Timeline of European colonization of Africa

References & Edit History

Images & Videos

Antique map of Africa from 1902, showing colonial boundaries, major cities, rivers, and topographical features, with insets displaying detailed maps of Ascension Island, St. Helena Island, Reunion, Mauritius, and Cape Verde Island along the map's margins.

Map showing the routes of Portuguese exploration along the west and southern coasts of Africa during the 15th century. Key voyages are labeled with explorers' names and dates, including Eanes (1434), D. Dias (1445), Gomes (1456), Cao (1482 and 1486), and Bartolomeu Dias (1487-88), whose route rounded the Cape of Good Hope. The map highlights major locations such as Lisbon, Elmina, and the Cape Verde and Canary Islands.

Cantino planisphere

Painting by Baron Louis Francois Lejeune showing Napoleon Bonaparte leading French troops against Mameluke forces at the Battle of the Pyramids in Egypt, with smoke, palm trees, and pyramids in the distance.

The Cape of Good Hope in the 19th century

Senate of Liberia

A collage featuring four colonial-era European figures in military and formal attire, a yellow map of Africa, and a vintage cartoon of imperialism in the background.

Historical map of eastern Africa around 1914, showing the region divided among British, German, French, and Italian colonial powers. Different territories are color-coded by colonial ruler, with key locations such as British East Africa (Kenya and Uganda), German East Africa (including present-day Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi), Italian Somaliland, and French Somaliland labeled. Major lakes, rivers, and cities are also marked.

Illustration from Le Petit Journal showing King Menelik II in a red cloak and headdress riding a white horse as he surveys Ethiopian troops at the Battle of Adwa.

Timeline of European colonization of Africa: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

Amy McKenna

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Type	Description	Contributor	Date
	Article title updated for style.	The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica	Oct 31, 2026
	New article added.	Amy McKenna	Jun 13, 2025