Did Necho Commission a Phoenician Circumnavigation of Africa Around 600 BC?
Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt is traditionally credited with commissioning a Phoenician expedition to circumnavigate Africa around 600 BC, an incredible feat that has long piqued the interest of historians and scholars. According to the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, Necho sent a group of Phoenician sailors on a voyage that would see them travel the coast of Africa from the Red Sea, around its southern tip, and through the Pillars of Hercules, the Strait of Gibraltar. The sailors claimed they had seen the sun on their right side during their southward journey, indicating they had indeed circumnavigated the entire continent.
Historical Context and Sources
Despite the fascinating nature of this account, it is important to note that some historians question its accuracy. Primarily, the lack of corroborating evidence and the presence of mythological elements in ancient narratives raise doubts about its reliability. Nonetheless, the Phoenician circumnavigation remains a significant part of the history of exploration in the ancient world.
The story behind this expedition is rooted in the broader historical context of the 7th century BC, a period marked by intense geopolitical and cultural exchanges between Egypt and the Greek world. Herodotus, in his History, meticulously documented the interactions and narratives of the time, including the Phoenician circumnavigation account. It is also worth noting that Pharaoh Necho II was not too far removed from Herodotus, as his father, Psamtik I, had significant dealings with the Greeks, using Greek mercenaries to fight the Assyrians.
Verifying the Account
While there are no original sources beyond Herodotus' account (4.42), the 3-year duration of the journey has been used as a compelling argument in favor of its accuracy. This timeframe is a reasonable estimate for navigating the unknown waters along the coast of Africa, especially if the sailors were stopping to grow their own food, as mentioned in the story.
Strabo, in his Geography (2.3), quotes a story about a later Greek navigator named Eudoxus who attempted a similar journey but had to turn back after trying to plant corn. Strabo, however, remains skeptical of the story, and the mention of planting corn may be more of a literary device than a reliable piece of evidence.
The Envisioned Journey
Envisioning what the Phoenician trip might have been like is a tantalizing exercise. The journey would have faced numerous challenges, including navigating the uncharted waters and encountering unique landscapes. For instance, the sailors could have seen the Cape of Good Hope, the Rock penguins, sea lions, or even the existence of Madagascar. However, these speculations remain largely conjectural and are supported by limited evidence.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the Phoenician circumnavigation of Africa around 600 BC continues to capture the imagination of historians and explorers. It represents a remarkable feat of navigation and exploration, showcasing the ingenuity and daring of the seafarers of the ancient world. Whether or not the story is entirely accurate, it serves as a testament to the enduring curiosity and thirst for discovery that define human history.