ca 8000-2000 BC
A people virtually isolated from central Africa occupy the plains
of northwestern Africa; tribes of simple farmers and animal
herders form
ca 1000
Phoenicians found ports along the north African coastline, a
shipping route to Spain.
Late eighth century
Greek colonists compete with Phoenicians for trade and land;
gradually Carthage becomes the protector and leader of west
Phoenician colonies
Fifth century
Rome becomes the leading city of central Italy; Carthage
explores, conquers and colonizes its surrounding African interior
Fourth century
Numidian kingdoms begin to form beyond Carthaginian frontiers
264-241
First Punic War
218-202
Second Punic War
204
Roman army invades Africa
149-146
Third Punic War. Carthage destroyed. Africa Vetus founded; the
rest of Africa is divided between its native kings
123-122
Beginning of Africa’s land exploitation by Roman land
speculators.
112-105
Jugurthine War; Jugurtha eventually betrayed by King Bocchus of
Mauretania; veterans of Roman Army given African land grants.
46
Caesar defeats the followers of dead Pompey and their ally, King
Juba of Numidia; Juba’s young son is taken to Rome; Africa
Nova founded
29
Carthage refounded
25
Octavian Augustus gives Mauretania to Juba II as a client kingdom
Mid first century after Christ
Beginning of high prosperity for Roman Africa
Second century
Spread of olive cultivation and road networks. Africans achieve
political influence in Rome
Late third century
Fast spread of Christianity through Numidian countryside
312
Donatist schism begins
355
Donatus dies in exile
405
Donatism officially declared heresy
410
Goths capture and loot Rome for three days
411
Council of Carthage condemns the Donatist heresy officially
429
Invasion of Africa by the Vandals
439
Vandals seize Carthage