De Brazza on the march with his marines. Pierre Paul Francois Camil Savorgnan de Brazza (1852-1905) was France's best know African explorer, who was responsible for the exploration of much of what has become known as the French Congo. De Brazza moved by rapid marches over the watershed and into the Congo basin. He travelled light, with only a sergeant and a squad of ten Sengalese marines. Along his route he contacted the local chiefs and, in exchange for small gifts, persuaded them to acknowledge French influence in the area. From The African Adventure - A History of Africa's Explorers by Timothy Severin, page 265. *** Local Caption ***