preSaharan

The term "pre-Saharan" refers to the period and region of Africa that existed before the expansion of the Sahara Desert into its current form. This period is significant in the study of African history and archaeology, as it encompasses the time when humans first began to inhabit the continent and the development of early civilizations.

The pre-Saharan period is generally considered to have begun around 10,000 BCE, when the climate of North Africa became more arid, leading to the expansion of the Sahara. This event is known as the African Humid Period, and it allowed humans to migrate into the region from the south. The pre-Saharan period is divided into several phases, including the Aterian, Kebaran, and Capsian cultures, each characterized by distinct technological and cultural developments.

During the pre-Saharan period, early humans developed advanced technologies, such as the use of stone tools and the domestication of animals. They also established complex social structures and began to engage in trade and agriculture. The pre-Saharan period is an important time in the history of Africa, as it marks the beginning of human civilization on the continent and the development of the cultural and technological foundations that would shape African societies for centuries to come.