Ancient Carthaginian Expedition Led by Hanno Explored West African Coast in 5th Century BC

In the 5th century BC, Carthaginian explorer Hanno led a maritime expedition from Carthage through the Strait of Gibraltar along West Africa's Atlantic coast. Commissioned to establish colonies and seek trade opportunities, the voyage founded several settlements in modern Morocco and reached as far south as the Gulf of Guinea. The account, preserved as the Periplus of Hanno, describes encounters with indigenous peoples, geographical features like Mount Cameroon, and possible early observations of primates later classified as gorillas. This journey represents one of antiquity's most significant exploratory feats, demonstrating Carthaginian seafaring capabilities long before European Age of Discovery.