(in French and Arabic)

Chad's history dates back more than seven million years. At that time, Toumai, from whom mankind is probably descended, lived in the north of present-day Chad. Prehistoric cave-paintings, then Sao pottery from the first millennium BC onwards, bear witness to the wealth of those ancient times.

The eighth century witnessed the rise of great kingdoms such as Kanem, Bornu, Waddai and Baguirmi − conquering powers with highly complex social and political structures.

European colonization marked a turning-point in Chad's history. The country's participation in the war effort alongside the Allies, in 1940, paved the way for Chad first to be proclaimed a Republic and then to achieve full independence on 11 August 1960. Over half a century later, after years of unrest, political stability has enabled the country to enter a new phase.

This history of Chad for children is not just a brand-new publication: it is also the first in a new series. It is abundantly illustrated with line drawings, prints, photographs and timelines.