History of Namibia

The history of Namibia begins 45,000 years ago, and spans across its vast plains and harsh deserts.  Ancient cave paintings, believed to have been created by Bushmen, have existed in the Hans Mountains for some 27,000 years.  When the Damara people settled in Namibia, they brought with them communal hunting techniques, and the cultivation of tobacco.  During the Oorlam migration, Namibia’s tribes co-existed peacefully along side herds of cattle, sheep, and goats.  Early explorers, such as Diego Cao and Bartholomeu Diaz landed on the barren coast, and it was not until the 19th century that missionaries began to transform the coast into a more agricultural setting.  The History of Namibia experienced change in 1870 with the peace accord, and the land was harmonious until a decade later when central Namibia was in conflict.  Namibia experienced rapid economic growth in 1908 and infrastructural development, mainly due to the discovery of diamonds at Kolmanskop near Lüderitz. 

Pre-colonial Namibia
Oorlam migration
Missionaries and traders
The 1870 Peace Accord
Namibia becomes a colonial possession
The 1904-1907 German-Namibian War
Economic development
League of Nations mandate
Road to independence