant, Prince Senzangakhona dismissed it as an intestinal beetle known as iShaka . As the months passed, it became clear that Nandi was not suffering from an intestinal beetle. When the child was born in 1787, she was sent from her tribe in shame to the Zulu to present her child to Prince Senzangakhona. At first, he denied the child was his, but his uncle pressured him to admit the child as his own, and Prince Senzangakhona relented, admitting he was the father and making Nandi his third wife.

The name Shaka was used in a derogative manner, and as the boy grew up, he was teased and mistreated by Senzangakhona’s other wives and children. Nandi was also the target of distrust and mistreatment.

Despite being the eldest of Senzangakhona’s sons, Shaka would not inherit his father’s title. Shaka’s younger half-brother, Sigujana, would receive that honor.

One day, as an act of revenge, Shaka stood and watched as a dog killed one of Senzangakhona’s sheep. Enraged by Shaka’s inaction, Senzangakhona argued with Nandi and beat Shaka.

Nandi and Shaka left the Zulu tribe and returned to her mother’s tribe, the Elangeni, but they were not welcomed with open arms. The stigma attached to them led them to be treated harshly there too. Nevertheless, they stayed there until 1802, when famine hit the area and forced them to seek help elsewhere.

They took refuge in the mDletsheni clan, which was ruled over by an aging King Jobe of the Mthethwa Paramountcy. Nandi and Shaka were accepted, and Shaka became a cattle herder for the tribe. In 1803, when Shaka was 16 years old, King Jobe died, and his son Dingiswayo ascended the throne.

Under Dingiswayo, the tribe’s focus changed and underwent militarization. Shaka became one of Dingiswayo’s soldiers and showed exceptional ability. Dingiswayo took a liking to this young soldier and promoted him. Shaka eventually became one of Dingiswayo’s generals.

In 1815, King Senzangakhona of the Zulu died after an illness and was succeeded by Shaka’s younger half-brother, Sigujana. He did not reign for long.

With the support of Dingiswayo and the Mthethwa Paramountcy, to which all the tribes in the area belonged, Shaka returned to the Zulu tribe with a regiment of soldiers in tow. He took power in a relatively bloodless coup and had Sigujama put to death. Shaka was now King of the Zulu tribe, which was still a vassal of the Mthethwa Paramountcy.

Shaka Establishes Himself 

Shaka quickly proved himself a capable leader and an asset to the Mthethwa Paramountcy. Although heavily militarized, the Zulu did not always resort to warfare to achieve their goal. The Zulu were still small, and Shaka applied pressure via diplomatic means rather than open conflict. Through this tactic, he allied himself with many of his smaller neighbors, primarily to fend off Ndwandwe raids from the north.

Shaka’s accession to the Zulu throne coincided with a period of immense strife within the region. The Mfecane , as it is known by the Zulu, does not translate well into English, but it roughly translates as “scattering, crushing, forced dispersal, and forced migration.” It is also known as the Difaqane of Lifaqane in Sesotho .

The Mfecane is a widely debated topic, and original academic theories posit that it was a result of Zulu expansion, but the theory has been challenged, and evidence suggests this time of strife started at the end of the 18th century before Shaka became king. There was wholesale slaughter and genocide during this period as the region erupted into war, and initial theories put the death toll at between one and two million people, but this figure has been reduced in modern estimates.

War With Zwide

Within a year of Shaka becoming king of the Zulu, Dingiswayo died, murdered at the hands of King Zwide of the Ndwandwe. The Ndwandwe was a rival nation to the Mthethwa, and a war between the two saw a temporary scattering and a power vacuum left within the Mthethwa nation. Shaka stepped in to fill that vacuum and established reforms to reunite the Mthethwa and strengthen its military. Despite being heavily outnumbered by the Ndwandwe, Shaka took the Zulu army and defeated the Ndwandwe.

He defeated Zwide at Gqokli Hill before clashing with the Ndwandwe again at the Mhlatuze River , which proved to be the critical battle that saw the Ndwandwe completely defeated. The massive superiority of Ndwandwe numbers was mitigated by the river they had to cross, and when their army was evenly split on each side of the river, Shaka launched his attack. This battle proved the effectiveness of Shaka Zulu’s strategies and tactics, which he had implemented.

Shaka used the Bull Horn formation to devastating effect. The Zulu army was deployed with flanks (horns) extending from the main body (chest) of the formation, while behind, the reserves (loins) waited to reinforce any area of the main formation. In an era when battles generally consisted of standing in lines and throwing spears at each other, this tactic was innovative and deadly, especially when coupled with the usage of the iklwa – a short stabbing spear instead of the longer assegai . The iklwa is so named as it represents the sound the spear makes when it is pulled from its victim.

It is difficult to determine exactly how Shaka’s revenge came to fruition, but Zwide managed to escape Shaka’s attempt at capturing him.

Shaka was not empty-handed, however. He had captured Zwide’s mother, a sangoma named Ntombazi. According to legend, he locked her in a house with jackals and hyenas, and after she was savaged, he burned the house to the ground.

The remnants of the Ndwandwe fled to the northwest and gave battle once again in 1825 but were finally crushed by Shaka’s army once and for all.

After the war with the Ndwandwe, Shaka continued to subdue the neighboring tribes, often turning to violent conquest in order to do so.

Shaka Meets with Europeans

White traders arrived in Port Natal in 1824, and by this time, Shaka had established a powerful, centralized monarchy. The two Europeans who set out to meet Shaka were Henry Francis Fynn and Francis Farewell. Henry Francis Fynn would end up spending nine years living in Shaka’s kraal, and the two became good friends.

Meanwhile, Shaka had productive dealings with other Europeans. He was visited by Europeans who wished to establish contact and have peaceful relations with Shaka, and Shaka returned the sentiment. He sent a delegation to Major J. Cloete, the representative of the Cape government at Port Elizabeth (part of the British Empire ). Favorable relations were established, and Shaka showed immense interest in the technology, culture, and trade that the British brought.

Shaka proved to be generous to the British and ceded land to them to establish a settlement in Port Natal. However, Shaka also built large barracks nearby at Dukuza to let them know that they should not take advantage of his generosity.

The Death of Nandi & Shaka’s Insanity

In October 1827, Shaka’s mother, Nandi, died. This triggered a descent into madness for Shaka, and his behavior became violent and erratic, with the Zulu people bearing the brunt of his questionable decisions. He had people executed en masse for not mourning enough, and he sent his armies out to force other tribes to grieve. Women found pregnant at the time of Nandi’s death were also executed, along with their husbands. Cows were even killed so that their calves could feel what it was like to lose their mother.

He banned the planting of crops and the use of milk for an entire year. This formed the basis of the entire Zulu diet, and famine was sure to follow. This destructive behavior generated massive concern within Zulu society, and within the political echelons, a plot was hatched to depose Shaka.

While Shaka’s armies were away, his bodyguard Mbopha, with his half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana, set upon him with their spears, murdering the Zulu king. His body was hastily buried in a grain pit, and Dingane declared himself the new king of the Zulu nation. Under his rule, the Zulu would continue the militaristic tradition founded by Shaka and would come into disastrous conflict with expanding European enterprises.

The Zulu Nation would eventually fall to the British in 1879 and thus have barely half a century of independent rule.

Shaka was a complex man. Hailed as a hero by some, and a villain by others, there is no doubt that he made his mark on South African history and created the foundation for the Zulu nation that exists today.

5 South African Languages and Their Histories (Nguni-Tsonga Group)

By Greg Beyer BA History & Linguistics, Journalism Diploma Greg specializes in African History. He holds a BA in History & Linguistics and a Journalism Diploma from the University of Cape Town. A former English teacher, he now excels in academic writing and pursues his passion for art through drawing and painting in his free time.

Frequently Read Together

4 Fascinating South African Languages (Sotho-Venda Group)

British History: The Formation of Great Britain and the United Kingdom

What was the Great Trek?

• African Achievements
• African Ancestry
• African Cuisine
• African Diaspora
• Entertainment
• Travel and Tours
• Marketplace
• Travels & Tours
• Afro School Of Culture
• Global Afro Kids Club
• Community Service

• Birth of a Legend: Shaka Zulu, born in the early 19th century in what is now KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, emerged from humble beginnings to become a formidable warrior and visionary ruler. His early years were marked by adversity, including exile and hardship, but they also shaped his indomitable spirit and thirst for power.

• Rise to Power: Shaka’s ascent to power was swift and relentless. Following the assassination of his father, Senzangakhona, Shaka seized the throne and embarked on a mission to unify and expand the Zulu kingdom. Through a combination of military conquests and political alliances, he forged one of the most powerful empires in African history.

Under Shaka’s rule, the Zulu army, known as the Impi, became a formidable force that struck fear into the hearts of neighboring tribes. His military campaigns were marked by ruthless efficiency and strategic brilliance, earning him both admiration and fear from allies and adversaries alike.

• Legacy of a Warrior King: Shaka Zulu’s legacy extends far beyond the battlefield. His reign ushered in a period of unprecedented social and cultural transformation within the Zulu kingdom. He introduced innovative military tactics, social reforms, and centralized governance systems that left an indelible mark on Zulu society.

Beyond his military prowess, Shaka’s legacy lives on in Zulu folklore and oral tradition. Tales of his bravery, wisdom, and visionary leadership continue to inspire generations of Africans and captivate the imagination of storytellers around the world.

• Enduring Influence: Although Shaka’s reign was cut short by betrayal and assassination in 1828, his influence on southern African history and culture endures to this day. The Zulu kingdom he founded remains a vital part of South Africa’s cultural landscape, and his name evokes reverence and fascination across the continent.

From epic battles on the savannah to tales of triumph and tragedy, the legend of Shaka Zulu embodies the spirit of African resilience, determination, and leadership. His story serves as a reminder of Africa’s rich and complex history and the enduring legacy of its legendary figures.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Odumodublvck, Burna Boy Bag Nominations for 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards

Khadija omar makes history as first miss universe somalia and first hijabi woman in the pageant, affordable nigerian restaurant you must visit, check out influential african empires, tips for getting your international visa when coming to africa, zimbabwe to cull 200 elephants to feed people after drought, related articles, the scared lion hunting of the maasai warriors, africa is a continent, not a country – brief history, people and culture, why african girls are still paying for menstruating: menstruation myths, the timbuktu people of mali |the paris of the medieval world.

• Partnership

Copyright I Love Africa

The Legendary Story of the Warrior Chief, Shaka Zulu

Part myth, part legend, the African warrior-chief known as Shaka Zulu transformed the Zulu people. This was a relatively small and insignificant tribe. And he turned them into one of the most savage and well-trained war machines in African history.

To some, Shaka was a nation-builder. He was a uniter of Black people. A bringer of peace. A bringer of law and order. A prophet. A philosopher. Even a visionary.

But to others, he was nothing more than a despot. A tyrant. A dictator. A destroyer. A murderer. A savage. And a barbarian.

Historians have compared him to Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Attila the Hun, and Napoleon. But hyperbole aside, who was Shaka Zulu?

Born into Shame and Prestige 

Shaka Zulu (actual name, Sigidi kaSenzangakhona) was born around 1787. He was born in an area of southeast Africa between the Drakensberg mountains and the Indian Ocean. He was born to Senzangakhona, chieftain of the amaZulu (Nkosinkulu) people, and Nandi, a princess of the neighboring Langeni clan. 

Because their families were related by clan, their marriage violated the Zulu familial taboo. The stigma even extended to the child of their union. Despite the inappropriateness of their relationship, Senzangakona claimed “Shaka” and installed Nandi as his third wife. This went against the wishes of primary wives one and two.

Accordingly, Shaka spent his early years at his father’s  kraal  (village) near present-day Babanango. This was in the sacred locality known as the EmaKhosini or “Burial-place of the Kings,” where Senzangakhona’s forebears had been Zulu chiefs for generations. 

When Shaka was six, however, tensions within the tribe concerning Shaka’s eventual ascendancy as an illegitimate king forced his father to banish mother and son. 

Nandi had no choice but to return to her clan with her son, but she was met with rejection. Being expelled by Senzangakhona effectively made Shaka a fatherless bastard and Nandi an  isifebe  (whore). Thus, she was considered unclean and essentially unmarriable by any man of status. Subsequently, around 1802, she and her son were again sent into exile. 

After wandering the African countryside for several years, Nandi was taken in by the Dletsheni. This was a sub-clan of the powerful Mthethwa Empire of the KwaZulu-Natal. This was part of a newly-formed Southern African state that arose in the 18th century south of Delagoa Bay and inland in the Nkandla region of South Africa.

But despite finding a home with the Dletsheni, Shaka carried the stigma of a fatherless orphan. He remained an outsider among the other boys of the clan. Furthermore, he was tall and gangly and didn’t physically look like the other boys. Moreover, they resented his repeated claims of royal descent. 

Manhood and Military Service

When Shaka was 23, Dingiswayo, the Mthethwa Empire’s primary chieftain, called up Shaka’s Dletsheni age group for military service, as was customary. Shaka was now exceptionally tall and powerfully built. He stood out both for his intimidating size and the military prowess he immediately exhibited. 

He found satisfaction he’d never known in his life. He was part of the iziCwe regiment and he had the comradery of other young men that he previously lacked. The battlefield also provided an arena in which he could demonstrate his natural talents for combat and leadership. 

Shaka’s natural aptitude for military life soon drew the attention of his commander, Dingiswayo. He rewarded his burgeoning abilities with frequent advancement. He was fascinated with battlefield strategy and tactics like no other young man under his command. 

Dingiswayo began to instruct Shaka on the finer points of war. He gave him the moniker Nodumehlezi (“The one who when seated causes the earth to rumble”). Shaka quickly became one of the foremost commanders in Dingiswayo’s army. 

Revamping Zulu Armaments

Shaka’s first act as an induna (commander) was to upgrade his men’s armaments. Like all Zulu regiments at this time, his men were armed with standard ox-hide shields and lightweight throwing spears. 

This type of shoddy weaponry was of little consequence to the Zulu War Machine. This was because battles were typically little more than brief, bloodless skirmishes in which the outnumbered side would surrender before any casualties occurred. 

But under Shaka’s command, battles were a prelude to conquest and all-out war. Accordingly, Shaka rearmed his men with well-crafted ikiwa. There were long-bladed, short-hafted stabbing weapons designed to be used up close and not thrown from a distance (like a hunting spear). 

Additionally, their shields were to be used as bludgeoning weapons, as much as defenses. And to toughen his men for the battlefield, Shaka prohibited the wearing of sandals, making them run barefoot over the rough thorny ground to condition their feet and make them more nimble.

Revolutionary Warfare Tactics

After vastly improving Zulu armaments, Shaka demonstrated his genius for battlefield strategy. He not only improved on centuries-old tactics but developed new ones never before applied in African warfare.

Shaka instituted a regimental system based on age groups, quartered at separate  kraals  (ten to twenty miles apart). They were distinguished from one another by uniform markings on shields, headdresses, and ornamentation for identity and to promote fraternity.  

Shaka then divided each regiment (known collectively as  impi ) into four tactical groups that functioned in tandem: The  first , designated the “chest,” closed in on the enemy to pin them down. The  second  and  third , the “two horns,” raced out to encircle and attack from behind. 

The fourth , a reserve unit known as the “loins,” waited nearby. They were reportedly instructed to face away from the battle so as not to become overly anxious. They could be sent in to reinforce any part of the trap the enemy threatened to breach.  

Shaka: Chief of the amaZulu

In 1816, Shaka’s father, Senzangakona, died. This made Shaka’s younger half-brother Sigujana heir to the Zulu throne. His reign was to be short-lived.

Dingiswayo (the Mthethwa Empire’s primary chieftain and Shaka’s mentor) assigned a regiment of elite warriors to Shaka’s command so that he might seize control of the chiefdom. He wanted Sigujana put to death. 

From the moment Shaka crowned himself Chief of the Zulu, he faced very little resistance. Although, he technically remained a vassal of the larger, Mthethwa Paramountcy. 

Chief Dingiswayo died in battle a year later at the hands of rival chief Zwide, leader of the Ndwandwe Nation. Shaka took over as chief of the Mthethwa Paramountcy. He reformed the defeated Mthethwa forces (and many other regional tribes). 

He also subsequently defeated Zwide in the Zulu Civil War of 1819–20, thus sealing his absolute control of the amaZulu. Henceforth began the Shaka Zulu legend.

Expansion into South Africa

As Shaka became more respected and feared by the Zulu people, they became more receptive to his militant point of view. He established himself as an unstoppable warrior .

And he convinced the Zulu that the most effective way to become more powerful as a tribe was by conquering, subduing, and exterminating (when necessary) other tribes. His aggressive ideas greatly influenced the sociological outlook of the Zulu, who soon supported his plan for conquest.

In fast succession, the Zulu, under Chief Shaka, decimated one small clan after another. They incorporated the survivors into the Zulu.

It’s said that whenever possible, he wanted to punish any of his boyhood tormentors. He singled them out and impaled them on the stakes of their kraal fences. In less than a year, the Zulu quadrupled in number, assimilating as many as 100 neighboring chiefdoms.

Even so, Shaka also sought personal gratification only derived from worship, subservience, and tribute. He welcomed alliances that benefited him and cost him nothing.

This was exemplified by his alliances with Chief Zihlandlo of the Mkhize, Chief Jobe of the Sithole, and Chief Mathubane of the Thuli. These were leaders who voluntarily placed their armies under Shaka’s command. They were typically made captains and allowed to serve as Shaka’s advisors.

Decisive Battles: The Ndwandwe Empire

Shaka’s first battle of consequence was the “Battle of Gqokli Hill.” It took place on the Mfolozi River in April of 1818. He fought against Chief Zwide of the Ndwandwe who was the powerful leader who killed Shaka’s mentor, chief Dingiswayo of the Mthethwa Empire.

This was the first battle in which Shaka had the opportunity to fully demonstrate the effectiveness of the armament and tactical innovations he’d instituted in his ever-expanding army.

Proving his ability to analyze a battlefield, Shaka chose an easily defensible position on the crest of Gqokli Hill. After resisting several frontal assaults by Ndwandwe warriors, Shaka feigned retreat. He then signaled his reserve forces to circle the hill and attack the enemy’s rear—which proved decisively effective.

Though casualties were heavy on both sides, Shaka had proven his brilliance for battle. When the battle concluded, however, Shaka discovered that Chief Zwide had escaped.

Shaka’s second major battle took place two years later on the Mhlatuze River. Here, he again faced the Ndwandwen army (this time under the command of one of Chief Zwide’s generals).

Following a two-day marathon battle during which the Zulu essentially decimated the enemy, Shaka then led a fresh reserve of warriors some 70 miles (110 kilometers) to Chief Zwide’s royal kraal and burned it to the ground.

Again, Zwide managed to escape. This time, he took refuge with a female chieftainess named Mjanji, ruler of a beBelu clan (which bordered the Mthethwa Empire). A short time later, Chief Zwide died in what historians consider mysterious circumstances.

From that time forward, Shaka’s power was absolute.

The British and Cape Town, South Africa

By 1815, the “Cape Colony” (today, Cape Town, South Africa) officially became a British possession. The British government was actively encouraging settlement here.

Particularly in what remained a disputed area between the established colony and the Xhosa people in what is now the Eastern Cape. This period of colonization coincided with the rise in power of King Shaka. The amaZulu occupied a large swath of land to the northeast.

Though Shaka was fully aware of the Whites settling the coastal area, he was less concerned about their presence than they were of his. The British grew increasingly concerned that the Zulu would one day go on a killing rampage. Shaka was rumored to have some 500,000 warriors at his disposal.

To establish peace for the residents of Cape Colony, in 1824 government representatives sponsored a delegation. This included Nathaniel Isaacs and Dr. Henry Francis Fynn who represented the Farewell Trading Company. They sailed to Port Natal (present-day Durban) to meet with Shaka and gain permission to establish a post.

Before this, Shaka had granted permission to some Europeans to enter Zulu territory on a few rare occasions. And as Port Natal was over 100 miles from Shaka’s headquarters, he held very little concern about their presence.

Shortly after arrival, Henry Francis Fynn, both physician and traveling partner of Nathaniel Isaacs, had the opportunity to treat King Shaka after an assassination attempt by a rival tribe member. To show his gratitude, Shaka granted Fynn and Isaacs permission to operate within the Zulu kingdom.

This interaction allowed Shaka to observe European knowledge and technology in action. But he continued to believe the Zulu were superior.

The Death of Nandi, Shaka’s Mother

In October of 1827, while on a hunting trip accompanied by Henry Francis Fynn, Shaka received news that his mother, Nandi, was gravely ill.

By noon the following day, he and Fynn had walked to her royal kraal. Shaka asked the doctor to attend to Nandi. He essentially demanded that Fynn save her life.

In his journal, Fynn describes Nandi’s hut as being filled with mourning women and smoke, forcing him to ventilate the hut to be able to breathe. Nandi was already in a coma and Fynn told Shaka that he did not expect her to live through the day.

A short time later, Shaka was given the bad news that Nandi had died. Fynn attributed her death to dysentery. But persistent Zulu oral history insists Shaka killed her.

During his period of mourning, the grief-stricken Shaka ordered that no crops should be planted during the following year, no milk (the basis of the Zulu diet) was to be consumed, and any woman who became pregnant was to be killed–along with her husband.

According to legend, at least 7000 people deemed insufficiently bereaved were executed. Cows were also slaughtered so their calves would know how it felt to lose their mother.

Shaka’s erratic behavior drew anger and disquietude from his captains. As well as the thousands of followers across amaZulu, which made enemies of his closest advisors.

The Assassination of Shaka Zulu

In 1828, Shaka’s half-brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana, made at least two attempts to assassinate Shaka. In September of that year, Shaka (or perhaps his captains) sent all available Zulu to raid tribes to the north. This left the royal kraal critically short of security. 

They used this opportunity to their advantage. Shaka’s half-brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana, his personal bodyguard Mbopha, and a group of their compatriots entered Shaka’s royal hut and murdered him.

Shaka’s corpse is said to have been dumped into an empty grain pit and filled with stones and mud. Its location is still unknown.

Having died without a designated heir, Shaka’s half-brother Dingane assumed power. And with British support, he took over Zulu leadership in 1840 and ruled for some 12 years. 

Henry Francis Fynn and Nathaniel Isaacs became fluent Zulu linguists (and Shaka confidants). Most of what is known today of Zulu/Shaka history stems from their writings. 

Late in the 19th century, the Zulu would be one of the few African tribes to defeat the British Army at the Battle of Isandlwana.

South African History Online, “Shaka Zulu,” Shaka Zulu | South African History Online (sahistory.org.za) 

Britannica, “Shaka Zulu,” Shaka | Zulu chief | Britannica 

Wright, John, “RECONSTITUTING SHAKA ZULU FOR THE 21ST CENTURY: PART ONE,” https://phambo.wiser.org.za/files/seminars/Wright2004.pdf

Geni.com., “Shaka Zulu,” https://www.geni.com/projects/Shaka-Zulu/8876

SAHistory.org., “Shaka Zulu,” https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/shaka-zulu

Related Posts

The Tragic Lives of Joseph Stalin’s Children

How Sargon of Akkad Created the World’s First Empire

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Old World Gods

History Shaka Zulu: The Legacy of an African Warrior King

King Shaka Zulu, a Zulu warrior and conqueror, rose to power through military prowess and strategic leadership. His reign, characterized by conquests and military reforms, left a lasting impact on African history.

Despite controversy and brutality, Shaka’s legacy as an influential monarch and military innovator endures.

Content of this Article

Early Life and Background of Shaka Zulu

Shaka Zulu’s early life was characterized by challenges and adversity that shaped his path towards becoming a legendary warrior King. His birth and heritage tied him to the lineage of Zulu royalty, instilling in him a sense of destiny and greatness.

Birth and Heritage of Shaka Zulu

Shaka Zulu was born around 1787 to Zulu King Senzangakhona and Nandi , the daughter of a Langeni chief. His royal lineage and mixed heritage marked him as a unique and influential figure within the Zulu kingdom.

Challenges Faced by Young Shaka

As a young boy, Shaka faced rejection and mistreatment due to being considered an illegitimate son. His early years were marked by struggles to prove his worth and establish his place within the Zulu society.

Download for FREE here our best selection of Images of the Mythology Gods and Goddesses!

Shaka’s Mentorship under Dingiswayo

Shaka’s life took a significant turn when he was taken in by the Mthethwa clan, led by Dingiswayo. Under Dingiswayo’s mentorship, Shaka honed his military skills and leadership abilities, preparing him for the challenges that lay ahead in his journey to power and conquest.

Rise to Power and Military Tactics

Shaka’s ascent to power and his innovative military tactics played a pivotal role in shaping the Zulu kingdom’s destiny. His strategic acumen and leadership capabilities propelled him to leadership, where he showcased his military prowess and unique methods.

Avenging Dingiswayo’s Death

After the untimely death of his mentor, Dingiswayo, Shaka vowed to avenge him and honor his legacy. This personal drive fueled Shaka’s relentless pursuit of justice and set the stage for his rise to power in the turbulent political landscape of southern Africa.

Military Campaigns and Conquests

• Meticulously planning his military campaigns, Shaka executed swift and decisive conquests that secured his dominance over rival chiefdoms. His systematic approach to warfare emphasized both strategic maneuvering and tactical superiority.
• Each conquest not only expanded the boundaries of the Zulu kingdom but also showcased Shaka’s ability to adapt his military strategies to counter diverse challenges and adversaries.
• By subjugating neighboring territories and uniting disparate factions under his rule, Shaka solidified his position as a formidable leader with unmatched military prowess.

Innovations in Zulu Military Tactics

Shaka revolutionized Zulu warfare by implementing groundbreaking military tactics that redefined combat strategies in the region.

His innovative approach included:

• Arming warriors with short-handled stabbing spears for close combat effectiveness
• Organizing troops into efficient formations to maximize battlefield coordination
• Emphasizing discipline, mobility, and adaptability within the Zulu forces

These tactical innovations not only enhanced the Zulu army’s efficiency but also set a new standard for military excellence in the region, cementing Shaka’s legacy as a visionary military strategist.

Expansion of the Zulu Kingdom

Following his early triumphs in unifying the Zulu tribes and solidifying power in the region, Shaka Zulu turned his sights towards the expansion of his kingdom, embarking on a series of military campaigns that would shape the future of southern Africa.

Conquest of Rival Chiefdoms

Shaka’s military prowess and innovative tactics proved to be instrumental in his conquest of rival chiefdoms. By implementing disciplined formations and deploying his warriors effectively in battle, Shaka was able to overpower his adversaries and incorporate their territories under the Zulu banner.

Subjugation of Resistance

In the face of opposition from neighboring tribes and leaders unwilling to yield to his authority, Shaka employed ruthless strategies to subjugate resistance. Through a combination of military might and strategic alliances, Shaka brought dissenting chiefdoms under his control, further expanding the boundaries of the Zulu Kingdom.

Reign of Continuous Military Campaigns

Shaka’s expansionist ambitions knew no bounds, as he led his forces in continuous military campaigns to assert dominance over the surrounding lands. The Zulu army, armed with Shaka’s innovative short-handled stabbing spears and battle formations, marched from victory to victory, leaving a trail of conquered territories in their wake.

Controversies and Brutality

King Shaka Zulu’s reign was not without controversy and brutality, as his actions during the Mfecane/Difaqane period led to widespread destruction and displacement of populations.

, the region was plunged into chaos, with mass displacements and warfare escalating ascane/Difaqane known as the Mfecane, which caused widespread suffering in southern Africa.

The brutalities of this period are attributed to Shaka’s military campaigns and policies, leading to great turmoil and upheaval among the affected populations. as the power vacuum left by Shaka’s death sparked violence and instability across the region.

His assassination by his half brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana, in 1828 was a culmination of internal power struggles within the Zulu kingdom and marked the end of an era of dominance and conquest.

Legacy of Shaka Zulu

Shaka Zulu’s legacy extends beyond his lifetime, leaving a significant impact on the Zulu people, African history, and military strategies.

Influence on Zulu People

The reign of Shaka Zulu profoundly influenced the cultural and social fabric of the Zulu people. His military conquests and centralization of power shaped the Zulu kingdom into a formidable force within the region.

Impact on African History

Shaka Zulu’s legacy reverberates throughout African history, as his military innovations and conquests reshaped the political landscape of southern Africa. The aftermath of his reign, marked by the Mfecane/Difaqane, led to significant socio-political changes in the region.

Lasting Military Innovations

• Shaka Zulu introduced revolutionary military tactics that emphasized discipline, mobility, and close combat strategies, which laid the foundation for the Zulu forces’ effectiveness in battle.
• His use of short-handled stabbing spears and strategic formations revolutionized the Zulu army’s fighting capabilities, influencing military strategies for generations to come.
• Shaka’s emphasis on centralized authority and military prowess set a precedent for future Zulu leaders and military commanders, solidifying his lasting impact on military history.

Gods and Goddesses By Pantheon

Challenge the gods in our quizzes, more than 3500 images a single click away.

Download any of our Mythology Bundles of the world!

Get your images here!

Shaka Zulu: The Story of a Ruthless Ruler

• Read Later  

The Zulu monarch Shaka was a contemporary of the French emperor Napoleon, and has even been dubbed the ‘African Napoleon’ by some. However, apart from their reputation as great military leaders, history has remembered these two men quite differently. On the one hand, Napoleon, despite the wars he waged across Europe , has been considered by some as an enlightened despot. Shaka, on the other hand, has been remembered more negatively as a ruthless and bloodthirsty madman.

His Name and a Parasite – Shaka’s Beginnings

Those seeking an explanation for Shaka’s brutality may begin with his childhood. According to popular belief, Shaka was an illegitimate child of Senzangakhona kaJama, a minor Zulu chief, and Nandi. It is said that Shaka was conceived when the two engaged in uku-hlobonga , a form of sexual foreplay without penetrative sex that was allowed to unmarried couples.

This was meant to release sexual tension between young people, and prevent pregnancies from happening. In the case of Senzangakhona and Nandi, however, the rules were broken. When Nandi’s pregnancy was discovered, a formal indictment was sent to Senzangakhona. The chief, however, dismissed the news, and said that Nandi’s menstrual irregularity was caused by an intestinal parasite known as the iShaka. Nevertheless, Nandi gave birth several months later, and Senzangakhona was told to collect Nandi and her son. The child was called Shaka, a corruption of the parasite’s name.

As a child, Shaka herded sheep for his father. When the young Shaka allowed a dog to kill one of the sheep, his father was furious. Nandi, however, defended her son. As a result, both mother and son were banished from the kraal (a traditional African village of huts).

A Zulu kraal. (1849). Shaka and his mother Nandi reportedly were banished from their kraal by Shaka’s father. ( Public Domain )

For the next few years, Shaka and his mother wandered from one kraal to another, often treated with abuse and derision. Around 1803, Shaka and his mother finally found refuge in the Mthethwa hegemony, a kraal belonging to the region’s dominant power group. The Mthethwa throne was occupied by King Dingiswayo, who built up a federation of 50 tribes through diplomacy and warfare. It was under this king that Shaka’s fortunes began to take a turn for the better.

• ‘Gold and the Gods’ opens window to rulers of ancient Nubia
• Prehistoric man in South Africa made milk-based paint tens of thousands of years ago
• Nubia and the Powerful Kingdom of Kush

A Turn of Fortunes – Shaka Becomes a Warrior

At the age of 16, Shaka became the king’s senior herd boy due to his intelligence, courage, and resolution. According to one story, Shaka once stood his ground against a leopard attacking the herd. He single-handedly killed the beast, thus earning the praise and a cow from Dingiswayo.

The fierce competition between the cattle herders of the region for the scarce grazing ground meant that conflict was almost inevitable. Dingiswayo prepared for this by organizing his youths into regiments based on their age groups. Shaka was soon recruited as a warrior, and his regiment was known as the Izi-cwe (‘Bushmen’). Shaka was equipped with the standard weapons of that region – an oval shield and three assegais (light spears for throwing). He wore a kilt of fur stripes, a skin cape with black widow-bird plumes, cowhide sandals and white oxtails at the wrist and ankles.     

Sketch of a Zulu warrior wearing traditional clothing and using standard weaponry. (1913) ( Public Domain )

Battles between the tribes of the region at that time usually began with two bodies of warriors facing each other at a distance of between 35 to 45 meters (115 - 148 feet.) Then, each side would cast their light spears at the enemy, and return those that were already hurled. The battle was over when one side had enough and fled. If the victors gave chase, the routing warrior could have their lives spared by dropping their weapons, thus signifying their surrender. This form of combat seemed pointless and ineffective to Shaka, as the light spears that were thrown at a distant foe usually did not do much damage.

A New Way to Battle with a New Weapon

Shaka decided to change the way battles were fought. Instead of hurling spears form a distance, he decided to close in on the enemy and engage in melee combat. When the opponent threw their spears, he would parry them with his shield. Then, he would charge forward, hook the enemy’s shield aside with his own, and stab the warrior to death with his light spear. To make himself a more effective warrior, Shaka discarded his cowhide sandals, as they hampered his movements.

Additionally, Shaka designed a new type of spear for combat, as the light throwing spears were rather fragile when used to strike or stab an enemy. This resulted in a spear with a massive blade attached to a stout, short handle. This was called the iklwa , a reference to the sound made when it was thrust and pulled out from a victim’s body. Shaka is also credited with refining the existing military formation into the now well-known ‘buffalo horns’ formation. This formation consisted of a ‘head’ (main body), ‘horns’ (flanking forces) and ‘loins’ (reserves).

Zulu Warrior with a iklwa spear (designed by Shaka for a bloodier battle). (1898) ( Public Domain )

A Rise to Power for the Increasingly Cruel Shaka Zulu

Over the years, Shaka defeated other chiefs, and enlarged the territory controlled by the Zulus. Shaka also became increasingly brutal and mad. For instance, it is said that he would have his warriors clubbed to death upon the merest sign of weakness.

In addition, those who had treated his mother or him badly in the past were condemned to brutal deaths. Furthermore, he neither took a legal wife nor fathered a son, paranoid that an heir would plot against him. If a concubine became pregnant, she was executed. Thousands of his subjects were massacred when his mother died, so that their families would mourn along with him. Shaka’s madness caused those close to him to fear for their lives.

• Tracing the origins of a mysterious ancient Queen of Ethiopia
• The Curse of Tutankhamen’s Tomb – Part 1
• What were remains of 1,000-year-old African skeleton doing in England?

How Much of His Story is True?

In 1828, his half-brother, Dingawe, assassinated Shaka, buried the body in an unmarked grave, and assumed the throne.

Although Shaka’s brutality and insanity is well-known today, it is unclear how much of his life story is true. For instance, it has been argued that there is really little evidence to support the veracity of the stories surrounding his birth and childhood.

A muster and dance at Shaka’s kraal. (1827) To an extent Shaka continues to receive the traditional Zulu reverence towards a dead monarch, as in a praise song in which he has been called “Shaka the Unshakeable.” ( Public Domain )

Moreover, as the sources for Shaka’s life are derived from either variable Zulu storytellers or biased white chroniclers of the colonial-era, it may just be possible that his brutality has been exaggerated, and that there may also be a rational explanation for his insanity -  though it now remains lost to history.

Nonetheless, a fascination with Shaka has placed the Zulu leader in the spotlight for several books and even a television series. It was recently announced that the South African The Bomb Productions has begun working on a 12-part series discussing his influences, allies and enemies. Titled ‘ Shaka-Ilembe’, the three planned seasons are said to be created with a global audience in mind. The production company aims for the series to be like an “African "Game Of Thrones" .” The creators have a team of consultants including historians, traditional leaders, oral custodians and royal advisors, with the desire to tell Shaka’s story as accurately as possible.

Featured image: Concept Art for Shaka of the Zulu ( Civilization Wikia )

Updated on January 22, 2021.

References 

Carroll, R., 2006. Shaka Zulu's brutality was exaggerated, says new book. [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/may/22/rorycarroll.mainsection

HistoryNet Staff, 2006. Shaka: Zulu Chieftain. [Online] Available at: http://www.historynet.com/shaka-zulu-chieftain.htm

South African History Online, 2015. King Shaka Zulu. [Online] Available at: http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/king-shaka-zulu

Whipps, H., 2008. How Shaka Zulu Changed the World. [Online] Available at: http://www.livescience.com/2697-shaka-zulu-changed-world.html

www.history.com , 2015. Shaka Zulu assassinated. [Online] Available at: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/shaka-zulu-assassinated

This page didn't have anything to write about so they dredged up a story with dubious authenticity to fill the space.

I forget the name of the author, but there was a brilliant book written about Shaka many years ago. I think that, like most histories written by the victors, his image was badly tarnished. It is more than likely that a lot of the insane & ferocious acts attributed to him were perpetrated by his commanders in his name. Dingaan, for e.g., would have had a good reason to put a lot of blame for his own cruel acts on Shaka, as he needed to justify his murder of Shaka. But there can be no doubt that Shaka left huge footsteps over the entire Southern African region, and that his Empire's expansion had a chain reaction to events that still shape South Africa today. If not for his warfare the Boer's would have encountered Bantu people in the Free State, instead of finding the area virtually devoid of inhabitants and thus claiming it as their own.

Wu Mingren (‘Dhwty’) has a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History and Archaeology. Although his primary interest is in the ancient civilizations of the Near East, he is also interested in other geographical regions, as well as other time periods.... Read More

Shaka Zulu, the unmatched African military leader (1787-1828)

• The African History
• April 23, 2020
• Empire , Personality Profile

In Southern Africa at the beginning of the nineteenth (19th) century, Shaka Zulu set up Zulu Kingdom and completely changed its warfare.

In 1787 Shaka was born to Senzangakhona who was a minor chief of one of the clans of Zulu tribe. His mother Nandi was the daughter of the rival clan chief Mbhengi. According to Zulu believes Shaka’s birth was a sin because his parents did not belong to the same clans.

Because of the distress from tribal leaders, Shaka’s parents split, Shaka and his mother ran away from the clan of his father. Shaka’s mother came back to Elangeni where she had been shunned. Her son Shaka was often insulted, bullied and disregarded.

When Shaka grew up, the members of the Elangeni clan remembered his torturing with fury. When Shaka became sufficiently a man he left the Elangeni and became a citizen of the Mthethwa clan.

Under the rule of Mthethwa’s chief Dingiswayo,Shaka operated as a six-year fighter. Dingiswayo had been overwhelmed by Shaka’s courage and perseverance. He then tayed with Mthethwa until, in 1816, when he heard about the death of his father Senzangakhona.

With Dingiswayo’s military support Shaka demanded to be given the chieftainship of his father. With the expertise of the Mthethwa, he turned the army of his clan into a powerful military capable of protection and provocation by a greater symbolic force.

In 1818, Shaka’s role model Dingiswayo was murdered by Zwide, the head of the Ndwandwe clan. Shaka sought revanchy in the Battle of Mhlatuze River in 1820, and won it with Zulu’s dominance over the Ndwandwe.

Then Shaka went to build a powerful empire for the various Zulu clans. The Zulu Empire numbered approximately 250,000, including rival groups, and its province became the largest in the history of Southern Africa.

At the height of his strength, in 1827, Shaka managed to control more than 50 thousand warriors and captured the majority of the region in the modern state of South Africa.

The actions of Shaka had become extremely strong, cruel and surreal at the same moment as authority was unified in his hands. His mother, Nandi, died at the height of his power in 1827. Anger of the death of his mother (and her) Elangeni’s care caused the death of thousands of tribal people. He nearly directly led to his mutiny in the harsh treatment of his own soldiers.

Shaka Zulu was assassinated in 1828 by Dingane and Mhlangana, his half-brothers. Dingane took over the Empire that lasted half a hundred years before the British Army eventually collapses.

Related posts

• Ancient Egypt
• Personality Profile

King Afonso I of Kongo, ruler of the Kongolese Kingdom (1509 -1543)

• December 28, 2023

• Inspirational

Philip Emeagwali: Nigerian engineer who developed supercomputers & internet

• November 26, 2023

Dr. Thomas Mensah: Ghanaian Engineer who invented fiber optics

Thomas Mapfumo: Zimbabwe’s legend who used his music for liberation

• September 12, 2023

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Pioneering Economist & WTO Leader Changing the World

• Occupation: King of the Zulu
• Reign: 1816 - 1828
• Born: 1787 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Died: 1828 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Best known for: Uniting many tribes into the Zulu Kingdom
• Shaka recruited young boys to carry his warrior's supplies, freeing the warriors to move faster from battle to battle.
• He forced his soldiers to go barefoot all the time so their feet would become tough and they would be more agile in a fight.
• Young men were not allowed to marry until they had proven themselves in battle. This made them fight all the harder.
• His capital city was called Bulawayo, which means "the place where they are killed."
• Listen to a recorded reading of this page:

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

History Gr. 10 T3 W6: Revision - The Rise of the Zulu Kingdom and the Legacies of Shaka

Revision: The Rise of the Zulu Kingdom and the Legacies of Shaka

Do you have an educational app, video, ebook, course or eResource?

Contribute to the Western Cape Education Department's ePortal to make a difference.

Home Contact us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Western Cape Government © 2024. All rights reserved.

Home — Essay Samples — History — Historical Figures — Shaka Zulu

Essays on Shaka Zulu

Shaka Zulu was a powerful and influential leader of the Zulu Kingdom in South Africa during the early 19th century. His military prowess and strategic innovations reshaped the political landscape of the region, and his legacy continues to be studied and debated by historians and scholars. Writing an essay on Shaka Zulu provides an opportunity to delve into the complex history of this iconic figure and explore the impact of his rule on African society and beyond.

The Importance of the Topic

The study of Shaka Zulu is significant for a number of reasons. First and foremost, his leadership and military strategies had a profound impact on the Zulu Kingdom and its neighboring regions. By examining his life and legacy, we can gain insight into the social, political, and military dynamics of the time. Additionally, Shaka Zulu's influence has reverberated throughout history, shaping the perceptions of African leadership and the broader narrative of colonialism and imperialism. By exploring this topic, students and scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of African history and the enduring legacy of colonialism.

Advice on Choosing a Topic

When selecting a topic for an essay on Shaka Zulu, it's important to consider the various aspects of his life and legacy. Some potential topics include:

• The rise of Shaka Zulu: Explore the early life and ascent to power of Shaka Zulu, including his relationships with other leaders and his military campaigns.
• Shaka Zulu's military strategies: Analyze the innovative military tactics employed by Shaka Zulu and their impact on the Zulu Kingdom and beyond.
• The impact of Shaka Zulu's rule: Examine the social and political changes that occurred under Shaka Zulu's leadership and their lasting effects on African society.
• Shaka Zulu's legacy: Discuss the ways in which Shaka Zulu's influence has been remembered and interpreted in the centuries since his rule, including his portrayal in popular culture and historical narratives.

These are just a few examples of the many possible essay topics related to Shaka Zulu. When choosing a topic, consider your own interests and the specific aspects of Shaka Zulu's life and legacy that you find most compelling.

Writing an essay on Shaka Zulu offers a valuable opportunity to explore the complex history and enduring legacy of this influential leader. By delving into the social, political, and military dynamics of his rule, students and scholars can gain a deeper understanding of African history and the impact of colonialism. Whether examining his military strategies, his impact on the Zulu Kingdom, or his lasting legacy, there are many compelling topics to explore within the study of Shaka Zulu. Ultimately, writing about Shaka Zulu allows for a deeper understanding of African history and the enduring legacy of colonialism and imperialism.

Shaka Zulu; His Life, Times and Legacy

Birth of zulu empire by shaka zulu, a study of shaka zulu and his influence on modern zimbabwe, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

A Comparison of The Development of States in Africa and America

c. July 1787

22 September 1828 (age 41)

1816 – 1828

Shaka kaSenzangakhona, Sigidi kaSenzangakhona

Shaka was born in the lunar month of uNtulikazi (July) in the year of 1787 near Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal Province. Shaka was the son of Senzangakona, chieftain of the Zulu, and Nandi, an orphaned princess of the neighbouring Langeni clan. When he was 23, Dingiswayo called up Shaka’s Dletsheni age group for military service.

Senzangakona died in 1816, and Shaka was sent to take over the Zulu. He was one of the most influential monarchs of the Zulu. His first act was to reorganize the army. His reign coincided with the start of the Mfecane/Difaqane, a period of devastating warfare southern Africa between 1815 and 1840.

Shaka's half-brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana, together with an induna named Mbopa, murdered him in September 1828.

Relevant topics

• Frederick Douglass
• American Revolution
• Manifest Destiny
• Industrial Revolution
• Declaration of Independence
• Imperialism
• Westward Expansion
• Pearl Harbor

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free