Battle of Isandlwana

Thousands of Zulu warriors launched a devastating attack against the British army at Isandlwana, creating one of the worst defeats Britain had ever suffered in colonial Africa.

On January 22, 1879, the British army camped near a rocky hill called Isandlwana.

British officers felt confident.

Their weapons were advanced. Their uniforms were modern. Their empire stretched across the world.

Many believed the Zulu warriors would quickly surrender.

But hidden across the hills and grasslands, thousands of Zulu fighters were already moving into position. The Zulu army used tactics first perfected during the time of Shaka Zulu.

Their famous battle formation was called:

The Horns of the Buffalo.

The formation worked like this:

The “chest” attacked directly. The “horns” moved around the sides. The “loins” stayed behind as reserve forces.

This strategy allowed the Zulu army to surround enemies from multiple directions.

At Isandlwana, it worked perfectly.

Early that morning, British scouts spotted Zulu warriors moving across the hills.

Then suddenly— thousands of Zulu fighters charged forward.