16 Things That Made Shaka Zulu A Military Genius

Shaka Zulu is said to be one of the greatest military leaders in African history, and
perhaps all of history. 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. Born in 1787 in what is now South Africas KwaZulu-Natal province,
he died in 1828. His legacy lived on in the Zulu warriors who fought the British in 1879.
The military conflict helped immortalize the Zulu in the minds of Westerners, but Zulu
history was far from over in 1879. The Zulus persevered through apartheid and remain
the largest ethnic group in South Africa. Here are 16 things that made Shaka Zulu a
military genius.
He introduced new weapons to the Zulu people Tired of the assegai a long pole
weapon made of wood with pointed iron at the end and thrown like a javelin Shaka
Zulu introduced the ikwla, a weapon with a shorter sphere and a longer spearhead,
sort of like a sword. This weapon gave Shakas warriors a huge advantage over
opponents when they came up close for hand-to-hand combat. - See more at:
http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulu-a-militarygenius/2/#sthash.Ljxylhax.dpuf

He introduced cowhide shields

Shaka Zulu supposedly introduced cowhide shields, which were much stronger than
the iron or wood shields used previously
- See more at: http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulu-a-militarygenius/3/#sthash.kOtldTfN.dpuf
He accustomed his troops to war conditions Some historians say that Shaka Zulu would
make his troops go on 50-mile marches for practice over rough and hot terrain so they
wouldnt be fazed by difficult conditions during battle - See more at:
http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulu-a-militarygenius/4/#sthash.D5a1mKEh.dpuf
He collected troops like they were acorns When his father Senzangakona, the chief of
the small Zulu tribe, died in 1816, Shaka Zulu took the throne. The following year, he
had gathered an army of more than 2,000 warriors. By 1824, his army numbered up to
20,000. - See more at: http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulu-amilitary-genius/5/#sthash.sGbgZMfP.dpuf

simple.wikipedia.org
His strict military decrees earned him respect

By stating these rules for his army, Shaka gained confidence and support: 1) He
eliminated privilege and class. Warriors had to earn their positions and rank. 2) All the
spoils of war taken from the defeated armies were to be split among the warriors, and
all resources shared. 3) Ageing members of society were to be treated with dignity, and
allowed to retire.
- See more at: http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulu-a-militarygenius/6/#sthash.IfX56Fl1.dpuf

He introduced (and perhaps invented) the bull horn formation Many historians say
Shaka Zulu was the first military leader to use the bull horn formation. This is a threepart attack system in which seasoned warriors form the chest of the horn at the front,
pinning the enemy into a position where it can be easily attacked. Younger warriors
would form the horns and encircle the enemy, attacking from the sides, and
additional warriors formed the loins, standing behind the chest with their back to
the battle, protecting against any additional attackers. - See more at:
http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulu-a-militarygenius/6/#sthash.IfX56Fl1.dpuf
He differentiated soldiers Shaka Zulu had soldiers carry different colored or patterned
shields, depending on their rank. In a troop of hundreds, this made it much easier for
soldiers to know exactly where to go when forming the bull horn. - See more at:
http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulu-a-militarygenius/7/#sthash.5YIT4ZYx.dpuf
He made his soldiers remain celibate With the exception of those already married, he
made sexual abstinence mandatory. Many believe that Shaka was a homosexual who
had some procreative issues. Would such issues tie into his lifestyle demands for his
troops? - See more at: http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulu-amilitary-genius/8/#sthash.iBXqtQfp.dpuf

He was fiercely dedicated to his mother Shaka was ruthless and violent with grief after
his mother Nandis death in 1827. Pregnant women and their husbands from his tribe
were murdered, crop planting and milk production was banned, and many Zulus were
executed. - See more at: http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulu-amilitary-genius/9/#sthash.CcLA9y8v.dpuf
birdnest.org
He started apprenticeships
Children over age 6 would became apprentice warriors, delivering rations, cooking
supplies and weapons to real warriors. By the time children came of age, they were
accustomed to being in battle surroundings and were more emotionally ready to fight.
- See more at: http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulu-a-militarygenius/10/#sthash.g3Ho8gKX.dpuf

He sometimes said nice, encouraging things Shaka spoke these words to his army in
1818 after a victory: Great nation of Zulu, you have shown courage against a superior
enemy. The nations that spoke of you with contempt are chilled by your songs. Kings
and princes shiver in their little thrones. Enemies flee to hide in the mountain caves.
(HistoryWiz). He could be nicesometimes - See more at:
http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulu-a-militarygenius/12/#sthash.Q41K3pwq.dpuf
He revolutionized South African war style Before Shaka Zulu, South African battles are
said to have consisted of a ritualized exchange of taunts with minimal loss of life.
Shaka Zulu introduced methods that turned war into warfare. - See more at:
http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulu-a-militarygenius/13/#sthash.Klvy8mJE.dpuf
He inspired a widely popular song Shaka Zulu is the inspiration for a song used
throughout Africa when a revered authoritative figure is celebrated. The opening lines
are, He is Shaka the unshakeable, Thunderer-while-sitting, son of Menzi. He is the bird
that preys on other birds. - See more at: http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-madeshaka-zulu-a-military-genius/14/#sthash.OmbwUkO7.dpuf
He listened to criticisms
In mourning the death of his mother, Shaka Zulu implemented drastic measures
including forbidding crops to be planted, the use of milk and even executions. One Zulu
member stood up to Shaka Zulu and reminded him that his mother was not the first
person to ever die in their community and that some of his mourning methods were
too harsh. Zulu listened, called off his mourning measures, and rewarded the tribe
member for bravery in speaking up.

He created a mega military empire

Word of Shaka Zulus advanced military tactics did one of two things to neighboring
tribes: they either moved far away or joined his forces, making him stronger and his
enemies less formidable.
- See more at: http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulu-a-militarygenius/16/#sthash.2uig1wcB.dpuf
He brought the Zulu tribe out of obscurity In the early 19th century, the Nguni tribes were
merely farmers and pastoralists, concerned about finding the most fertile land for their
cattle to graze on. Disputes were settled in weak-kneed skirmish fashion, until Shaka
Zulu came along. - See more at: http://afkinsider.com/57305/16-things-made-shaka-zulua-military-genius/17/#sthash.DriDigtg.dpuf