Zulu Empire

The Zulu Empire was a Southern African state that dominated the region in the early nineteenth century under King Shaka.

His military innovations—disciplined regiments, close-combat tactics, and the short stabbing spear—transformed a small clan into a formidable power.

The empire's expansion displaced neighboring peoples in a period of upheaval called the Mfecane.

British forces defeated the Zulus in 1879, ending their independence.

The term appears in historical discussions of colonialism and African military history.