The present Lesotho (then called Basutoland) emerged as a single polity under paramount chief Moshoeshoe I in 1822.
Moshoeshoe I, c.1786-1870; paramount chief of southern Sotho; founder of Basuto kingdom (later Basutoland, then Lesotho)
The attacks also forced Moshoeshoe to move his settlement to the Qiloane plateau.
It is named for Butha-Buthe Mountain to the north of the town, which King Moshoeshoe I used as his a fortification and headquarters from 1821 to 1823, during his war with the Zulu king Shaka.
Born in Leribe, Jonathan was a minor chief, like many others a great-grandson of the polygamous King Moshoeshoe I.