Religion in Africa is very diverse, with many indigenous religions varying across the continent. Both Islam and Christianity also have a prominent presence, sometimes through forced conversion. Indigenous religions generally saw the spiritual and physical worlds as interconnected and sought to explain the universe and human behaviors through spirits and deities. Islam spread across northern and western Africa through Arab traders starting in the 7th century AD, with some kingdoms converting. Christianity entered northern Africa during Roman times and was later spread along African coasts by Portuguese colonists in the 15th century, though missionaries often rejected local beliefs and aligned with colonial governments. Today, Africa retains numerous indigenous practices while also containing large Muslim and Christian populations that have blended non-Western traditions.