The Religion of Ancient Africa as Seen by European Travellers in the Modern Era

Abstract

This paper examines the history of Early Modern interest in ancient religion in Africa. Through an analysis of selected authors, divided into three periods – the first and second half of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century – I shall trace the evolution of approaches to antiquity in general and to ancient religion in particular. Contextualisation of the political and intellectual situation of each period and of the particular circumstances of each traveller yields a better understanding of their questions, omissions and uses of ancient religión in Africa.