Heinrich Barth

Heinrich Barth (February 16, 1821 – November 25, 1865) was a German explorer of Africa and scholar.

Barth is one of the greatest of the European explorers of Africa, as his scholarly preparation, ability to speak and write Arabic, learning African languages, and character meant that he carefully documented the details of the cultures he visited. He was among the first to comprehend the uses of oral history of peoples, and collected many. He established friendships with African rulers and scholars during his five years of travel (1850–1855). After the deaths of two European companions, he completed his travels with the aid of Africans. Afterward, he wrote and published a five-volume account of his travels in both English and German. It has been invaluable for scholars of his time and since.