The BBC posted a very interesting feature on "Mapping Africa" and how you can trace the history of Africa by studying maps dating as far back as the fourteenth century. And if anyone was interested in how Africa got its name - it appears that the continent was named after a group of Tunisian berbers, the "Afri" or who lived near Carthage and traded with the Romans. And so behold, the Romans called it "Afri- terra" the land of the Afri, which became "Africa". There are several other theories as to how Africa got its name, but this one seems to hold the most water.
Another interesting point made by the BBC presentation, is the striking detail found on a map of Africa dating back to 1625. The continent is filled with rivers, mountains, and ethnic and linguistic groups. Compare it to a map drawn up by the British in 1905, where the only details that appeared to matter to cartographers of the day were trade routes and land that the British, French, Belgian and Portuguese powers laid claim to. There's a whole middle section in a map from 1905 that is basically void of any detail, giving rise to the notion of "dark Africa". A free for all, open to exploitation. The natural boundaries of mountains and rivers you see on maps of the 17th century, were replaced by straight lines and arbitrary borders created by the economic super powers of the day. There is really nothing "African" about them. And these are largely the boundaries that have been left to Africans today.
More About: BBC Map Presentation l Maps of Africa l African History
Your answer is incorrect and basically a lie! Roman conquered parts of Ethiopia and called it Africa based off a Roman conqeror name Scipio Africanus, the correct name is Kush or Ethiopia prior to this lie everyone is telling across the internet!
Africanus was named after Africa. Africa is the Greek andLatin translation for Afru ika. Meaning mother land
Good clear up Ziggy, couldn’t have said it better.
From my understanding, Scipio’s name was changed to Africanus after he won his battle there. His original name was Publius Cornelius Scipio.
even now you still trying to lay claim on my continent.
as far as I know and everybody can prove no one know exactly how Africa name came by.
yeah am pretty sure God gave the Tunisians Berbers or whoever coined the name the inspiration to do that. lol
Africanus was named after Africa, because he defeated Hannibal.
The true origin is Egyptian af-rui-ka, “to turn toward the opening of the Ka.” The Ka is the energetic double of every person and “opening of the Ka” refers to a womb or birthplace.
Since the Egyptian civilizations preceded the Romans and Greeks on the continent, I think is probably the best answer.