Prehistory
At the beginning of the Mesozoic era, when Africa was part of a single continent, Pangaea, and the end of the Triassic in the region dominated Theropoda and Ornithischia primitive excavations related to the end of the Triassic indicate a greater population of the southern continent, and not the north.
Descent of Man
Africa is the birthplace of man. Here are found the remains of the oldest species of the genus Homo. Of the eight species of this genus, only one survived - a wise man, and in small quantities (ca. 1000 individuals) began to spread over the territory of Africa about 100 000 years ago. And already, people migrated from Africa to Asia (around 60 000-40 000 years ago), and from there to Europe (40 000 years), Australia and America (35 000-15 000 years).
Africa during the Stone Age
The oldest archeological findings suggesting that the processing of grain in Africa, dated to the thirteenth millennium BC. Oe. Cattle in the Sahara began ca. 7500 BC. Oe. and organized agriculture in the area of the Nile appeared at 6 millennium BC. Oe.
In the Sahara, who was then a fertile area, inhabited by groups of hunters, anglers, evidenced by archaeological finds. Across the Sahara revealed many petroglyphs and rock paintings, dating from 6000 BC. Oe. to the VII century AD. Oe. The most famous monument of primitive art in North Africa is a plateau Tassili Adger. Historical rock art is also found in Somalia and South Africa (the oldest drawings date back to 25,500 BC. E.).
Linguistic evidence suggests that ethnic groups who speak Bantu languages, migrated to south-westerly direction, displacing the Khoisan peoples (such as Xhosa and Zulu). In the Bantu settlements found a characteristic set of crops that are suitable for tropical Africa, including cassava and yams.
A small number of ethnic groups, such as the Bushmen, continue to engage in a primitive way of life, engaging in hunting, gathering, as well as their ancestors thousands of years ago.