Like any other country, Mauritius has a great story to tell. The history of Mauritius is mainly filled with different discoverers and colonisers. The presence of a certain bird, the Dodo has been extinct for a long time, it is said that the first people to discover this great island of abundant natural resources are the Arabs. In the middle ages, this same group of Arabs named the island Dina Arobi. The first appearance and register of Mauritius on a formal map is back in 1502 through the work of Italian Cartographer Alberto Cantino. The next groups of explorers to set foot in the island of Mauritius are the Portuguese. It is common fact that the Portuguese are one of the most prolific explorers in that era. Mauritius is one of those discoveries which was said to be discovered by them between 1507 and 1513.
Though already discovered by two races, none colonised and claimed ownership of the island. Than came the Dutch in 1598. A Dutch expedition that carried 8 ships led by Jacques Van Neck and Wybrandt Van Warwyck traveled a route towards the Indian Subcontinent. After a series of devastating tragedies brought by weather, the fleet was separated into two groups with three ships making its way northeast of what is known today as Madagascar. The remaining five entered the vicinity of the Island. This is the start of progress for Mauritius, which is then named after the prince of Holland, Prince Maurits.
Colonisation started in 1638. The government and the people who colonised here were faced with a lot of hardship through cyclones, droughts and famine. Sometimes, even pest infestations. In 1710, the island was totally abandoned by the Dutch. After that, the French registered themselves in the history of Mauritius. They turned Port Louis into a naval base. Today, some of the French influence is still noticeable in its structures around the capital city.
The characters in the history of Mauritius will also include the British from 1810 - 1968. They also received independence under their rule. On March 12, 1968, Mauritius became an independent state. A lot of significant changes followed like the establishment of the Mouvement Militant Mauricien or MMM led by Paul Berenger.
Now known Internationally as the Island Nation of Mauritius, it is now home to the most spectacular tourist spots and has etched itself to the list of must see destinations globally. Truly, the history of Mauritius is filled with a lot of events. Events that made it what it is today. A fusion full of different cultures and traditions.
Learn more about the beauty, vacation opportunities, and History of Mauritius.
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