1-152-948 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Heinrich Barth (1821-1865), German geographer and explorer of north and central Africa. Barth was a member of the expedition commanded by James Richardson, sent to penetrate the Sahara from the north in 1850. When Richardson died in Nigeria in 1851, Barth took command, and after extensive exploration returned to London in 1855. His scientific training and thoroughness meant that more was learned about the geography and peoples of the interior of north and west Africa from him than from any previous explorers of the region.