Xhosa chiefdoms
Xhosa chiefdoms appears on the timeline as a people or culture of South Africa and Namibia (Central and Southern Africa) from c. 1550 to 1879 CE, a span of 329 years. Its people spoke Bantu languages (Kongo, Shona, Zulu, Swahili, Luba, Ganda).
The southernmost Nguni people, the Xhosa fought nine frontier wars with the Cape Colony from 1779 to 1879. The cattle-killing of 1856 to 1857, inspired by the prophet Nongqawuse, left tens of thousands dead from famine.
See Xhosa chiefdoms on the interactive timeline
Facts
- Dates
- c. 1550 to 1879 CE
- Duration
- 329 years
- Type
- People or culture
- Region
- South Africa and Namibia, Central and Southern Africa
- Language family
- Bantu
Events in Central and Southern Africa during its time
- Founding of Cape Town
- Battle of Mbwila
- Omanis take Fort Jesus
- Shaka becomes Zulu king
- The Great Trek begins
- Battle of Isandlwana
Neighbours in Central and Southern Africa
- Swahili city-states
- Kingdom of Kongo
- Zulu Kingdom
- Kingdom of Buganda
- Bunyoro-Kitara
- Portuguese Mozambique
- Portuguese Angola
- Mutapa Empire
- Luba Empire
- Kingdom of Imerina
Elsewhere in the world at the same time
- Republic of Venice
- Holy Roman Empire
- Ethiopian Empire (Solomonic dynasty)
- Ottoman Empire
- Ottoman Empire
- Portuguese Empire
- Mali Empire
- Ayutthaya Kingdom
- Mughal Empire
- Portuguese Brazil
Questions
When did Xhosa chiefdoms exist?
c. 1550 to 1879 CE, about 329 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.
Where was Xhosa chiefdoms?
South Africa and Namibia, in Central and Southern Africa.
What language did Xhosa chiefdoms speak?
Bantu. This family includes Kongo, Shona, Zulu, Swahili, Luba, Ganda.