Hanno the Navigator was a Carthaginian explorer who lived around the 5th century BCE. He is best known for his voyage along the west coast of Africa, which he documented in a work called the "Periplus." This journey aimed to establish trade routes and explore new territories, showcasing the maritime skills of the Carthaginians. Hanno's expedition reportedly reached as far as present-day Sierra Leone and included encounters with various indigenous peoples and wildlife. His accounts provide valuable insights into the geography and cultures of the time, contributing to our understanding of ancient exploration and trade in the Mediterranean.