Everything Everywhere Daily: How Much Did Rome and Sub-Saharan Africa Know About Each Other?

Hosted by Gary Arndt | Released on May 23, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of Everything Everywhere Daily, host Gary Arndt delves into the intricate and often overlooked connections between the Roman Empire and Sub-Saharan Africa. Far from the monolithic perceptions of ancient civilizations, Gary explores the depth and limitations of the interactions between Rome and the diverse regions south of the Sahara Desert.

Roman Presence in North Africa

Gary begins by setting the stage with Rome's expansive control over North Africa. "The Romans were familiar with Africa, or at least part of it. At one point, they controlled everything on the north coast of Africa, from Morocco all the way to Egypt" (00:00). This control, however, was primarily limited to a slender coastal band, leaving vast tracts of the interior, dominated by the formidable Sahara Desert, untouched by direct Roman governance.

Notable Figures:

• Septimius Severus: Gary highlights Severus’s significance as a prominent African-born Roman emperor from Leptis Magna (modern-day Libya). "He was born in Leptis Magna in what is today Libya, and was of Carthaginian and possibly Berber ancestry" (09:15).
• Macrinus: Briefly reigning emperor Macrinus, originating from Caesarea in Mauretania (modern Algeria), is discussed. Gary notes the uncertainty regarding their racial identities, emphasizing, "The Romans didn't have a concept of race like we do today" (12:34).

Geographic and Cultural Barriers

The Sahara Desert emerges as a central theme in understanding the limited interactions between Rome and Sub-Saharan Africa. Gary describes the Sahara as "the largest hot desert in the world, with extreme temperatures, scarce water resources, and vast stretches of sand dunes" (15:00). These harsh conditions made sustained travel and communication exceedingly difficult, effectively segregating the continent into two distinct cultural and political spheres.

Key Points:

• Size and Climate: Spanning over 3.5 million square miles, the Sahara acted as a natural barrier.
• Transportation Challenges: Prior to the development of camel caravans in the first millennium, crossing the desert was nearly insurmountable.

Roman Knowledge of Sub-Saharan Africa

Gary contrasts Rome’s awareness of Sub-Saharan Africa with its interactions with distant civilizations like China. "Rome and sub Saharan Africa knew a lot more about each other than Rome and China did" (32:10). While direct contact was minimal, a complex network of intermediaries facilitated limited exchanges.

Trade and Diplomacy:

• Kingdom of Kush: Located in modern-day Sudan, Kush had a sophisticated relationship with Rome, involving military encounters and trade. "Roman sources describe military encounters, diplomatic exchanges, and trade relationships with their Nubian rulers" (25:45).
• Kingdom of Axum: Gary touches upon Axum's connections via the Red Sea, with Roman merchants visiting in the first century and Roman coins discovered in the region (28:20).

Trade Networks and Economic Influence

Despite the obstacles posed by the Sahara, a rich tapestry of trade routes connected Rome with Sub-Saharan Africa, primarily through intermediaries like the Garamantes. "The trade network wasn't one way. Sub Saharan Africans, particularly in modern day Ghana and Mali, knew about Roman goods and currency through these same networks" (35:50).

Exotic Imports:

• Animals: Giraffes and rhinoceroses were among the most prized imports, brought to Rome for public spectacles. "The immense cost and difficulty of these expeditions made the appearance of such exotic beasts a rare and spectacular event" (38:30).
• Currency and Goods: Roman coins found deep in West Africa attest to the empire's extensive economic reach beyond its political boundaries.

Roman Expeditions into the Sahara

Gary outlines several notable Roman expeditions aimed at penetrating deeper into Africa:

1. Publius Petronius (24 BC): Led a military campaign into Nubia to counter raids into southern Egypt, capturing Napata, the capital of Kush (22:15).
2. Lucius Cornelius Balbus (19 BC): Ventured deep into the Sahara, potentially reaching the Niger River in modern Mali, and celebrated a triumph for his efforts (26:05).
3. Suetonius Paulinius (41 AD): Crossed the Atlas Mountains into Morocco, advancing as far as modern-day Mauritania and possibly Senegal, engaging with resistant Berber tribes (29:40).
4. Septimius Flaccus (50 AD): Pushed into the central Sahara, reaching regions like Aegisimba, rich in wildlife, aided by allied Garamantes (31:25).

These expeditions underscore Rome's relentless curiosity and ambition, yet Gary notes their eventual cessation by the second century due to the impracticality of further southern expansion.

Limitations and Unanswered Questions

While Gary provides a comprehensive overview, he acknowledges the gaps in our understanding. "There are no written records from Africa from this period" (42:10), which limits our perspective on the African side of these interactions. Consequently, the full extent and nature of cultural exchanges remain partially obscured by the scarcity of African sources.

Conclusion

Gary concludes by summarizing the nuanced relationship between Rome and Sub-Saharan Africa. "Rome and Africa were familiar with each other, but it depends on what part of Africa you are talking about—the further north and east, the more contact there was. The further south and west, the less contact there was" (44:50). This intricate web of limited yet significant interactions paints a picture of a world where distant civilizations were interconnected in complex and often indirect ways.

Production Credits

• Executive Producer: Charles Daniel
• Associate Producers: Austin Oakton and Cameron Kieffer

Gary extends his gratitude to the supporters on Patreon and invites listeners to engage with the Everything Everywhere community on Facebook and Discord for further discussions.

This episode of Everything Everywhere Daily offers a fascinating exploration of the lesser-known connections between Rome and Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting both the reach of the Roman Empire and the formidable natural barriers that shaped historical interactions.