They have been dated to at least 70,000 years ago. Please select which sections you would like to print: While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Battles were little more than brief and relatively bloodless clashes in which the outnumbered side prudently gave way before extensive casualties occurred. Individuals and whole communities were on the move, some in weakness as refugees, others in strength as conquerors. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Popular stereotypes imposed on the modern-day Zulu people continue to be influenced by facts and myths about Shaka. In his book Michael Lee Lanning ranks Shaka Zulu as the 59th most influential military leader of all time (Eckert, 90). The assegai. Zulu society — much like Sparta — was entirely restructured to support the army. For the next six years, he served with brilliance as a warrior of the Mthethwa Empire. 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. Shaka Zulu may be a polarizing figure, but he's one who forever left a mark on the history of the region. Existing famines also worsened during the Mfecane, leading to the origin of a few cheap jokes about European missionaries being cooked up in big, bubbling pots. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. 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. Shaka ruled with an iron hand from the outset, meting out instant death for the slightest opposition. Because his parents belonged to the same clan, their marriage violated Zulu custom, and the stigma of this extended to the child. Shaka fought for extermination, incorporating the remnants of the clans he smashed into the Zulu. 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. 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. Early in 1828 Shaka sent the impi south in a raid that carried the warriors clear to the borders of the Cape Colony. Shaka, Zulu chief (1816–28), founder of Southern Africa’s Zulu Empire. Shaka’s biggest accomplishment was that hecreatedan army of 20,000 and had destroyed an area of land 100 miles wide south of Tugela. NY 10036. He was one of the most influential monarchs of the Zulu Kingdom, responsible for re-organizing the Zulu military into a formidable force via a series of wide-reaching and influential reforms. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, Shaka Zulu is said to be one of the greatest military leaders in African history, and perhaps all of history. The Boer Great Trek of the 1830s passed through this area, succeeding only because virtually no one was left to oppose them. Shaka Zulu was a true rebel who had very little patience with certain aspects of culture which he deemed not particularly valuable. COVID-19 vaccines: What does 95% efficacy actually mean? The Zulu people — who numbered in the tens of thousands — were concentrated in the southeastern portion of what would become the country of South Africa. This Zulu nation ruled a large area of southern Africa, between the Phongolo and Mzimkhulu rivers. New York, There was a problem. Each group had its own interests, which resulted in many battles over territory and resources. To many, he was considered a god and his people looked up to him. The Zulu Military System. He conquered many of the surrounding chiefdoms. In my opinion, yes. In 1817 Dingiswayo—still Shaka’s overlord—was murdered, and the last restraint on Zulu expansion was removed. 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. The famed 19th-century leader of South Africa's Zulus brought tribal factions together for the first time, creating both a state and a powerful sense of identity for the region's largest group — a common culture that remains today. Shaka Zulu was not a great leader because of his personality, but rather because he trained his warriors exceptionallywell. Stay up to date on the coronavirus outbreak by signing up to our newsletter today. Much larger, more centralized kingdoms replaced smaller chiefdoms. 1787 – ca. The Zulu are the single largest ethnic group in South Africa and numbered about nine million in the He was both a brutal warrior and a symbol of African unity, inviting comparisons to the bloodthirsty but brilliant military leaders of ancient Sparta. When Shaka was 23, Dingiswayo, the Mthethwa paramount chieftain, called up Shaka’s Dletsheni age group for military service. Shaka was the son of Senzangakona, chieftain of the Zulu, and Nandi, an orphaned princess of the neighbouring Langeni clan. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Shaka died when he was 41 years old, Shaka died in September 22 year 1828. He ruled at one of first recorded towns known as Bulawayo Chief Zwide, meanwhile, vowed revenge for his five lost sons and forged an alliance with the other tribes threatened by the meteoritic rise of the Zulu kingdom under the upstart Shaka. Shaka kaSenzangakhona (sometimes spelled Tshaka, Tchaka or Chaka; ca. His life is the subject of numerous colourful and exaggerated stories, many of which are debated by historians. Asteroid the size of the Golden Gate Bridge will whiz past Earth in March, 'Rivers of gold' rush through the Peruvian Amazon in stunning NASA photo, Earth's mountains disappeared for a billion years, and then life stopped evolving, 18 dead and hundreds missing in catastrophic Himalayan avalanche, Next flu season could be extra weird, and potentially very bad, Ancient graves and mysterious enclosure discovered at Stonehenge ahead of tunnel construction, King Richard III had the 'Princes in the Tower' murdered, historian finds. Each Monday, this column turns a page in history to explore the discoveries, events and people that continue to affect the history being made today. 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. Death When Shaka's mother Nandi died he was heartbroken. He was one of the greatest military leaders of all time and many consider him a very brutal ruler who trained his troops with severe discipline and questionable methods. From the 1820s to the 1840s, those who weren’t killed or assimilated by the encroaching Zulu warriors fled, leading to a refugee crisis and reshuffling of South Africa's traditional settlements. Please refresh the page and try again. Those seeking an explanation for Shaka’s brutality may begin with his childhood. Why was the Zulu War important? Importance of Zulu War: The Zulu empire lasted from 1817-1879 and the state was located in the southern part of modern day South Africa. Corrections? Shaka Zulu was the first son of the chieftain Senzangakhona and Nandi, a daughter of Bhebhe, the past chief of the Elangeni tribe, born near present-day Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal Province.He was conceived out of wedlock somewhere between 1781 and 1787. You will receive a verification email shortly. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. 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. He sometimes massacred a whole village in order to send a message. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. What we know is that he introduced various social, military, and cultural reforms and created an organized and centralized Zulu state. As Marli rightly says Shaka was a 19th century figure and has nothing to do with Ancient Africa. … So when Senzangakhona met … 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. Shaka Zulu is best compared with Napoleon as they were alive during the same period. Among the more important innovations was the transformation of the Zulu army including new tactics and the introduction of new weapons. Warriors trained and regrouped for conquest. He introduced military innovations that helped his people get the upper hand against enemies, and while many exaggerations and myths surround his name, Shaka Zulu is arguably the best military leader that Africa has ever produced. SpaceX's Crew-1 astronauts break 47-year US space record. Shaka Zulu or Shaka kaSenzangakhona was an audacious South African king whose appetite for combat saw him rise to prominence in African history. 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. His leadership and his energy make him one of the greatest Zulu chieftains. Ellen Lloyd - AncientPages.com - Shaka Zulu will be remembered as a great leader and conqueror who united over 100 chiefdoms into one mighty kingdom. As for Shaka Zulu, he will be remembered for creating the Zulu Kingdom. Shaka Zulu Shaka Zulu was the most influential leader of the Zulu Kingdom. Here's Why Shaka Zulu Was Murdered Alistair Boddy-Evans ThoughtCo.com September 22, 2020 Shaka kaSenzangakhona, Zulu king and founder of the Zulu empire, was murdered by his two half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana at kwaDukuza in 1828—one date given is September 24. Shaka was a son of former chief, ruler of an insignificant small chiefdom, the Zulu. Its founder, Shaka Zulu, is the subject of many myths and legends. His first act was to reorganize the army. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer. In less than a year, the Zulu—and their army—had quadrupled in number. King Shaka was born in the lunar month of uNtulikazi in the year of 1787 near present-day Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal … He was one of the most influential monarchs in the Zulu kingdom. 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. His life is the subject of numerous colourful and exaggerated stories, many of which are debated by historians. 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. Spearheads buried near the python stone carving were particularly beautiful and were brought from hundreds of miles away. Omissions? When did Shaka Zulu find the cheetah? The available regiments (known collectively as the impi) were divided into four groups. The tiny nations of Lesotho and Swaziland, both almost wholly enveloped by South Africa, were birthed by tribes escaping the chaos. Shaka’s parents’ marriage violated Zulu custom, and the stigma of this extended to the child. His power affected the whole of Southern Africa . Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Reading about him, one is tossed about by a mixture of hate and admiration. In 1816, Shaka Zulu took power of his Zulus after distinguishing himself in battle, both physically and strategically, and began a campaign of conquest to unite all of the clans in the region under his rule. Like all the clans, the Zulu were armed with oxhide shields and spindly throwing spears. Despite its violent methodology, his clan had formed one united nation — the biggest and most powerful in southern Africa. 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. 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. He is credited with creating a fighting force that devastated the entire region. They shared a culture, but remained a disorganized cluster of clans without a common leader until a vicious warrior united them. 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. © The battle was supervised by indunas, or officers, who used hand signals to direct the regiments. Many groups banded together for security, forming new communities. However, did *you* know there was a restaurant in London called 'Shaka Zulu' - … His life is the subject of numerous colourful and exaggerated stories, many of which are debated by historians. Shaka Zulu was as important as Julius Caesar. He developed standard tactics, which the Zulu used in every battle. Shaka learned military tactics and organizations while he was with Diniswayo’s army. He and his mother, Nandi, were exiled by Senzangakona, and found refuge with the Mthethwa.Shaka fought as a warrior under Jobe, and then under Jobe's successor, Dingiswayo, leader of the Mthethwa Paramountcy.When Senzangakona died, Dingiswayo helped Shaka become chief of the Zulu Kingdom. Apart from all the National Holidays in South Africa, there is one holiday that is dear to the Zulu people, and it is called Shaka Day. he grew up from a ugly family and was so ugly people threw up on him In 1827 Nandi died, and with his mother’s death Shaka became openly psychotic. He decommissioned … They are a branch of the southern Bantu and have close ethnic, linguistic, and cultural ties with the Swazi and Xhosa. Shaka Zulu is the most famous African ruler to ever walk South African soil. 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. Shaka was a strong, but brutal leader. In 1802 the Langeni drove Nandi out, and she finally found shelter with the Dletsheni, a subclan of the powerful Mthethwa. Shaka was the son of Senzangakona, 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. Shaka ruled the Zulu empire from 1816 until his death in 1828. Pin Traditional Zulu Warriors who still carry the weapons and shields innovated by Shaka Zulu.. Senzangakhona was used to having his way, but it is the object of our desire that plays hard to get that keeps our attention. At the center of this process, the modern Zulu kingdom emerged under its founder, Shaka Zulu, one of the truly memorable figures in African history. The Zulus wear their traditional clothing for the occasion and gather at the KwaDukuza in Stanger where the tombstone of the famous King is located. Shaka then took them on 60-mile hikes, often at a fast trot, with any warrior failing to keep up being slain on the spot. At one point Shaka had a well-trained army of around 40,000 soldiers. There is controversy around the brutality of his methods, and the strictness with which he trained his troops, but in many ways, he improved warfare methods forever. Anyone who disobeyed an order was immediately killed. Shaka was the son of Senzangakona, chieftain of the Zulu, and Nandi, an orphaned princess of the neighbouring Langeni clan. Shaka kaSenzangakhona, also known as Shaka Zulu, was the King of the Zulu Kingdom from 1816 to 1828. Thank you for signing up to Live Science. Shaka was a Zulu chief (1816–28) and the founder of the Zulu empire in Southern Africa. Shaka Zulu, the 19th-century warrior king dubbed Africa's Napoleon, was not the bloodthirsty military genius of historical depiction, says new research. 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. An increasingly cruel and paranoid Shaka Zulu was assassinated in 1828, but that didn't mark the end of his effects on the history of southern Africa. Zulu, a nation of Nguni-speaking people in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Shaka began with a systematic reorganization of Zulu warriors, implementing a rigid training program, new blade weaponry that replaced the traditional spear, new attack formations and a strict code of obedience. Shaka Zulu was the illegitimate son of Senzangakona, King of the Zulus.He was born c. 1787. There are much dancin… Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Besides creating a political entity in the Zulu Kingdom, Shaka's military campaigns caused the massive displacement of people, a crisis that became part of a decades-long period of turmoil historians call the Mfecane (or the "scattering"). 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. This was meant to release sexual tension between young people, an… Now QINISO […] The profile and history of Tshaka King of the Zulu (a.k.a Chaka, Shaka), he was one of the greatest leaders of his time. According to popular belief, Shaka was an illegitimate child of Senzangakhona kaJama, a minor Zulu chief, and Nandi. We all know that Shaka remodeled the assegai, turning a long, throwing weapon into a much more effective, short stabbing one. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shaka-Zulu-chief, South African History Online - Biography of Shaka Zulu, Military History Encyclopedia on the Web - Biography of Shaka Zulu, Shaka - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Shaka - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). 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. 22 September 1828) was the most important leader of the Zulu Empire.He joined the Zulu tribal groups together into the beginnings of a nation. In recent years, this holiday was renamed the Heritage Day and takes place each year on the same date, which is September 24. Shaka Zulu may be a polarizing figure, but he's one who forever left a mark on the history of the region. Why was shaka zulu famous? I presume you are specifically speaking of Julius Caesar? Visit our corporate site. The first Europeans arrived in Port Natal (present-day Durban) in 1824. 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. Southern Africa was inhabited by a number of groups in the late 18th century, from the native Xhosa and Zulu to the Boers and the British, who'd recently acquired the Cape area for their crown. In 1827, Shaka’s mother, Nandi, died, and the Zulu leader lost his mind. Shaka Zulu could have been an illegitimate son of the chief of the Zululand but he emerged to demonstrate strong leadership that helped in elevating the Zulu tribe to a powerful Zulu kingdom. Shaka kaSenzangakhona also known as Shaka Zulu was the leader of the Zulu kingdom from 1816 to 1828. Updates? Shaka, chieftain of the Zulu tribe, was described as the African Napoleon for his military genius and consolidation of hundreds of South African tribes under the Zulu Empire. They had no sooner returned, expecting the usual season’s rest, than he sent them off to raid far in the north. His militaristic actions also caused a rippling effect throughout Africa, forever disturbing the balance of power. Though short-lived, Shaka left quite a legacy following his turbulent and by some accounts, cruel, reign. He is credited with creating a fighting force that devastated the entire region. In just a couple of years, his army had brutally executed, displaced or assimilated a vast territory with more than 200,000 inhabitants who became his subjects. For a long time, the whole process of change in the Bantu region has been referred to by scholars as the… Shaka, also spelled Chaka or Tshaka, (born c. 1787—died Sept. 22, 1828), Zulu chief (1816–28), founder of Southern Africa’s Zulu Empire. One of the greatest in world history, Shaka started his accomplishments as a young boy, when he first entered battle. The Zulu conquests greatly destabilized the region and resulted in a great wave of migrations by uprooted tribes. Cannibalism either didn't happen or occurred very infrequently during this time, historians say, but all the hostility present during the Mfecane caused rumors to spread like wildfire and be reported as fact by Europeans. Zulu Kingdom Shaka continued to train and build his army. Shaka first rearmed his men with long-bladed, short-hafted stabbing assegais, which forced them to fight at close quarters. Through a series of imagined conversations between the author's great grandfather, and Shaka's aunt, Mnkabayi, Madi highlights ten important management principles fostered by Shaka Zulu. Shaka kaSenzangakhona (c. 1787 - c. 22 September 1828), also known as Shaka Zulu, was the most influential leader of the Zulu Kingdom.. The Heritage Day commemorates the founder of the Zulu Kingdom, King Shaka Zulu. 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. Fascinated by their ways and their artifacts but convinced that his own civilization was much superior, he permitted them to stay. He is credited with creating a fighting force that devastated the entire region.
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