Eritrea has been inhabited for at least 125,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions in the world. Archaeological evidence shows that early Homo sapiens lived in the area, and it played a crucial role in the early migrations of humans out of Africa. The Bab-el-Mandeb strait, which connects Eritrea to the Arabian Peninsula, is believed to have been a major route for human migration into Arabia and further into South Asia, supported by both archaeological and genetic data.
Eritrea, along with modern Djibouti and parts of Somalia, is often linked to the ancient land of Punt, which the Egyptians referred to as Ta Neterju—“Land of the Gods.” While the precise location of Punt remains debated among scholars, there is strong evidence that this region, rich in natural resources like incense, gold, and wild animals, had significant trade relationships with ancient Egypt, as documented in numerous Egyptian records. Punt likely extended across parts of the Horn of Africa, including Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia.
There is archaeological, linguistic, and genetic documentation spanning 125,000 years, although further research is needed to fill in all the gaps. While Eritrea has an ancient and well-documented history, much of what we know comes from various periods of intense interaction—such as the time of Punt—and archaeological evidence of early human activity. Comparative linguistics has also provided information for researching matters which cannot easily be recovered from material evidence. Continuous historical documentation in the modern sense does not exist for this full period, though there is substantial evidence of human presence and development.
Eritrea and the surrounding regions remain central to the story of human evolution and migration. The presence of early human fossils, genetic markers tracing ancient migration routes, and the long-standing cultural significance of the area highlight its importance. Additionally, as the homeland of ancient peoples connected to African civilizations, it is crucial to recognize the African identity of these regions.
Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia have been integral to African history for millennia, and their contributions to early human civilization, trade, and culture should be respected. The fact that these areas were inhabited by some of the earliest humans, and served as a conduit for migrations into the rest of the world, underscores their significance. They are undeniably African and hold a rich legacy that should be honored, not diminished.
In conclusion, Eritrea and its neighbors in the Horn of Africa have a deep and complex history, interwoven with the ancient civilizations of Egypt and beyond. While continuous documentation of 125,000 years is not realistic, the region’s importance in human prehistory and its role in ancient African civilizations like Punt are undeniable. These lands are not only African but also central to the broader story of human development.
