The Big Bend of Eswatini: A History



The Big Bend of Eswatini is a unique part of the country's history, and it has played an important role in the development of the nation. Located in the southeastern corner of the country, the Big Bend is a vast area of savanna, rolling hills, and wetlands. It is home to some of the most diverse wildlife in the region, including elephants, lions, and leopards. The Big Bend has been an important area for the Swazi people for centuries, and its history is intertwined with their own.

The Big Bend was first settled by the Swazi people in the late 18th century. The area was used for hunting and gathering, and the people of the Big Bend were known for their skill in using traditional weapons such as spears and bows. The Big Bend was also an important area for trading, with goods from nearby Mozambique and South Africa being exchanged for local produce.

In the late 19th century, the British took control of the area and imposed their own laws and regulations. This led to the establishment of a number of trading posts in the area, and the Big Bend became an important hub for the trade of ivory and other goods.

The Big Bend was also an important area for the development of the Swazi nation. The area was a refuge for the Swazi people during times of war, and it was the site of several battles between the Swazi and the British. In the late 19th century, the Big Bend became an important part of the Swazi kingdom, and it was here that the Swazi king Mswati II was crowned in 1839.

The Big Bend was also an important part of the struggle for Swazi independence from British rule. In the early 20th century, the Swazi people fought against the British and their allies in a series of battles known as the Swazi War of Independence. This war ultimately resulted in the establishment of the independent nation of Eswatini in 1968.

Today, the Big Bend is still an important part of the Swazi nation. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, and it is an important part of the country's tourism industry. The Big Bend is also home to a number of cultural sites, including the ancient stone ruins of Makhatini and the royal tombs of the Swazi kings. The Big Bend is an important part of the history of Eswatini, and its beauty and significance will continue to be appreciated for generations to come.