Shaka- King of the Zulu

Shaka was a famous warrior among the Mthethwa but still he felt he deserved to be King of his people- the Zulu.

In 1816 Senzangakhona died and his son Sigujana came to the throne.

Dingiswayo saw an oppurtunity to add the Zulu to his kingdom and so encouraged Shaka, his friend, to go and seize the throne.

Dingiswayo gave Shaka leave to take his regiment and overthrow his half brother Sigujana.

Sigujana was quickly defeated by Shaka and Shaka was crowned king of the Zulu with Dingiswayo's blessing.

Shaka immediately set about transforming the Zulu people into a warrior nation.

Shaka instituted the same weapons and tactics he had developed with the Mthethwa.

He also created a brutal training regime for his soldiers. They would run miles and miles to keep fit. They would also run over thorns barefoot to harden their feet. Stopping to rest meant death.

If a man lost his iklwa in battle he would be killed- it was literally his life. If a man had a wound on his back it meant he had turned away from the enemy in battle and so he was killed for being a coward.

Young boys joined the army between 16 to 18. They had to serve for 20 years. During this time they could not marry or own cattle. However if they proved themselves in battle Shaka could reward them with cattle and wives- incentivizing bravery and hard fighting.

Men in the army were professionals, always ready for war. They did not farm or herd, instead raiding their neighbours for captives, food and cattle.

The Zulu army was called the impi and was made up of age regiments.

Shaka waged total war on his enemies- attacking not just the enemy army but it's people as well.

The impi amabutho each had their own name, uniforms and traditions. They were commanded by an induna- a trusted soldier and proven fighter to Shaka.

Examples include:

Ama-Wombe- Single Clash

Fasimba- The Haze, also known as Shaka's Own.

U-Dlambedlu- The Wild Men

U-Gibabanye- The Expellers