Zulu Warriors

Zulu Warriors

Around 1878, the British Empire rapidly expanded into Africa, subjugating the peoples that it came up against. Located in modern-day South Africa, the Zulu Kingdom was one of the last independent indigenous nations on the continent. Having emerged in the 1820s, it prospered and became one of the most powerful kingdoms in the region. Cetshwayo, crowned king in 1873, modernized its army. This decision was key, as it proclaimed war against the British in 1879.

The Zulus had no permanent army, but their troops were the personification of discipline. At age between 18 and 20, youths joined the warrior caste and were assigned a regiment. Instilled with a great sense of loyalty to the king and their colleagues, they undertook campaigns of no longer than three months in which they sought decisive victories and, once their mission was complete, they returned to their homes.