Gaza Empire
Mozambique, 1824–1895. Draft, not yet reviewed
The Gaza Empire was an African empire established by Soshangane and was located in southeastern Africa in the area of southern Mozambique and southeastern Zimbabwe. The Gaza Empire, at its height in the 1860s, covered all of Mozambique between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, known as Gazaland. Soshangane named his empire "Gaza" after his grandfather. Soshangane's grandson, Gungunyana, took over the Gaza Empire from his father Mzila and moved the capital southward to Manjakazi, putting him in closer proximity with the Portuguese.
Seat of power: Manjacaze
No rulers documented for this era yet.
Culture
- Soshangane insisted that Nguni customs be adopted, and that the Tsonga, Ndau learn the Nguni language. Young men were assigned to the army as "Mavulandlela" (those who open the road).
- Like other states in the region, the Gaza Empire is known to have used firearms in their military, more so than other states such as the Rozvi and Mutapa Empires.
- The Gazan Army utilized Snider-Enfield and Martini-Henry rifles, as well as outdated; albeit usable, flintlock rifles.
Picture
The Gaza Kingdom comprised parts of what are now southeastern Zimbabwe, as well as extending from the Sabi River down to the southern part of Mozambique.
Image: Ypirétis, CC BY-SA 4.0, file
Sources
Text adapted from the Wikipedia articles listed as sources, CC BY-SA 4.0.