The history of Cameroon traces back to the most early human habitation in Africa. As historians suggest, the country was first inhabited during the Neolithic Era. The Sao Civilization thrived around Lake Chad in 500 B.C. Known for their artistic prowess, the Sao were eventually overtaken by the Kanem-Borno Empire in the 14th century. Several ethnic groups from the north and east migrated there during this period, forming the basis of Cameroon's ethnically diverse population. European contact began through the Portuguese in the late 15th century who named the area 'Rio dos Camaroes', meaning 'River of Prawns', from where the name 'Cameroon' arose. In the early 20th century, Cameroon fell under German, French, and British colonial rule subsequently. Following two significant wars - World War I and II - Cameroon finally gained independence in 1960, but only to struggle with political and socio-economic challenges in the years to come.