Shaka Zulu

Shaka Zulu (1787-1828) was the leader of the Zulu tribe.

History

Shaka Zulu was the most influential Zulu leader ever, known for his weaponry and reformation of Zulu battle tatics, the "bull horn" battle formation, and his iklwa spear. Shaka's father was the leader of the Zulu tribe; his mother was a princess from the rival eLangeni tribe. Shaka took massive reforms transforming the Zulu's from a minor tribe, in to massive empire filled with warriors he took by crushing other tribes in battle. He also imposed incredibly strick rules on his forces anyone who forgot or lost there weapon or had a lover was exercuted. In 1823, Shaka eradicated a majority of southeasten Africa. Its estimated he murdered upto two million peole (most in mass exercutions) to build his empire.

In 1827, Shaka's mother passed away, and he went ballistic. Some 7000 Zulus were killed, including pregnant women and their husbands, and even livestock were butchered by Shaka and his agents. Shaka continued to go more an more insane, declaring war after war and turning on his alies. He put the Zulu culture in jeopardy by attacking the European Settlers, despite years of trying to build good relationships between the two. Shaka was eventually assasinated by his half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana. A chieftain with so much promise ended up into madness and rage had finally come to a bloody end.