Zulu Military
Many major events in the 1800's included multiple wars, or disputes. Some resulted in loss while others victorious. However, the versatile weaponry between the South African military groups and the various other groups they encountered varied tremendously. Shaka Zulu is known as the one of the greatest military leaders in history regardless of how strict or brutal he was during training. Brutal training included 50 mile treks over rugged terrain in harsh weather conditions to adapt to what they would face during
battle. Even though these harsh conditions were less than desirable, he gathered an
army of more than 2,000 fighters after his first year on the throne. His most important characteristic was his amazing ability to take criticism which led to an unstoppable military. The famous quote "if you can't beat them, join them" readily applies here. Neighboring military groups would either join or leave. While under the leadership of Shaka, the Zulu incorporated novel military and bureaucratic tactics that boosted their army to the top of the success ladder.
battle. Even though these harsh conditions were less than desirable, he gathered an
army of more than 2,000 fighters after his first year on the throne. His most important characteristic was his amazing ability to take criticism which led to an unstoppable military. The famous quote "if you can't beat them, join them" readily applies here. Neighboring military groups would either join or leave. While under the leadership of Shaka, the Zulu incorporated novel military and bureaucratic tactics that boosted their army to the top of the success ladder.
Weaponry
Their most used weapons were spears called an assegai. Assegai's were long wooden poles with sharpened iron at one end used for long distance fighting due to how easy it traveled. Another spear, called the ikwla, was shorter with a longer iron point (resembles a sword) that was used for close up fighting. For protection, they held shields made of cowhide in front of their body to prevent puncturing from the enemies thrown weapons.
War Tactics
For the Zulu to become the most successful military they had to use specific strategies and tactics. Shaka was the first leader to eliminate the privileged class system that created the ranks, forcing warriors to earn their positions. This also entailed that whatever was gained throughout their battles would be divided between the group evenly. The elder warriors were given respect and therefore, allowed to retire and become mentors. For maximum focus, Shaka made his warriors sexually abstinent with the exception of the men already married.
Shaka invented fighting strategies called shock tactics that were based on "stealth and surprise". The most infamous being the bull horn formation: an attack system that occurred in three parts with the most experienced and talented warriors in the middle for purposes of cornering enemies in their most vulnerable positions Young warriors would form the horn to trap their enemies in place and to attack on all angles. Additional warriors, loins, would follow the whole horn for protection from the back. This was easily deciphered through different colored shields (based on ranks) to form the horn quick and easy.
Apprenticeships were created to keep the supplies, rations and weapons consistently incoming to the military groups. Children as young as six would become deliverers to not only have everyone hold their own part in these perilous battles but to also get children accustomed to the battle environments emotionally and mentally. Their system also allowed for incorporation of enemies that have been defeated into the Zulu army. This may seem a bit skeptical however, Shaka appointed indunas (appointed authorities) to make sure these newly incorporated warriors were loyal.
To find out more about the Zulu military, tactics and weaponry click below.
Shaka invented fighting strategies called shock tactics that were based on "stealth and surprise". The most infamous being the bull horn formation: an attack system that occurred in three parts with the most experienced and talented warriors in the middle for purposes of cornering enemies in their most vulnerable positions Young warriors would form the horn to trap their enemies in place and to attack on all angles. Additional warriors, loins, would follow the whole horn for protection from the back. This was easily deciphered through different colored shields (based on ranks) to form the horn quick and easy.
Apprenticeships were created to keep the supplies, rations and weapons consistently incoming to the military groups. Children as young as six would become deliverers to not only have everyone hold their own part in these perilous battles but to also get children accustomed to the battle environments emotionally and mentally. Their system also allowed for incorporation of enemies that have been defeated into the Zulu army. This may seem a bit skeptical however, Shaka appointed indunas (appointed authorities) to make sure these newly incorporated warriors were loyal.
To find out more about the Zulu military, tactics and weaponry click below.