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Portrait of John Hanning Speke, British explorer, 19th century
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Portrait of John Hanning Speke, British explorer, 19th century
Portrait of John Hanning Speke, British explorer, 19th century. In 1858, Speke (1827-1864) and Richard Burton became the first Europeans to discover Lake Tanganyika. Speke then set out alone and arrived at an even larger lake, that he called Lake Victoria. He believed that the lake represented the source of the Nile, a claim that was disputed by Burton amongst others. Speke died from a gunshot wound from his own gun while hunting on the day he was due to debate the Nile claim with Burton in front of members of the Royal Geographical Society
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Media ID 15136354
© Historica Graphica Collection / Heritage-Images
Discovery Exploration Explorer Lake Victoria Victoria Nyanza Historica Graphica Collection John Hanning Speke Lake Tanganyika Speke
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This black and white portrait print showcases the renowned British explorer, John Hanning Speke, from the 19th century. Speke's legacy is deeply intertwined with his remarkable discoveries in Africa. In 1858, he embarked on a groundbreaking expedition alongside Richard Burton, becoming the first Europeans to stumble upon Lake Tanganyika. However, it was Speke's subsequent solo journey that truly etched his name in history. Venturing further into uncharted territories, Speke stumbled upon an even grander body of water which he aptly named Lake Victoria. He firmly believed that this vast lake served as the long-sought source of the Nile River – a claim that sparked intense debate among fellow explorers like Burton and members of the Royal Geographical Society. Tragically, fate dealt a cruel blow to Speke on what should have been a momentous day for him. While hunting on the very day set for his Nile claim debate with Burton before esteemed society members, he suffered a fatal gunshot wound from his own gun. This monochrome engraving not only captures Speke's rugged appearance with his distinguished beard but also symbolizes both triumph and tragedy within one man's exploration of unknown lands. It serves as a poignant reminder of how human determination can lead to extraordinary discoveries while simultaneously highlighting life's unpredictability and fragility. The historical significance embodied by this portrait invites us to reflect upon our insatiable curiosity about distant lands and reminds us of those who risked everything in their pursuit of knowledge and adventure during the Victorian era.
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