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The Dawn of Discovery: The First People of Africa And The Impact of Early Missionaries
subsequent colonization by European powers is a complex and multifaceted process that spans centuries. This essay will explore the early history of African discovery, the lifestyle and nature of the first people to inhabit the continent, and the experiences of the first and last missionaries who arrived in Africa.
The earliest known human migrations to Africa date back to around 200,000 years ago, when Homo sapiens emerged in the continent's Great Lakes region. Over time, these early humans spread across the continent, developing complex societies and cultures. By the time European explorers and colonizers arrived, Africa was home to a diverse range of cultures, languages, and societies.
The earliest European explorers to arrive in Africa were the Phoenicians, who established trade routes with the continent from around 1200 BCE. The Phoenicians were followed by the Greeks and Romans, who established trade and colonial settlements in North Africa. The Arabs followed, establishing a vast empire that stretched from the Middle East to the Horn of Africa.
The modern era of European colonization in Africa began in the 15th century, when European powers, such as Portugal and Spain, established colonies along the west African coast. Over the next few…
