This week's pod is a real treat - it's the 144th anniversary of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 which began in January. My guest is Saul David, author of Zulu: The Heroism & Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879.

The arrogance of the British Empire resulted in a humiliating defeat at Isandlwana, before recovering with the morale boosting defence at Rorke's Drift, made famous by Stanley Baker and Michael Caine in the 1964 movie, Zulu.

Saul and I discuss the build up to the invasion, the Zulu nation itself and its ancient antecedents, the personalities involved, the Zulu victories before their eventual defeat and what the conflict means for empire and colonialism today.

Saul David Links

Zulu: The Heroism & Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879

Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire

Military Blunders

Saul on Twitter

Ollie Links

Ollie on Twitter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices