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At the beginning of the 19th century, the interior of Africa was almost entirely unknown to the inhabitants of the civilized world. The continent was Nature's last great fortress, made seemingly impregnable by disease, hostile tribes, dangerous animals, extremes of climate and an inhospitable terrain. However, by the middle of the century the era of discovery had unmistakeably dawned. Africa was being opened up by the British, French and Germans, by new technology and feats of bravery.