African Empires of Biblical Antiquity from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to define the biblical lands as an afro-asiatic world rather than the european definition of middle east
How to identify the great african empires in the biblical accounts, and their contributions
How to explain biblical anthropology and etymology through an african ancestral lens
How to identify the historical attempts to de-africanize the biblical story

How to connect human origins to the african world from a biblical lens
How the theological concept of divine election influences ethnic prejudice in history
How the west african cultural anthropology connects with egyptian/hebrew religion and the biblical story

How to define the biblical lands as an afro-asiatic world rather than the european definition of middle east
How to identify the great african empires in the biblical accounts, and their contributions
How to explain biblical anthropology and etymology through an african ancestral lens
How to identify the historical attempts to de-africanize the biblical story
How to connect human origins to the african world from a biblical lens
How the theological concept of divine election influences ethnic prejudice in history
How the west african cultural anthropology connects with egyptian/hebrew religion and the biblical story

Syllabus

Understand sources and expectations for this course

Instructor bio and what to expect in this course.

This lecture involves the complications of defining blackness in history and contemporary times, and the hypocrisy of some Eurocentric scholars when their contemporaries identify African, Black and Melinated persons in scripture.

This quiz will test your understanding of the first two lectures

This lecture will present the ancient story of "The Great Deluge" from an African perspective. It will also emphasize the African origins of Noah and his three progenitors who became prominent as fathers of the nations represented in the biblical story.

This lesson goes further into Hamitic and Semitic origins within the African context. Attention is also given to the people of Kedar, who are descendants of Ishmael.

In this lecture we correct the many mistaken ideas surrounding the character of Nimrod as a biblical figure and identify the nature of the great cities which he built.

This lecture dives into the Assyrian cities which were built by Nimrod which grew into cities of a great empire

This quiz is based on our studies beginning with Eden and the time of Noah to the History of Nimrod

This study considers the theological and political nature of the table of nations and additionally lays the foundation for Egyptian history in its proper African context

This lecture covers the history of Egypt during the time of the Nubian Dynasty and the role that it played in salvation history

This lecture continues from the previous lecture and expands on the historic contributions of the 25th Egyptian dynasty

This lecture addresses the geography and wealth of Askum and Punt as well as details surrounding the queen of Sheba/Makeda

This lecture will show the power and influence exerted by the Ethiopians and Egyptians in the world from the time of the United Monarchy to the post-captivity period.

This quiz will test your knowledge of the table of nations and African kingdoms

Students will be able to be able to "connect the dots" between the Hausa Kingdom and the biblical world

This lecture will refer to linguistics and biblical antiquity to showcase the spiritual heritage of certain West African groups

A presentation to teach the connection of West African groups to the biblical story, and also answering the question, "What was happening in West Africa in Biblical times?"

A presentation showing how the great West African Empires arose out of what should be included in discussions about "biblical lands" and and began great civilizations

This quiz will challenge your knowledge about Africa and biblical history as it relates to West African civilizations, population groups and Empires.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines the influence of African empires on biblical narratives, offering a unique lens for understanding scripture and challenging Eurocentric interpretations

Analyzes the "Table of Nations" in Genesis 10, correcting inaccuracies and offering a revised understanding of Noah's descendants and their connection to African civilizations

Connects West African societies to the biblical world, showcasing the spiritual heritage of certain groups and answering the question of West Africa's role in biblical times

Explores the history of Egypt during the Nubian Dynasty and its role in salvation history, expanding on the contributions of the 25th Egyptian dynasty

Addresses the theological concept of divine election and its influence on ethnic prejudice in history, offering a critical perspective on Israel's history

Requires learners to grapple with the complications of defining blackness in history and contemporary times, which may be challenging for some

Reviews summary

African empires in biblical history

According to learners, this course offers a unique perspective (positive) on biblical history, specifically highlighting the African presence (neutral) and challenging traditional Eurocentric views (neutral). Many found the content well-researched (positive) and a good introduction (positive) to the topic, praising the depth of information (positive). However, some reviewers felt the approach was occasionally too biased (negative) and could benefit from a more neutral academic tone (warning). A few mentioned issues with presentation quality (negative), though this was less common. Overall, students appreciate the course for opening their eyes to overlooked historical contributions (positive).

Directly questions conventional history.

"Be prepared to have your understanding of biblical lands challenged!"

"The course directly confronts many widely accepted historical viewpoints."

"It makes you rethink what you thought you knew about this period."

Provides significant historical detail.

"The level of detail on the African empires mentioned is impressive."

"I felt I gained a deep understanding of the connections presented."

"Much more comprehensive than I expected from an online course."

Offers a valuable Afrocentric lens.

"Offers a truly unique and eye-opening perspective on biblical history."

"Challenges the traditional narratives I've always heard. Very refreshing!"

"I learned so much about the African contribution that is often ignored."

Minor issues reported in lectures.

"Audio quality wasn't always the best in some lectures."

"Some slides were a bit hard to read or follow."

"Overall good, but a few technical hiccups noticed."

Some found the approach overly biased.

"While the perspective is interesting, I felt it sometimes lacked academic neutrality."

"It felt more like an advocacy piece than a balanced historical study."

"Could use more counter-arguments or alternative scholarly views presented."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in African Empires of Biblical Antiquity with these activities:

Review Ancient Near Eastern Geography

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Familiarize yourself with the geography of the Ancient Near East to better understand the context of the biblical narratives and the locations of the African empires discussed in the course.

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Consult maps of the Ancient Near East.
Identify major rivers, mountains, and cities.
Research the climate and resources of the region.

Read 'Black Genesis: The Prehistoric Origins of Ancient Egypt'

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Deepen your understanding of the African roots of ancient civilizations, particularly Egypt, which is essential for contextualizing the biblical narrative within an Afro-Asiatic framework.

View Black Genesis: The Prehistoric Origins of... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Black Genesis'.
Read the book, taking notes on key arguments.
Reflect on how the book challenges conventional views.

Create a Timeline of African Empires

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Solidify your knowledge of the chronology and interconnectedness of the African empires discussed in the course by creating a visual timeline.

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Research the major African empires covered in the course.
Determine the rise and fall dates of each empire.
Create a visual timeline showing these empires.
Include key events and figures on the timeline.

Three other activities

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Read 'When We Ruled: The Ancient and Mediaeval History of Black Civilisations'

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Gain a broader understanding of the historical context of African empires and their influence on the biblical world by exploring a comprehensive history of black civilizations.

View If you want to learn Early African History... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'When We Ruled'.
Read the book, focusing on relevant chapters.
Take notes on key events and figures.

Write a Blog Post on West African Connections

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Reinforce your understanding of the connections between West African societies and the biblical world by writing a blog post summarizing the key points.

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Review the lectures on West African connections.
Research additional sources on the topic.
Write a blog post summarizing your findings.
Share your blog post online.

Research Project: The Queen of Sheba

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Conduct in-depth research on the Queen of Sheba/Makeda, exploring her historical context, her role in biblical tradition, and her significance in Ethiopian history.

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Gather sources on the Queen of Sheba.
Analyze the biblical and historical accounts.
Explore the Ethiopian traditions surrounding Makeda.
Write a research paper summarizing your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete African Empires of Biblical Antiquity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Religious Studies Professor

A Religious Studies Professor researches and teaches various aspects of religion, often specializing in a particular area such as biblical history or the history of specific cultures. This course on African empires of biblical antiquity is highly relevant, as it directly addresses the historical context and cultural narratives that often inform religious studies. The course's focus on challenging Eurocentric views of the Bible and highlighting the Afro-Asiatic context provides a unique and valuable perspective, preparing future professors for teaching and researching in this area. The specific analysis of the "Table of Nations" and the exploration of African empires and their connection to biblical narrative within this course are crucial for a professor specializing in the African presence in the bible and its significance.

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Theological Researcher

A Theological Researcher studies religious texts, doctrines, and practices with the aim of scholarly work or the development of deeper understanding. The material in this course on African empires of biblical antiquity is highly relevant, as it directly addresses the historical context and cultural narratives that inform theological studies. The course's focus on challenging Eurocentric views of the Bible and highlighting the Afro-Asiatic context provides a unique perspective. The in-depth analysis of the “Table of Nations,” and the exploration of African empires and their connection to the biblical narrative, are crucial for a theological researcher, especially one specializing in the African influence upon biblical history. The course's exploration of the doctrine of divine election may also be relevant to a researcher.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past. This course, with its focus on the African empires of biblical antiquity, provides important knowledge and insight that can be highly beneficial for a historian whose research focus is in the ancient world. A historian will find that the course helps them build a foundation to more accurately study and represent the historical narratives. The course addresses the need to correct inaccuracies and biases in the historical record, which is a central focus for the historian. The detailed study of the "Table of Nations", the rise of African empires, and their connection to biblical narratives, as well as the analysis of the origins of populations of the bible, provides a robust historical foundation.

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Independent Scholar

An Independent Scholar pursues research and writing outside of a traditional academic setting. The course on the African empires of biblical antiquity may be useful for an independent scholar who is writing about or researching the bible. This course's challenge to de-Africanized views of the bible, and its emphasis on an Afrocentric perspective, would provide valuable insights. The course's investigation into the connections between West African societies and the biblical world may also be useful. The detailed study of the "Table of Nations" and African empires is a crucial foundation for one researching the African context of the bible. The course helps build a more holistic and inclusive understanding of biblical history.

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Museum curator

A Museum Curator is responsible for managing and interpreting collections, often with a focus on historical or cultural artifacts. This course directly improves the understanding of the African empires and their relationship to biblical stories, providing a valuable knowledge base for a curator who specializes in the representation of such historical and cultural material in a museum. This course challenges de-Africanized views of the Bible, providing a unique perspective for presenting artifacts and narratives related to biblical times. The curator will find that the course helps build a foundation for exhibitions where the African presence in biblical history is highlighted and accurately portrayed. In particular, the course's exploration of the geography and wealth of ancient African kingdoms, and the connections between West African societies and the biblical world may be used in exhibitions.

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Research Associate

A Research Associate assists in conducting scholarly research, often in academic or research institutions. This course, which examines the African empires of biblical antiquity, may be useful for a research associate. They will find that the course helps them build a foundation for investigating a subject of this kind. The course presents a different view of the biblical narrative, focusing on the Afro-Asiatic context. The research associate will benefit from the course's in-depth analysis of the "Table of Nations", the rise of African empires, and their connection to biblical narratives. This course also addresses the origins of biblical populations, and the connections between West African societies and the biblical world. The course provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural aspects of biblical studies.

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Religious Educator

A Religious Educator teaches religious concepts, doctrines, or practices, often in a church, school, or other religious setting. The course, which explores the African empires of biblical antiquity, provides a unique perspective on biblical history that can enhance the educator's teaching. The course's emphasis on the Afro-Asiatic context of biblical stories, and the effort to correct historical misnomers and inaccuracies, will assist those seeking to present a more complete and nuanced understanding of the Bible to their students. The course also covers the topic of the origins of populations and the influence of African empires on Jewish history. The course helps educators present a more informed and inclusive narrative of biblical history.

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Curriculum Developer

A Curriculum Developer designs educational materials for various learning environments. This course about African empires of biblical antiquity may be useful for a curriculum developer in the field of religious studies or history. The course provides a new perspective on biblical narratives by emphasizing the Afro-Asiatic context. This course's challenge to de-Africanized views of the bible, along with its focus on correcting historical inaccuracies, is foundational for one who is developing curriculum with a diverse student body. The detailed study of the "Table of Nations" and the rise of African empires, and their connection to biblical narratives, is useful for formulating lesson plans. The course's study of the origins of biblical populations, as well as the connections between West African societies and the biblical world, would also be helpful in curriculum development.

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Archaeologist

An Archaeologist studies human history and prehistory through excavation and analysis of artifacts and other physical remains. A course like this, which explores the African empires of biblical antiquity, may be useful for an archaeologist specializing in the ancient Near East. The course's focus on challenging de-Africanized views of the Bible, and presenting an Afrocentric perspective will give the archaeologist a more complete understanding of the cultures and societies of the ancient world. The course's analysis of the origins of biblical populations, and the discussion of the geography and wealth of African kingdoms would be useful to the archaeologist. In particular, the course's discussion of the historical attempts to diminish the African presence in biblical history will assist archaeologists in interpreting findings.

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Author

An Author writes books or articles, often on topics of interest or expertise. The knowledge and perspective gained from the course on African empires of biblical antiquity may be beneficial for an author who would like to write about the bible. The course challenges pre-existing narratives and offers a new lens through which to view biblical history. This course helps to provide relevant background information, and allows the author to present new insights and perspectives. The course's exploration of the geography and wealth of ancient African kingdoms, as well as the discussion of the connection between West African societies and the biblical world, may be used as a basis for new publications. The course may help them build a more comprehensive understanding.

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Social Justice Advocate

A Social Justice Advocate works to promote equality and fairness, often by addressing historical injustices and systemic inequalities. This course, which seeks to correct historical misnomers and de-Africanized views of biblical history, may be relevant for a social justice advocate. The course's emphasis on the historical contributions of African civilizations to the world helps affirm the importance of those who have been historically marginalized.The course addresses the problematic historical implications of the doctrine of divine election, which can be helpful for advocates working to combat ethnic prejudice. The analysis of the "Table of Nations" and the rise of African empires provides historical evidence for the significance of the African presence in the biblical narrative and may be relevant to the advocate's work.

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Public Speaker

A Public Speaker delivers speeches or presentations, often on topics of interest to their audience. This course, which provides a different view on the African empires of biblical antiquity, may be useful for a public speaker seeking new perspectives on biblical history, which may be of interest to their audience. The course addresses the historical narrative and encourages critical thinking by challenging long-held assumptions. The speaker will find the course provides a more complete understanding of biblical stories by placing them in an Afro-Asiatic context. The specific analysis of the "Table of Nations" and the discussion of the rise of great African empires may be relevant topics for a speaker. The course helps build a more informed and nuanced perspective for their presentations.

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Cultural Heritage Consultant

A Cultural Heritage Consultant works to protect and promote cultural heritage sites and practices. The focus of this course on the African empires of biblical antiquity provides vital background for a consultant working with communities with a strong connection to biblical and African history. This course's analysis of the African empires and their connection to biblical narratives may inform their work with stakeholders and the development of culturally appropriate heritage initiatives. The course's exploration of the West African cultural anthropology connects with Egyptian/Hebrew religion and the biblical story, and may be useful in consulting with West African communities. Also the course's attention to the historical attempts to de-Africanize the biblical story, would provide helpful insight.

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Editor

An Editor reviews and prepares written material for publication, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to style guidelines. The information gained from this course about African empires of biblical antiquity may be useful for an editor. The course's emphasis on the Afro-Asiatic perspective of the bible, and its challenge to de-Africanized views, would assist an editor who works with authors dealing with biblical or African history. The course's insights into the "Table of Nations" and the historical contributions of African civilizations would be useful to an editor. The course helps build a stronger foundation for the editor to help writers accurately portray and contextualize information.

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Librarian

A Librarian manages library collections and assists users in finding information. The course material which addresses the African empires of biblical antiquity would be useful for librarians handling historical and religious collections. The course material's focus on challenging de-Africanized views of the bible, and its emphasis on an Afrocentric perspective, would assist the librarian in curating diverse materials. The course's discussion of the origins of biblical populations, and the connection between West African societies and the biblical world would be relevant to the librarian's work of cataloging books. The course helps build a foundation for organizing and presenting materials related to biblical history correctly.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in African Empires of Biblical Antiquity.

Black Genesis

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Explores the African origins of ancient Egyptian civilization, providing a crucial foundation for understanding the role of Egypt within the broader context of African empires and their influence on biblical history. It challenges Eurocentric perspectives and offers an Afrocentric lens through which to view the development of Egyptian culture and its connections to other African societies. This book is valuable as additional reading to expand on the course's themes.

Black Genesis: The Prehistoric Origins of Ancient...

Paperback

Black Genesis: The Prehistoric Origins of Ancient...

Kindle Edition

If You Want to Learn Early African History Start...

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of black civilizations, including those that played a significant role in the biblical narrative. It offers a counter-narrative to the de-Africanized view of history and highlights the contributions of African societies to world civilization. This book is valuable as additional reading to expand on the course's themes.

If you want to learn Early African History START...

Paperback

African Empires of Biblical Antiquity

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

African empires in biblical history

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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