New studies confirm that the Canary Islands were inhabited by Amazigh peoples long before the Roman expansion in the Mediterranean. The first settlers crossed from North Africa and founded permanent communities.
Analysis of human remains and mummies reveals genetic matches with Berber populations from the Maghreb, confirming an African origin. These findings point to migrations between the 10th century BC and the 1st century AD, long before Rome dominated the region.
The first Canarians established agricultural practices adapted to the island environment, such as the cultivation of cereals and legumes, and developed their own social systems, reflecting their Amazigh heritage. Archaeology provides evidence of stable settlements and rituals linked to nature.
The material culture, such as pottery, mummification and cave use, connects with North African Berber traditions. These parallels show that the ancient inhabitants retained elements of their original African worldview.
In addition, the Guanche language, although extinct, shared features with Tamazight, demonstrating that Amazigh influence was maintained for centuries in the archipelago. The spirituality and social organisation reflected the deep connection with the environment.
Genetic and archaeological research suggests that the Amazigh heritage not only shaped the initial culture, but is still present in today's Canarian population, consolidating the islands as an African territory before any European influence.
Source: agenciasinc.es; link.springer.com