What was the name prior to Afrika? Credit to: Sammy Scott on Facebook... According to Senegalese historian Dr. Cheikh Anta Diop, the ancient name of Africa was Alkebulan, which means "mother of mankind" or "garden of Eden". The name was used by the Moors, Nubians, Ethiopians, and other indigenous people. The name Africa was given to the continent by the ancient Romans and Greeks. Some experts believe that the name Africa comes from two Phoenician words, "friqi" and "pharika", which translate to "corn" and "fruit". The word "Africa" came into existence in the late 17th century. Initially, it only referred to the northern part of the continent. Around that time, the continent had been colonized, and the Europeans ruled over its people as slaves. They influenced the change of identity from Alkebulan to its present name. #DrCheikhAntaDiop #Alkebulan #Afrika