304 Institute of France. 
with a map or chart; this last differs in many essential points 
from all that have hitherto appeared. 
The regions in the interior of Africa, known by the name of 
Soudan, are rich and abundant in gold and ivory, and fertilized 
by large rivers and considerable lakes, interspersed with an im- 
mense population. . 
Mahometanism, which has overthrown and founded so many 
states, kingdoms, and empires, has effected important revolutions 
in the centre of Africa. The northern parts of the continent 
bordering on the Mediterranean were from very ancient times 
inhabited by civilized nations: and the Phoenicians, Carthagi- 
nians, Greeks, and Romans, flourished there in commerce and 
the arts, while the tribes of the interior, separated by vast barren 
spaces, remained barbarous. 
Mahometanism, in subjecting all the north of Africa to a na- 
tion accustomed to traverse immense deserts, has proved a potent 
cause of civilization. The Arabs transported the camel with them 
into Africa, and the Moors that led a wandering life and had is- 
sued originally from Arabia, hailed their conquerors, whose lan- 
guage and customs were similar, as compatriots and not as usurp- 
ers. Till then, obstacles almost insurmountable were opposed to 
any civilized nation that would penetrate into the Soudan. 
The Arabs without difficulty commenced a direct intercourse 
with the rich regions beyond the great Desert, and from which 
gold had long been departed. They sent regular caravans, which 
appear to have passed at first through the Fezzan and Agadez, 
as in that direction the Desert is intersected by a considerable 
number of oases, or fertile spots insulated in the midst of sands. 
But afterwards, when the empire of the Khaliphs had extended 
to the western extremities of Africa, and even into Spain, other 
caravans took a direction through the valleys of Sus, Darah, and 
Tafilet, which lie to the south of the kingdom of Morocco. 
Colonies of Moors and Arabs were speedily established in va- 
rious regions, and zealous missionaries penetrated into them. 
Human sacrifices were abolished, and the religion of Mahomet 
was a commencement of civilization among the Negroes. This 
horrid superstition, however, is still practised in countries more 
to the south, approximating to the Gold Coast, to Guinea, and to 
Congo. 
The empire of the Khaliphs had its revolutions, and these, to- 
gether with tke wars between the Spanish Khaliphs and the Afri- 
can of the dynasty of Zeirites produced more frequent transmi- 
grations to the countries beyond the great Desert. 
LXIX, Jn- 
