“I need no bodyguard at all, for even the bravest men who approach me get weak at the knees and their hearts turn to water, whilst their heads become giddy and incapable of thinking as the sweat of fear paralyzes them. They know no other will except that of their King, who is something above, and below, this earth” - Shaka Zulu
(Shaka Zulu)
Shaka Zulu was born on an unknown date in 1787 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In 1816 Zulu’s father died. Shaka became Chief of the Zulu clan.
(A painting of Zulu)
In 1819 Zulu defeated Zwide in the Zulu Civil War. In 1825 Zulu killed Zwide. Due to his military background he taught the rest of the Zulus to be great warriors and revolutionized warfare.
(A drawing of Zulu)
One of his army’s signature tactics was the “Bull Horn Formation”. He started to have a powerful military with a mixture of diplomacy and patronage. He established relations with other tribes in the area. In 1826 he fought Zwide’s son in battle. On rare occasions he let Europeans into his territory.
(A drawing of Zulu)
After an assassination attempt Zulu allowed a White doctor to help with his wounds. To show gratitude he allowed Whites to operate in the Zulu Kingdom. In 1827 his mother died. Due to this he ordered that no crops should be planted due to mourning her death and any woman who became pregnant was to be killed along with her husband. 7,000 people were killed due to this. On September 24th, 1828 Shaka Zulu was killed by 3 assassins in KwaDukuza, South Africa. He was about 41 years old.
(A statue of Zulu)
Today is the 188th anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great king today.
Videos involving Shaka Zulu
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHvykMGGkuY “Shaka Zulu -- Trailer”
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