(16 December 1838) A battle fought between Voortrekkers (Afrikaners) and Zulus, led by Dingaan, near a tributary of the Buffalo River. The river became known as Blood River after its waters were reddened with the blood of some 3000 Zulus, killed to avenge the slaughter of about 500 Afrikaners earlier in the year. The Zulu defeat enabled the Afrikaners to establish the Republic of Natal.