David Livingstone was a Scottish physician, missionary, and explorer who is best known for his extensive travels and discoveries in Africa during the 19th century. He was a prominent figure in the exploration of the continent and is credited with mapping large parts of southern and central Africa. Livingstone was also an advocate for the abolition of the slave trade and sought to bring Christianity and commerce to the African interior. His explorations and writings had a significant impact on European perceptions of Africa and played a key role in the eventual colonization of the continent.