History of Togo

The history of Togo can be traced to archaeological finds which indicate that ancient tribes were able to produce pottery and process tin. During the period from the 11th century to the 16th century, the Ewe, the Mina, the Gun, and various other tribes entered the region. Most of them settled in coastal areas. The Portuguese arrived in the late 15th century, followed by other European powers. Until the 19th century, the coastal region was a major slave trade centre, earning Togo and the surrounding region the name "The Slave Coast".