Who discovered Chad?

As a domain expert in the field of anthropology and history, I can provide a detailed account of the discovery and exploration of Chad, a country located in north-central Africa. The question of "who discovered Chad" can be approached from multiple perspectives, as it involves the discovery of the region by various groups of people, as well as its recognition as a distinct geographical entity by the global community. **The Early Inhabitants and Archaeological Discoveries:** The territory now known as Chad has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human presence dating back to prehistoric times. The discovery of a hominid skull by Michel Brunet in 2002 in Borkou is a significant milestone in the study of human evolution. This skull, known as Sahelanthropus tchadensis, is estimated to be over 7 million years old and is one of the oldest hominid fossils ever found. This discovery has shed light on the early stages of human evolution and has placed Chad at the center of discussions about the origins of humanity. **The Advent of Islam and the Kanem-Bornu Empire:** Historically, Chad has been part of various African empires and kingdoms. The introduction of Islam to the region in the 9th century had a profound impact on the cultural and political landscape of Chad. The Kanem-Bornu Empire, which was one of the earliest and longest-lasting empires in Africa, extended its influence over parts of Chad. The empire was known for its sophisticated administration and trade networks, which facilitated the spread of Islam and cultural exchange. European Exploration and Colonialism: The "discovery" of Chad by Europeans is a complex issue tied to the era of colonialism. European explorers, such as Gustav Nachtigal in the late 19th century, ventured into the region and documented their findings, which contributed to the Western world's understanding of the geography and people of Chad. However, it's important to note that the indigenous people of Chad had their own rich history and knowledge of the land long before the arrival of Europeans. The Establishment of Modern Chad: After World War II, there was a wave of decolonization across Africa. Chad gained its independence from France on August 11, 1960, under the leadership of President François Tombalbaye. The establishment of modern Chad involved the consolidation of various ethnic groups and regions into a single nation-state, which has been a challenging process marked by political instability and conflict. The Ongoing Exploration and Development: Even today, Chad continues to be explored and developed. Archaeological, geological, and ecological studies are ongoing, revealing more about the country's past and its natural resources. The discovery of oil and other minerals has brought economic development, but also new challenges in terms of environmental protection and equitable distribution of resources. In conclusion, the discovery of Chad is a multifaceted process that involves the recognition of its ancient history, the contributions of its indigenous people, the impact of colonialism, and the ongoing efforts to understand and develop the country in the present day. The term "discovery" is thus not attributed to a single individual or event but is a collective journey of exploration and understanding.

The territory now known as Chad possesses some of the richest archaeological sites in Africa. A hominid skull was found by Michel Brunet in 2002, in Borkou, that is more than 7 million years old, the oldest discovered anywhere in the world; it has been given the name Sahelanthropus tchadensis.