Matabeleland (1838-1897), also known as the Ndebele Empire or Mthwakazi by the Ndebele themselves, was an African state covering what is today part of southern Zimbabwe and northern South Africa. This area, which included other African peoples, notably the Shona, was coveted by colonial settlers and the British South Africa Company, and so two wars followed, the First and Second Matabele Wars, from 1893 to 1897. Matabeleland, defeated and dismantled, was eventually absorbed into the British colony of Southern Rhodesia (modern-day Zimbabwe).
More about: Matabeleland (Kingdom)Definition
Timeline
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1838 - 1897Matabeleland (Ndebele Empire) is present in Southern Africa.
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1838Chief Mzilikazi founds the Ndebele kingdom of Matabeleland north of the Limpopo River.
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1852A peace is signed between the Ndebele of Matabeleland and the Boers of Transvaal.
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1867Gold is discoverd in Matabeleland.
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1868Lobengula succeeds Mzilikazi as ruler of Matabeleland.
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1879The Ndebele of Matabeleland defeat the Rozwi people.
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1888The Anglo-Ndebele agreement, the Rudd Concession, permits prospectors into Matabeleland.
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1890Armed forces of the British South Africa Company enter Matabeleland.
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Oct 1893 - Jan 1894The First Matabele War between the Ndebele and British.
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Mar 1896 - Oct 1897The Second Matabele War between the Ndebele (and Shona) and the British.
