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[[File:KingShaka.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Shaka; sketch attributed to James King, from ''Travels and Adventures in Eastern Africa'', by Nathanial Isaacs (1836).]]

[[File:KingShaka.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Shaka; sketch attributed to James King, from ''Travels and Adventures in Eastern Africa'', by Nathanial Isaacs (1836).]]

'''Shaka''' or '''Shaka Zulu''' (spelled variously as '''Chaka''' or '''Tshaka'''; from isiZulu: ''ishaka'', "illegitimate child"<ref>http://isizulu.net/</ref>; 1787 - 1828), African military leader and king of the Zulu (1816-1828) over much of what is now present-day [[South Africa]].  Despised and ridiculed when young, vindictive, cruel, and in his later years insane, he would use innovative weapons and tactics and turn a small, insignificant tribe into one of history's most fearsome fighting machines.

'''Shaka''' or '''Shaka Zulu''' (spelled variously as '''Chaka''' or '''Tshaka'''; from isiZulu: ''ishaka'', "illegitimate child";<ref>http://isizulu.net/</ref> 1787 - 1828), African military leader and king of the Zulu (1816-1828) over much of what is now present-day [[South Africa]].  Despised and ridiculed when young, vindictive, cruel, and in his later years insane, he would use innovative weapons and tactics and turn a small, insignificant tribe into one of history's most fearsome fighting machines.

==History==

==History==

In October, 1827 Nandi died.  Tens of thousands were put to death, which included a large number of women, ostensibly so that their children would know what is was like to lose a mother.

In October, 1827 Nandi died.  Tens of thousands were put to death, which included a large number of women, ostensibly so that their children would know what is was like to lose a mother.

During the following year his armies were further and further away, and his half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana, along with a bodyguard named Mbopha realized Shaka was lacking protection.  On September 22, 1828 in the kraal at Dukuza, they stabbed Shaka to death, and buried his body in a gravel pit<ref>http://www.battlefieldsroute.co.za/place/king-shakas-grave/</ref>. Dingane in turn would kill any potential rivals to his own taking of power.

During the following year his armies were further and further away, and his half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana, along with a bodyguard named Mbopha realized Shaka was lacking protection.  On September 22, 1828 in the kraal at Dukuza, they stabbed Shaka to death, and buried his body in a gravel pit.<ref>http://www.battlefieldsroute.co.za/place/king-shakas-grave/</ref>  Dingane in turn would kill any potential rivals to his own taking of power.

==References==

==References==

*[http://www.historynet.com/shaka-zulu-chieftain.htm History.net article on Shaka]

*[http://www.historynet.com/shaka-zulu-chieftain.htm History.net article on Shaka]

[[Category:Military Commanders]]

[[Category:Military Commanders]]

[[Category:South Africa]]

[[Category:South Africa]]