The Moors are not a distinct race but rather a group of people with a mixed heritage of Arab and Berber ancestry.

The Moors are not a distinct race but rather a group of people with a mixed heritage of Arab and Berber ancestry.

The Moors are not a distinct race but rather a group of people with a mixed heritage of Arab and Berber ancestry. They trace their roots to the indigenous Berbers of North Africa, who are descendants of the Garamantes—an ancient civilization of Saharan Africans dating back to 500 BC. Renowned for their agricultural prowess, engineering skills, and trade expertise, the Garamantes represent a significant aspect of North African history. The term “Garamante” is derived from the Greek plural of “Garama,” and the current inhabitants of Jarama are their descendants.

Historically, the original Berbers had darker skin and woolly hair. The Berber language has its origins in the Maghrib region and extends back to the Sahara. There are notable cultural connections between the ancient Egyptians and the Libyan Berbers, particularly in their mythologies and religious practices. Inscriptions from Egypt’s Old Kingdom provide some of the earliest documented references to the Berbers of Libya, aside from prehistoric rock art.

Prior to the unification of Egypt by King Menes, who invaded Lower Egypt, the Delta region was predominantly inhabited by Libyan Berbers who revered deities such as the Goddess Tannit, the Cat-goddess Bast, and the Sun-god Amon. Christianity began to spread among the traditionally pagan Berbers in the second century and was practiced until the Arab conquest of North Africa in 647 A.D. During this period, Arab Muslims were prohibited from enslaving fellow Muslims, allowing them to enslave only non-believers. Consequently, many African Berbers were defeated, captured, and subsequently integrated into Muslim armies.