Myth of 'Discovery': Understanding the Mistaken Notion of Explorers Discovering Africa
The phrase 'discovery' has long been woven into the narrative of European exploration and expansion. However, the idea that Africa was 'discovered' by European explorers is a persistent myth that overlooks the rich and diverse history of the continent. This article delves into the history of exploration, the actual discoverers of Africa, and why this narrative needs reconsideration.
Explorers of the Early Age
The explorations that came to mark the beginning of the 15th century were pivotal but not the first to encounter Africa. Key figures mentioned in the history of exploration are Prince Henry the Navigator, Bartolomeu Dias, and Vasco da Gama.
Henry the Navigator, a Portuguese prince who played a crucial role in the early stages of the Age of Discovery, promoted exploration along the African coast. Although he did not personally venture beyond Portugal, his efforts laid the groundwork for future voyages. His legacy includes the founding of a navigation school, which contributed to the gradual exploration of the African coast.
Bartolomeu Dias made history in 1488 as the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa, reaching the Cape of Good Hope. This was a significant milestone that opened the way for future exploration and maritime trade.
Vasco da Gama achieved fame in 1497 by becoming the first European to reach India by sea, thus rounding Africa. However, his journey was more about establishing a trade route rather than 'discovering' a new continent.
Prior Discoveries
It is essential to recognize that these explorations by Europeans significantly impacted European knowledge of Africa, but they did not ‘discover’ the continent. Africans themselves had explored and inhabited the land long before any European arrived on the scene.
Ancient Greeks, for instance, encountered Nubian peoples around 270 BC. Nubia was a sophisticated and thriving civilization that traded in valuable goods such as incense, ivory, and ebony. The Nubians also had remarkable military skills, an advanced writing system, and were renowned for their metalworking. These civilizations were well-known and respected, not secluded or mysterious entities.
Continental Explorers
The term 'discover' when applied to Africa is anachronistic. Early human populations migrated out of Africa millions of years ago, making Africa the cradle of humanity. Africans themselves indeed discovered and inhabited every corner of the world.
Bob the cat, a whimsical reference, cannot be taken seriously as a historical figure. No one, especially a pet, possesses the capability or historical significance to 'discover' a continent.
Africa's history is a rich tapestry that has been woven for millennia. It is not a place that needs to be discovered by anyone. The conceptualization of Africa as a mysterious land untouched by human eyes is a narrative that served the colonialist and slave trade rhetoric. It is time to move away from such narratives and embrace the real historical legacy of Africa.