The Zulu Kingdom, known for its military prowess and cultural richness, played a significant role in the history of southern Africa. Founded in the early 19th century under King Shaka Zulu, it transformed the region through military innovations and state-building efforts, introducing the concept of centralized authority. The Zulu emerged as a dominant force during the Mfecane, a period of widespread upheaval and migration in southern Africa. Their resistance against colonial forces, particularly during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, highlighted the complexities of African responses to European imperialism, making the Zulu Kingdom a focal point of historical study in southern African history.