On 16 December 1838, Pretorius' force of some 500 men was attacked by over 10,000 Zulus, who were beaten off with an estimated loss of 3,000 men in what became known as the Battle of Blood River.
On 16 December 1838, Pretorius' force of some 500 men was attacked by over 10,000 Zulus. With superior weaponry, the Dutch beat them off, killing an estimated 3,000 warriors in what became known as the Battle of Blood River.