Shaka: An African Conqueror in Historical Perspective

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Periodical article

Title:	Shaka: An African Conqueror in Historical Perspective
Author:	Scholz, Hans-Jurgen
Year:	1970
Periodical:	Africana Marburgensia
Volume:	3
Issue:	1
Pages:	3-23
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	traditional rulers history Zulu polity Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) History and Exploration
About person:	Shaka king of Zululand (ca. 1787-1828)
Abstract:	After a short review of the tribal situation in later Zululand around the year 1817 follows a biographical note on Shaka (1787-1828). The material results of his chieftainship of the Mtetwa (since the death of Dingiswayo in 1818) were considerable changes in the tribal picture of Southern and Central Africa. Shaka's historical significance lies in the fact that his royal house retained a prominent position among the chiefs of Zululand, which formed later a base for the development of territorial authorities in the policy of the South African government. Another question is which impression Shaka's personality left on his contemporaries and later generations, and subsequently which influence this impression exercised on their historical and moral conscience. To answer this question a number of statements, from Europeans as well as Africans, is presented here. Notes, summary in French.