The Real Story Behind The Anglo-Zulu War With Historian Saul David

'The Real Story of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift With Historian Saul David'

In this video, Dan Snow talks to Saul David - historian, broadcaster and author - about what was arguably the most brutal and controversial British imperial conflict of the 19th century: the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.

As well as the causes of the war and British colonial expansion in Southern Africa, he explains how the British blundered their way into a catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana, the real story of the last stand at Rorke's Drift, and how the Zulu Nation was eventually defeated at the Battle of Ulundi.

#AngloZuluWar #SaulDavid #DanSnow

[robocombo]

I was very privileged to spend 2 days on the hill looking down over Isandlwana with David Rattray. Hearing on the first day the story from the Zulu perspective and the next day from the British perspective. An amazing experience.

[princetonburchill]

Our Zulu guide at Rorke's Drift said that the Zulu's short stabbing spear was called after the sound it made stabbing into a body and the sound it made when withdrawing it - eech-schuk! The same guide told us at Isandlwana that his great-grandfather was an eyewitness that fought in the battle who described that when the redcoats ran out of bullets, and facing certain death, they all shook hands with each other and met their fate with great equanimity and calmness, fighting on with bayonet and rifle butt until they fell; bravery which deeply impressed the Zulus.

[FreeFallingAir]

Throughly enjoyed the interview, this channel is consistently posting some bangers. Looking forward to the next!

[markdesjardins]

I was incredibly fortunate to be a part of an Earthwatch sponsored archaeology dig at the Mission station at Eshowe in 2000 with Tony Pollard's team; we also had a chance to visit the sites of the battles at Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana....very moving.

[stephensmith]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. I've been fascinated by the Zulu War ever since I saw the film Zulu when I was about 7 years old. Leaving aside all factual considerations, it is still a very rousing film. Especially the sing-off between the Rorke's Drift defenders and the Zulus.

[Jon.A.Scholt]

"Ritual disembowelment" is a word you never want to hear if you're about to be on the losing side.

[A.Fred_Davies]

I bought the book all those years ago and used it for an A level course. I’ve always been interested in the Zulu war, something shared with my father who first peaked my interest when I watch ‘Zulu’ with him and he pointed out all the historical inaccuracies which I now do to anyone who will listen 😂 great interview of a great author.

[martingrimwood]

The absolute arrogance and over confidence of some of the officers at this time is unbelievable. Especially as this had happened after the retreat of Kabul. Saul David explains this so brilliantly within this interview. Excellent as always

[jimfrodsham]

I watched this as a young Para recruit in form up in '67. The atmosphere in the SKC cinema was electric, I'll never forget how our trg staff were cheering and shouting out advice. Wonderful times.

[duncannapier]

History Hit has some awesome videos, and for me as a South African this is one of the best. Thank you 🇿🇦👍

[HankD]

Growing up in Africa, the Zulu war, Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift were of immense interest. Donald R Morris' (an American perspective maybe) The Washing of the Spears, was my bible on this. Magnificent book filled with magnificent detail that tells the story of the Zulu nation better than any other account I have read, and not heard anybody tell it better since.

[geoffbrown]

I've walked over both of those battlefields - it's an eerie experience.

[oldhippiejon]

Living in Brecon and having links with the regiment I spend time at the SWB museum, it was interesting to meet the Great Granddaughter of Robert Jones who is reported to have shot himself whilst depressed from the constant dreams about the battle, she was insistent that he tripped over a fence and the shooting was an accident, also discussed his VC medal which she told us was'stolen' and sold by a member of the family. Interesting hour sitting in the backroom of the museum and in truth a high lite in my life. I was informed that in fact the Zulu had more fire arms than the British but of course not as accurate but at hundred yards that made little difference, like Custer on the Little Bighorn, distance was the key, unfortunately for both they could not keep it. Excellent posting very interesting to listen too, thank you.

[rbeard]

Excellent interview. I'm a fan of history, as well as of all things South African.

[psotos]

I've always been fascinated by both battles. I also loved both movies. I am lucky to own an 1878 Martini Henry in working condition!

[mikedowney]

I love listening to the brilliant story telling historians.

[chetanbalutia]

this channel is so this needs a blow up... do the magic algo

[cyrneco]

'The Boer War' by Pakenham is a fantastic book about it. Also 'The scramble for Africa'.

[bbabc]

I have read & watched videos for information on Islandlwana & Rorks Drift for many years and this is by far the best most informative presentation I have seen. Well done.

[Britishwolf]

I love this content! Very insightful interview with a fantastic historian.