In the first part of our series on Italian-born Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, we take a look at the world of Central Africa circa 1875, including the institution of slavery, and scramble by European powers to explore - and claim the continent. Brazza goes from the son of an Italian noble family, to being an officer in the French navy. He will then prepare to lead an expedition into the African interior - at the age of only 23. Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/brazza/ Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/ogowe1.png People and Places Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza - Born in Italy, but educated in France. Would join the French navy, and become interested in exploring Africa. Louis de Montaignac - French admiral who would help Brazza gain admittance into the naval academy. Libraville - French outpost in what is modern-day Gabon. Ogowe River (often spelled Ogooué or Ogoway) - River in central Africa that Brazza would explore. Noël Ballay - Doctor on Brazza's first expedition to Africa. Antoine-Alfred Marche - Naturalist on Brazza's first expedition to Africa. Victor Hamon - Naval officer who would be the quartermaster on Brazza's first expedition to Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices