Heinrich Barth: Biography, Facts and Career
Who is Heinrich Barth? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.

Johann Heinrich Barth (; German: [baʁt]; 16 February 1821 – 25 November 1865) was a German explorer of Africa and scholar. Barth is thought to be one of the greatest of the European explorers of Africa, as his scholarly preparation, ability to speak and write Arabic, learning African languages, and character meant that he carefully documented the details of the cultures he visited. He was among the first to comprehend the uses of oral history of peoples, and collected many. He established friendships with African rulers and scholars during his five years of travel (1850–1855). After the deaths of two European companions, he completed his travels with the aid of Africans. Afterwards, he wrote and published a five-volume account of his travels in both English and German. It has been invaluable for scholars of his time and since.
Quick facts about Heinrich Barth
- Full name: Heinrich Barth
- Born: 1821-02-16
- Nationality: Hamburg
- Known as: Author
- Wikidata ID: Q60141
Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Heinrich Barth?
Johann Heinrich Barth (; German: [baʁt]; 16 February 1821 – 25 November 1865) was a German explorer of Africa and scholar. Barth is thought to be one of the greatest of the European explorers of Africa, as his scholarly preparation, ability to speak and write Arabic, learning African languages, and character meant that he carefully documented the details of the cultures he visited.
What nationality is Heinrich Barth?
Heinrich Barth is Hamburg.
When was Heinrich Barth born?
Heinrich Barth was born on 1821-02-16.



