A Brief History of Africa

There are many people from the Western world who have ideas in mind about Africa, but they actually know very little about it. Africa has a rich and interesting history that can be best experienced by traveling there and seeing it firsthand. However, before embarking on the journey, it is best to know a bit about the history of the African nations. It will help travelers better appreciate their new and exciting surroundings.

There are actually many scientists who believe that Africa is where the entire human race originated. It is widely known that, by 100,000 BC, there were humans as we are today living in Africa as hunters and gatherers. Many people forget that Egypt is a part of Africa, making it home to many of the important developments made in ancient times. As time went on, people began to spread into Europe and build European civilizations as we know them today.

In the year 642 AD, Arabs began taking over many of the African nations. As a result, many of the countries converted to Islam, although some remained associated with Christian faiths. Those who remained Christian, however, had difficulty because the Arabs who controlled them cut them off from Europe.

By the 11th century, Africa was flourishing and Nigeria was one of the greatest kingdoms in the world. We have a record of this time thanks to the terracotta and bronze sculptures that were created by artists of the day. However, the African people had difficult times ahead of them following the colonization of European nations. There was a mark left on African culture that may never be healed.

In the 18th century, many Africans were captured by the Europeans and taken into slavery. Europeans would travel to Africa, bring goods from their native lands, and take slaves back with them. In addition to those who were captured, some people were sold into slavery as punishment for committing crimes. This was a practice that would continue for a great many years.

Africa may well be the birthplace of humanity and this makes it one of the most fascinating places in the world to visit. There are many countries that have never, to this day, been colonized and they are still rich in much of their original history. Someone from a Western country who wants to experience something completely foreign from their everyday routine would have a fabulous time on an expedition to any of the African nations.

If you are looking for a truly unique vacation experience, think about booking one of the many African safari vacation packages available. If new to worldwide travel, visit ETAfricanJourneys.com for the best African safari vacation packages that will truly make your next vacation one to remember.