14 Facts About Cetshwayo

Cetshwayo's name has been transliterated as Cetawayo, Cetewayo, Cetywajo and Ketchwayo.

Cetshwayo consistently opposed the war and sought fruitlessly to make peace with the British and was defeated and exiled following the Zulu defeat in the war.

Cetshwayo was later allowed to return to Zululand, where he died in 1884.

Cetshwayo was a son of Zulu king Mpande and Queen Ngqumbazi, half-nephew of Zulu king Shaka and grandson of Senzangakhona.

Cetshwayo kept an eye on his father's new wives and children for potential rivals, ordering the death of his favourite wife, Nomantshali, and her children in 1861.

In 1865, Umthonga again fled across the border, apparently making Cetshwayo believe that Umthonga would organize help from the Boers against him, the same way his father had overthrown his predecessor, Dingane.

Cetshwayo's death was first concealed to ensure a smooth transition; Cetshwayo was installed as king on 1 September 1873.

Cetshwayo expanded his army and readopted many methods of Shaka.

Cetshwayo equipped his impis with muskets, though evidence of their use is limited.

Frere thus began to demand reparations for Zulu border infractions and ordered his subordinates to send messages complaining about Cetshwayo's policies, seeking to provoke the Zulu king.

Cetshwayo did state that he and Frere were equals, and since he did not complain about how Frere administered the Cape Colony, Frere should observe the same courtesy concerning Zululand.

Cetshwayo's refusal led to war in 1879, though he continually sought to make peace after the Battle of Isandlwana, the first engagement of the war.

Cetshwayo was wounded but escaped to the forest at Nkandla.

Cetshwayo's body was buried in a field within sight of the forest, to the south near Nkunzane River.