Precolonial Senegambia
Neolithic and Paleolithic pottery, wall paintings and tools have been discovered in the Senegal River Valley. There were caravans of Arabs and Berbers that came to trade, as well as invaders who wanted to conquer the territories. During the 14th century, the Wolof Empire covered the six states of Baol, Walo, Cayor, Sine, Djolof, and Saloum. It stretched from the Senegal River to the Gambia River.
Before the colonial era, Senegal and Gambia were one country known as Senegambia. During the 1400s, there were various kingdoms that rose up in this area that got their power from the rivers, because of the trade that was possible. In 1500, Portuguese merchants caused the trade to move toward the coast, where new kingdoms grew.
Slave trade grew, which caused more decline of the trans-Saharan trade routes, and increased violence between the neighboring lands. Muslim leaders known as marabouts, rose up. One of these, Nasr al Din, controlled the Senegal River Valley from 1673 to 1677, when he was defeated.
The Portuguese trade in Senegambia was divided into Dutch, English, and French influence when other European nations arrived. France and Britain became the main influences in the 1800s. France wanted control over the Senegal River, and Britain focused on the Gambia River region. They founded forts that allowed them to take over more areas. Groundnuts were grown, which later became the staple crop of the colonial economy after the slave trade ended.
Before the colonial era, Senegal and Gambia were one country known as Senegambia. During the 1400s, there were various kingdoms that rose up in this area that got their power from the rivers, because of the trade that was possible. In 1500, Portuguese merchants caused the trade to move toward the coast, where new kingdoms grew.
Slave trade grew, which caused more decline of the trans-Saharan trade routes, and increased violence between the neighboring lands. Muslim leaders known as marabouts, rose up. One of these, Nasr al Din, controlled the Senegal River Valley from 1673 to 1677, when he was defeated.
The Portuguese trade in Senegambia was divided into Dutch, English, and French influence when other European nations arrived. France and Britain became the main influences in the 1800s. France wanted control over the Senegal River, and Britain focused on the Gambia River region. They founded forts that allowed them to take over more areas. Groundnuts were grown, which later became the staple crop of the colonial economy after the slave trade ended.
Île de Gorée
Now a tourist area with only 1,000 permanent residents, this island played a large part in Senegalese (and West African) history. In its very early history, it may have been sighted by the Ancient Phoenicians, and was known to be discovered in 1444 by the Portuguese explorer Dias.
The main history of the island began with the Dutch in 1817. They bought the island and it became a stopping point for Dutch merchant ships. The British took it from the Dutch, who retrieved it later. In 1802, it became the property of the French. Until 1848, when slavery was banned it France, it was used by merchants and slavers who were flying the French colors.
The main history of the island began with the Dutch in 1817. They bought the island and it became a stopping point for Dutch merchant ships. The British took it from the Dutch, who retrieved it later. In 1802, it became the property of the French. Until 1848, when slavery was banned it France, it was used by merchants and slavers who were flying the French colors.