Before European colonization, Africa was known by various names that reflected its diverse cultures, ethnic groups, and geographic regions. The continent was not unified under a single name, but some terms often associated with Africa in ancient times include:
- Alkebulan: Considered by some scholars to be one of the oldest names for Africa, meaning “Land of the Blacks” or “Mother of Mankind.”
- Cush: Referring to the region known today as Sudan, often associated with the ancient Kingdom of Kush.
- Aethiopia: This term was used by the ancient Greeks to describe regions of Africa, particularly areas south of Egypt, and it has evolved over time to represent parts of the continent.
- Egypt: Known as Kemet in ancient times, it referred specifically to the northern African civilization that developed along the Nile River.
These names highlight the rich history and cultural diversity of the continent before European colonization.
