Alphabetical Index to Bible Timeline – Page 40 – Amazing Bible Timeline with World History

Posted on March 18, 2015September 25, 2015 by Amy — Leave a comment

Sushen, ancestors of the Manchu

In China, the Manchu people are an ethnic minority who came from the land of Manchuria. Their ancestors are the Sushen, which can be found on the Bible Timeline around 300 AD. The largest population of Manchu is in Liaoning, while other areas such as Inner Mongolia, Beijing, Heilongjiang, Hebei and Jilin have more than 100,000 people that are all Manchu. However, there are several autonomous counties in the country made up of Manchu people. Which are located in Yitong, Weichang, Kuandian, Beizhen, Fengcheng, Fengning and Qinglong, to name a few of the 300 townships and towns of the Manchu.

According to historians, the Manchus were descendants of the group of people called Jurchen. These people formed China’s Jin Dynasty, although in the chronicles of ancient China’s Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors; the Sushen were mentioned. They were believed to have come from the North Eastern Asia’s Manchurian region in the north. The Sushen paid their tribute to the Shun with bows and arrows. This minority group was famous for their hunting and farming skills, as well as in using wooden arrows with flint heads. They settled in areas such as in the trees or caves.

In the Book of Wei, which was written in the dynastic era in China, the Sushen was mentioned once again. Also referred to as Jichen, they were considered as the tribes of Tungusic Mohe who came from the Northeast regions. Based on scholars, the Mohe were sedentary people who had expertise in farming pigs. They had pork as a staple in their meals, and their coats were made from dog and pig skins. They were excellent farmers who grew rice, millet, wheat and soybeans.

Additional Facts about the Sushen

The northeastern portion of China was occupied by an ethnic group called the Sushen. The site where they lived was specifically in the Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces. In the Zhou dynasty, the Sunshen people were very much active. In fact, there were archeological relics found in the area that were believed to have been from the Xituanshan Culture by the Tungusic.

The Sushen lived most of their lives in the Liaxi and Shandong borders. This was based on the Shanhaijing and Guoyu that were released during the Zhanguo in 476 to 221 BC. However, the Sushen was first documented in 6 BC, as featured in early documents in China. For a time, nothing much was known about this group except for their common dwelling that was in the forest and caves. Their way of living was documented, and their arrival in China was said to be an auspicious symbol of the virtue of the ruler in the country.

There were historians who believe that the Sushen and Mishihase were similar, according to ancient records in China. However, there were those who assumed that the Japanese gave the name to a group of indigenous people found in the northeastern part of the country. The Sushen were said to have been the Mohe’s ancestors, as well as the Manchu, Jurchen, and Nanai, among some Tungusic group of people.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchu_people
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sushen
http://www.chinatraveldesigner.com/travel-guide/culture/chinese-ethnic-groups/manchu-nationality.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchu_people

Posted on March 13, 2015March 29, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Jerusalem 1917 to Today

General Edmund Allenby, the leader of the British Army, succeeded in capturing the city of Jerusalem in 1917. However, the British people had to face some conflicts with the city, which originated in the Ottoman rule. There was an agreement made in terms of the electric and water supply, as well as the building of a tramway system, which was signed by Jerusalem and Euripides Mavromatis, who was a citizen of Greece. Ottoman authorities granted all these concessions, but when it wasn’t applied the British to questioned the validity of the agreement. The Mavromatis concession was intended to be abolished by the British, but it ended up covering Jerusalem including other localities that are within at least 20 kilometers surrounding the Church of Holy Sepulchre.

Beginning 1922 until 1948, Jerusalem’s population increased to 165,000 after being only a mere 52,000. A large percentage of its people were Jews while the rest were Christian and Muslim Arabs. Over time, there was a worsening condition in the relationship between Muslims and Arabs along with the Jewish people in Jerusalem. For instance, riots initiated by the Arabs broke off in 1920 and 1929. Despite these conflicts, the British continued to improve the city by building schools such as the Hebrew University. Suburbs were also constructed in the city’s northern and western portions.

Jerusalem_1917_to_Today — Cross of Golgotha

Prior to the end of the British Mandate for the land of Palestine, a Partition Plan by the UN advised the establishment of an international regime in Jerusalem during 1946. According to the Partition Plan, the city should be constituted as a “Corpus separatum”, which was under the UN’s administration. The said international regime included Bethlehem, and it was applied for ten years. Furthermore, there was a referendum that allowed the residents of the nation to decide on the city’s regime in the future.

This plan did not take effect when a war broke off in 1948. As for the British, they decided to withdraw their hold on Palestine. This caused Israel to declare its much-awaited independence. Also, Israel succeeded in conquering a portion of Jerusalem in the West, which was opposed to the intended effect of the Partition Plan. Several other major portions of the Arab territory all made up the Arab State. East Jerusalem and the West Bank were controlled by Jordan.

The war of 1948 resulted in several displaced Jewish and Arabs in the city. At least 1,500 people living in the Jewish Quarter were forced to flee, and several of them became prisoners during the time that the Arab army took over the quarter. Numerous residents of Arab descents in Talbuya, German Colony and Katamon were expelled from their homes. Israel controlled 12 of the 15 residential quarters of Arabs in Jerusalem. This resulted in at least 30,000 residents that ended up as refugees.

Present Political Situation

Although the international community considers East Jerusalem as a portion of the Palestinian territories, not even the East or West Jerusalem was regarded as Palestine’s nor Israel’s territory. The legal status of the old city originated from the UN Partition Plan, which refuses Israel’s control over Jerusalem.

References:
http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/jerusalem.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem#1917.E2.80.931948_.E2.88.92_British_Mandate
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Peace/jerutoc.html

Posted on March 12, 2015August 20, 2015 by Amy — Leave a comment

Constantius II 337 AD

During the years 337 to 361, Constantius II became the emperor of Rome where he can be found on the Bible Timeline Poster. When his father died, he was made the new ruler of the empire, along with his two brothers Constans and Constantine II. By 340, there was a problem that arose between the brothers in the Roman Empire’s western provinces. As a result of this conflict, Constans became the new ruler when Constantine II died. However, he was eventually assassinated after being overthrown by Magnentius, in 350. Constantius was not pleased with having Magnentius as his new co-ruler, so he decided to defeat him at a fight that took place in Mons Seleucus and Mursa Major.

Constantius II was assigned to rule the east, and this was the original intention of his father when the empire was divided between three of his sons. It was also believed that the late Constantine the Great thought of Constantius II as capable of dealing with the threats received by the eastern provinces from the Persians. When the news about the death of Constantine the Great reached King Sapor II, he began his attacks on the Roman Empire. Fortunately, the king agreed to a truce with Constantius II in 350 AD because the former had to deal with several concerns in his own kingdom.

Military Campaigns

Constantius_II_337_AD — ‘A bust of the Roman Emperor Constantius II from Syria. ‘

‘A bust of the Roman Emperor Constantius II from Syria. ‘

Constantius had several campaigns that involved defeating the Germanic tribes. He was successful and also he was able to defeat the Alamanni, Quadi and Sarmatians. However, the war in the eastern provinces was not as successful.

By 351, Constantius was having difficulties in ruling the empire by himself. Thus, he decided to promote Constantius Gallus as Caesar, yet he was executed after reports against him were gathered that proved his corrupt and violent nature. In 355, Julian, who was Gallus’ half-brother, took his place as the new Caesar.

By the time Constantius became the sole emperor, he received some news from the eastern provinces about the violent behavior of Gallus, his cousin. There were complaints about him being a tyrant. This caused Constantius to send Gallus to a place in Mediolanum. Here, Gallus was tried to court before he was executed.

After dealing with Gallus, Constantius II was preoccupied about the Franks who were advancing over the border. In fact, Silvanus, the Frankish leader, made himself as the new emperor of Colonia Agrippina. Eventually, Silvanus was murdered, although it was not too long before the city was occupied by Germans. Hence, Constantius II appointed Julian as the new Caesar to restore peace and order in the troubled city.

In 357, Constantius II went to Rome before beginning his campaigns in the Danube to cease the Suevi, Quadi and Sarmatians. However, there was another conflict in the east broke off, which involved Sopr II, the king of Persia. Constantius II requested for Julian to send reinforcements, but the he did not obey him. Julian assumed that Constantius II was only jealous of his victories in the western provinces. Julian’s troops believed in him, and instead of following the orders of the emperor they showed loyalty to their leader by making him Augustus.

As a result, Constantius II decided to leave Mesopotamia and head off with his troops to stop the usurper without the help of Julian and his army. However, upon reaching Cilicia in 361, he suffered from sudden fever and died.

References:
http://www.roman-empire.net/collapse/constantius-II.html
http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/constantius_II/i.html
http://www.livius.org/cn-cs/constantius/constantius_ii.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantius_II#/media/File:Bust_of_Constantius_II_(Mary_Harrsch).jpg

Posted on March 11, 2015August 20, 2015 by Amy — Leave a comment

Constantinus I 301 AD

Constantius I, also referred to as Constantius Chlorus, was the man behind the dynasty called Constantinian. He was Constantine the Great‘s father, and he ruled Rome during the years 293 to 306 where he can be found on the Bible Timeline Chart. When he was a Caesar, he defeated Britain’s Allectus, a usurper. He also had successful campaigns in the Rhine borders, where he was able to defeat the Franks and Alamanni. In 305, he started a punitive campaign that gained tremendous success, it was intended to defeat the Picts. Unfortunately, he died suddenly in 306, which ignited the downfall of the government system Emperor Diocletian formed.

Background

Constantius was a native of Dardania, and his father, Eutropius was of noble background from the Moesia Superior. His mother was Claudia, Quintillus and Claudius II’s niece, which means she was of great nobility, as well.

Constantius was a part of the Protectores Augusti Nostri, a group that was formed during the reign of Emperor Aurelian. Constantius also fought against the Palmyrene Empire, which was located in the East. When Carus was the new ruler, Constantius became the governor of Dalmatia. There were also claims that he decided to support Diocletian just before defeating Carinus during the battle in Margus, during 285.

Constantinus_I_301_AD — ’54th Emperor of the Roman Empire’

By 286, Maximian was noted as the new co-emperor of Rome’s western provinces. On the other hand, Diocletian ruled the provinces in the east. This was the start of the future separation that existed in the Roman Empire. In 288, Constantius’ rule as governor ended, and he became the western province’s Praetorian Prefect.

During 287 to 288, Constantius took part in the war that aimed to defeat the Alamanni. Attacks against this group of people were carried out across the Danube and Rhine rivers with the goals of gaining a victory from their opponents. He also decided to marry Theodora, the daughter of Maximian after divorcing Helena. This action was intended to increase the ties that existed between the military servant and the emperor.

Diocletian was responsible for the division of the Roman Empire’s administration in 293, which comprised of the West and East. Each of these parts of the empire was headed by one Augustus and assisted by one Caesar. At the time of the death of the Augustus, the Caesars are given the right to take his place and become the new ruler.

The Battle of Lingones during 298 happened between the Alamanni and the Roman Empire. Constantius took part in this battle and eventually defeated his opponents after remaining in the city and being rescued by his own army. He was victorious in another battle at an area in Vindonissa. This made the Rhine frontier’s defenses much stronger.

By 300, Constantius had a battle on the Rhine area, which was against the Franks. He decided to have the Franks remain in Gaul’s deserted lands. For three more years, he was much preoccupied with strengthening the Rhine frontier. In addition, he was confronted with Diocletian’s imperial edicts, which pertained to the persecutions of the Christian people. This campaign was mainly promoted by Galerius after knowing Constantius’ pleasant relationship with the Christians in Rome.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantius_Chlorus
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/134077/Constantius-I
http://www.roman-empire.net/decline/constantiuschlorus.html

Posted on March 10, 2015September 12, 2015 by Amy — Leave a comment

Julian the Apostate 361 AD

Julian the Apostate served as an emperor in Rome between the years 361 and 363 AD where he can be found on the Biblical Timeline. He was an author and philosopher among his other responsibilities throughout his life. In 355, he was appointed as Caesar by Constantius II and victoriously stopped the Franks and the Alamanni.

One of his significant accomplishments included the defeat of the Alamanni during the Battle of Argentoratum, in 357. When he was in Lutetia, his soldiers proclaimed him as the Augustus, which was in 360. This started a civil war between him and Constantius. Unfortunately, before the conflict was settled, Constantius died just after Julian was called as his new successor. He fought against the Sassanid army where he was wounded badly and died.

Background

Julian_the_Apostate_361_AD — ‘Julian the Apostate presiding at a conference of sectarians.’

‘Julian the Apostate presiding at a conference of sectarians.’

According to scholars, Julian had some accomplishments including his success as a social reformer, theosophist and military commander. He intended to direct the Empire to its old Roman values. In fact, he rejected Christianity and aimed to bring back the ancient religious practices of the Romans. Because of his blatant hatred of Christianity, he was given the name “Julian the Apostate”, which means someone who has abandoned his principles and religion.

As a child, he grew up in Bithynia. His grandmother raised him, and by the time he was seven years of age the Christian bishop Eusebius of Nicomedia became one of his mentors. The Gothic eunuch Mardonius taught and inspired the young Julian, as well.

In 342, Julian was sent into exile, along with Gallus. He was forced to enter Marcellum, a place in Cappadocia while he was in exile. It was here that he met George of Cappadocia, who was a Christian bishop. The bishop introduced to him the classical tradition of Christianity. At 18 years old, Julian travelled to Nicomedia and Constantinople after he regained his freedom.

As An Emperor

In 361, he travelled to Constantinople during the time that he was already proclaimed as the sole emperor. While there, he presided over the Christian burial of Constantius, despite the fact that he rejected Christianity. His performance of this political act showed how he was indeed lawful to the throne. Furthermore, he was believed to have ordered the construction of the Santa Costanza on a location outside of Rome, which was intended as a mausoleum for Constantina and Helena.

The emperor was against the manner in which his predecessors ruled the empire. He considered the administration as corrupt and inefficient. Thus, he ordered the dismissal of numerous eunuchs, officials and servants. A Chalcedon tribunal was also set up, and this designed to handle the corruption that was prevalent during the old administration. Executions of high-ranking officials under the rule of Constantius were arranged.

Julian aimed to expand the authority of the cities in the empire. There was a reduction in the direct involvement of the Imperial in urban matters. City lands of the imperial government were given back to the cities, and the payment of tribute referred to as the Aurum coronarium, became voluntary. He made several changes to the administration when he was an emperor, which had an impact on the people and the empire’s economy.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_(emperor)
http://www.roman-empire.net/collapse/julian-index.html
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Julian_the_Apostate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Edward_Armitage_-_Julian_the_Apostate_presiding_at_a_conference_of_sectarian_-_1875.jpg

Posted on March 6, 2015August 19, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Valentinian 364 AD

Between the years 364 and 375 AD, Valentinian became the ruler of the Roman empire where he can be found on the Biblical Timeline Chart. At the time of his reign, he also appointed Valens, his brother as his co-emperor. During his rule, he was in control of the western provinces while Valens served in the East.

Notable Accomplishments

Valentinian was remembered for his victorious battle against the Sarmatians, Quadi, and Alamanni. He was also a significant figure during the Battle of Solicinium against the Alamanni in 367 AD. Valentinian was the last emperor who aimed to initiate and strengthen campaigns across the Danube and Rhine rivers. He enhanced the forts situated along the Roman empire’s frontiers so that there were stronger fortresses in the territory of their opponents.

During the time of his rule, he did many things to take control of the empire. He was noted as the last great emperor in the western provinces. He was also responsible for establishing a dynasty, and his sons Valentinian II and Gratian became his successors.

Background

Valentinian hailed from the town of Cibalae, a place in the southern part of Pannonia. His father was Gratianus Major a brilliant and renowned commander during the time of Constans and Constantine I. He was educated in sculpting and painting, among other subjects along with his brother, Valentinian.

In about 320 or the early part of 330, he joined his father during a trip to Africa. However, it was not long after Gratianus had to retire when he received accusations of embezzlement. By 330, Valentinian decided to join the army and gained the title Protector Domesticus. Gratianus went back to Cibalae during his retirement years.

Valentinian as an Emperor

In 364, Valentinian was proclaimed as an emperor. His main objective was to take his army. In fact, the soldiers were quite impressed because of Valentinian’s boldness and the decision to serve as an emperor. He also opted to have a co-ruler, as this ensured officials in the eastern provinces that the imperial authority would always serve to their advantage. Valentinian chose Valens as his co-ruler, although this was objected by his magister equitum, Dagalaifus.

He spent much of his reign during 364 in appointing military commands and administrative tasks. Valens became the prefect of Oriens while Valentinian ruled in Illyricum, Africa, Gaul, and Italy. His court was established in Milan.

In November 365, Valentinian learned about the revolt of the Procopius and the Alamanni. He ordered Dagalaifus to take part in a battle against the Alamanni while Valentinian set off to the eastern provinces to support Valens. However, he was advised by his court to remain in Gaul, so he could protect the people against the invaders. He proceeded to Durocortorum and commanded Severianus and Charietto to fight the Alamanni, but they both died during the battle.

Death

In 374, he traveled to Brigetio and continued his campaigns. Upon his arrival to Brigetio, he was met with the Quadi and allowed them to leave the town peacefully after a supply of more recruits to the empire’s army was given. Before they left, they complained that there was a conflict caused all because of the construction of Roman forts in Brigetio. This, among other political concerns, caused the death of Valentinian when a blood vessel in his skull burst while he was yelling at the envoys. Valentinian’s rule ended when he died in 375.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentinian_I
http://armstrongeconomics.com/research/monetary-history-of-the-world/roman-empire/chronology_-by_-emperor/fall-of-the-house-of-constantine/valentinian-i-364-375-ad/
http://www.luc.edu/roman-emperors/vali.htm

Posted on March 5, 2015February 18, 2017 by Amy — 5 Comments

Matthias, The Apostle

Matthias came from the Hebrew word “Mattithiah”, which means “the gift of Yahweh”. He was regarded as one of Jesus‘ disciples and was there during the baptism of Jesus. When Judas died, Peter made a proposal that Matthias join them. In fact, Matthias was selected, along with Barsabas. However, it was Matthias who became a part of the eleven apostles after the drawing of lots.

Matthias In the Bible

Matthias was not mentioned in any of the synoptic gospels as being one of Jesus’ followers or disciples. However, in the book of Acts, he was narrated as being with Jesus from the time he was baptized and up to the moment he went back to heaven during the ascension. Another man was chosen to join the apostles who were named Barsabas. After the apostles prayed to God for guidance and drew lots, Matthias was declared as the new member of their group. He was also present during the time that the apostles gathered at Pentecost. In the canonical books of the New Testament, however, there were no details about Matthias.

The_Apostle_Matthias — The Apostle Matthias

Background

According to scholars, Matthias hailed from Bethlehem. During his early childhood years, he was taught by Simeon the Law of God. He also believed that Jesus was the Messiah, and he followed the Lord along with the other apostles.

He traveled with Andrew and Peter to Syrian Antioch after coming from Jerusalem. He was in Sinope and Titanium, alongside these two apostles of Jesus. When he was in the Cappadocian city, he was locked in a prison. However, Andrew freed him in a miraculous manner.

Upon being set free, Matthias went to Amasea. He also journeyed to Sebaste and Edessa with the Apostle Andrew. He preached at Macedonia and Pontine Ethiopia, based on the Church Tradition. Although he met several instances that almost caused his death, he was constantly spared to continue his mission to preach and spread the Gospel.

One of the miraculous stories involving Matthias was when he was forced to drink a potion that contained poison. When he did so, he was not harmed, and he even healed some other prisoners who suffered from blindness after drinking the potion. He was also able to leave the prison without anyone noticing him. Afterward, he headed back to Judea to preach the works of Jesus. He also performed numerous miracles and converted several people to believe in Jesus.

Death

Ananias, a High Priest of the Jews, gave a blasphemous speech that slandered Jesus’ name. Matthias defended Jesus by saying he was the True Messiah. This angered the Sanhedrin, and he was sentenced to be executed. He was stoned and died, although there were accounts that he died after being crucified at Colchis.

This was the life of a man who lived his life believing and expressing his faith in Jesus as the savior. He also remained true to his faith that made him one of the apostles of Jesus.

His feast day is on the 14th of May.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthias
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10066a.htm
http://oca.org/saints/lives/2015/08/09/102243-apostle-matthias-of-the-seventy

Posted on March 3, 2015March 29, 2016 by Amy — 1 Comment

Jerusalem Biblical Times

Jerusalem was only regarded as significant in the region after King David conquered it. He can be found on the Bible Timeline Chart around the 1050 BC. Jerusalem was noted as the Promised Land, which was assigned to the Twelve Tribes of Israel. In fact, Benjamin‘s tribe gained a part of Jerusalem that was not under the control of the Israelites. When Jerusalem was conquered by King David, it served as a significant center of politics and religion.

According to scholars, several people settled in Jerusalem during early times, as depicted in the Bible, historical sources and archaeological evidence. For instance, the story of the Canaanite kings and Abraham proved the early settlement of people in Jerusalem, as narrated in the Book of Genesis. Various historical accounts also presented facts that there had commercial and political ties existed between Jerusalem and other nations. During early Canaanite era, it was recorded that Jerusalem was among the various city-states in the region. The primary source of information about the history of Jerusalem was the Bible. Accounts about the holy city were made from 10 to 6 BC. There were also other written accounts about the historical development of Jerusalem, which started in Israel and Judah.

Jerusalem_Bible_History_Church — ‘Church or Basilica of the Agony, is a Roman Catholic church located on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, next to the Garden of Gethsemane.’

‘Church or Basilica of the Agony, is a Roman Catholic church located on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, next to the Garden of Gethsemane.’

In the Bible, Jerusalem was mentioned in the Old Testament 660 times, 146 in the New Testament and other names that served as synonyms to Jerusalem were found in various references.

As early as 4000 BC, the Chalcolithic Period established Jerusalem as a Canaanite city. It occupied the southeastern hill that was often referred to as the “City of King David”. There were several steep slopes found on the sides of the hill, and these served as strong defenses for the city. At the base of the hill, there was a rich supply of water for Jerusalem.

In the Old, Testament Jerusalem was first mentioned in Joshua, although there was a reference to the holy city in Genesis. The city was referred to as Melchizedek, who was then the King of Salem. Poetic mentions can be found in Psalms where Salem was believed to be Zion. Shalem, which was a Canaanite city, was noted as the city of Shalom or “peace” in the Bible. Isaiah also spoke of Shalom, or the “Prince of Peace”, who was believed to rule the throne of David, in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem_Bible_History_Gate — ‘Dome of the Rock viewed through Cotton Gate.’

‘Dome of the Rock viewed through Cotton Gate.’

When the Israelites occupied Canaan, the city of Jerusalem was referred to as Jebus. It was intended to be the shortened term for being the Jebusites‘ city. There accounts in 1 Chronicles, Judges and Joshua that Jerusalem’s other name was Jebus. As for the Romans, they gave a different name to it, which was Aelia Capitolina. However, the older name of the city remained.

In the Second Book of Samuel, it was mentioned that David conquered Jebus. He also had a palace constructed in Jerusalem, which transformed it into a regal city. Jerusalem was then elevated to a capital status although known to be somewhat poorly situated in terms of military or trade activities. David also considered Jerusalem as his property since it was a neutral city not belonging to the tribes in the south or north.

References:
http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/jerusalem.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Jerusalem
http://www.shamar.org/articles/a-biblical-history-of-jerusalem.php#.VOiyA8iyfIU
http://pixabay.com/en/jerusalem-old-city-building-israel-556069/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_All_Nations
http://pixabay.com/en/church-basilica-of-the-agony-600722/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem#mediaviewer/File:Dome_of_the_Rock_viewed_through_Bab_al-Qattanin.jpg

Posted on February 10, 2015October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Asoka King of Magadha

Asoka, the King of Magadha, ruled around 200 BC and were listed on the Bible Timeline Chart during that period. Magadha is a kingdom that is made up of several districts including Nalanda, Nawadah, Gaya, Patna and some areas of Bengal. Some boundaries make up this kingdom such as the River Ganges, River Champa, Vindhya mountains and River Sone. Anga was also a part of its boundary during the time of the Buddha.

The kingdom was the center of religion and culture. During 500 BC, it witnessed urbanization, and Buddhism began to flourish. The culture of Magadha is evident in Jainism and Buddhism, and these religions involved some of the features of the kingdom’s rich culture, particularly the belief in karmic retribution and reincarnation. The belief in obtaining liberation through having a deeper knowledge of oneself was practiced in Greater Magadha’s culture, specifically in the earlier dates in history.

Asoka_Kingof Magadha — Asoka and his army won the battle, but the effects of the war caused him to feel shame and disgust….The image of corpses and children crying because of their parents’ death remained in his mind.

Asoka and his army won the battle, but the effects of the war caused him to feel shame and disgust….The image of corpses and children crying because of their parents’ death remained in his mind.

About Asoka, the Emperor

Emperor Asoka ruled an empire that stretched throughout the subcontinent of India, including modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The empire covered a large area, as well as the states of Assam, Andhra, and Kerala. Asoka was considered as one of India’s most powerful emperors, and he was able to facilitate a smooth and successful rule over the land. In Sanskrit, his name can be translated as “without any sorrow”. Hence, in everything he engaged in, he was able to excel well. Asoka was Chandragupta Maurya‘s grandson, who was the kingdom’s famous and respected ruler. His parents were Dharma and Bindusara, the Mauryan emperor. During his childhood, Asoka showed great skill in the academics, Holy Scriptures, and warfare. The bright child was well-loved and look up to by several people in the kingdom because of his unique gifts and intelligence. At the time of his father’s death, his older brother named Suman took his place as king. However, most of the ministers realized that Asoka was more capable of ruling. Thus, they helped him gain control of the kingdom, which he finally received after a war that lasted for three years. In 273 BC, Asoka was crowned as Magadha’s king.

Asoka_King_of_Magadha_buddha — ‘The Buddhist stupa at Sanchi, built during the Mauryan period.’

‘The Buddhist stupa at Sanchi, built during the Mauryan period.’

Asoka the King of Magadha

As a ruler of the land, he was able to ensure a smooth administration over his territories. He was a brave and responsible king who genuinely undertook all of his duties. Asoka served the land for eight years, and he eventually decided to conquer Kalinga. To achieve this goal, he led a powerful army, and this resulted in a harsh battle with Kalinga’s army. The war between two armies occurred on the hills of Dhauli.

Asoka and his army won the battle, but the effects of the war caused him to feel shame and disgust. After this painful experience, Asoka pledged never to take part in any battles again. The image of corpses and children crying because of their parents’ death remained in his mind. The negative feeling that the war brought lingered in his heart, and this caused him to turn to Buddhism for solace.

The king was inspired and overwhelmed by the Buddhist monks’ teachings, and this fueled his desire to spread the philosophies of Buddhism throughout the world. He was the first emperor who developed Buddhist policies in his kingdom.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadha
http://www.iloveindia.com/history/ancient-india/maurya-dynasty/ashoka.html
http://www.palikanon.com/english/pali_names/ay/asoka.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadha#mediaviewer/File:Magadha_Expansion_(6th-4th_centuries_BCE).png
http://pixabay.com/en/sculpture-child-fear-suffering-cry-616821/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadha#mediaviewer/File:Sanchi2.jpg

Posted on February 9, 2015October 4, 2017 by Amy — 1 Comment

Apostles of Christ Spread the Church

According to historians, Christianity started in the Eastern Mediterranean, and this stretched towards the Roman Empire and up to India and is recorded to spread on the Bible Timeline starting around 500 AD. The rapid growth of the Church to these areas was related to the growing belief in Christianity that was evident in the Jewish diaspora, the Holy Land and in several Jewish centers. The Jewish Christians were considered as the very first believers and followers of early Christianity.

Spread of the Church through the Apostles of Christ

The Apostles of Jesus traveled from Jerusalem to other parts of the world after the crucifixion of Christ. Their main purpose was to spread the teachings of Jesus when he was still alive. Some of them also founded the Apostolic Sees, and they led early Christians in their religious gatherings in private homes referred to as house churches. The entire community of Christians was called a “church”, originating from a Greek word that means congregation, gathering or assembly.

A large population of Early Christians were travelers or merchants, and they went to various places including Asia Minor,

Africa, Greece, and Arabia. By the year 100 AD, there were more than 40 communities of Early Christians established, and most of these were in Anatolia. This place was also regarded as Asia Minor, and it was where the Seven Churches of Asia was found. Afterward, Christianity spread in other places including Syria, Greece, Armenia, India and Rome. These places served as the foundations for the spread of Christianity.

In Caesarea, Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles, baptized Cornelius who was a centurion and a gentile. He soon converted to Christianity, with the help of Peter. Paul, another apostle of Jesus, also stayed in Caesarea for a while. It was also in that place where he was imprisoned.

Apostles_of_Christ_Spread_the_Church_Peter — Apostle Peter

Antioch, one of the Roman Empire’s most significant cities, became another place in the world where several people converted into Christianity. It was also the site where an early church was formed, and Peter was its founder and first bishop. The Apostolic Constitutions and the Gospel of Matthew were believed to have been written in Antioch.

Based on the Book of Acts, Jerusalem became known as the site of the very first church of the Christians. Here, the apostles of Jesus taught and remained after the Pentecost. James became the leader in this first church, and several other kinsmen also had leadership positions after the city of Jerusalem was destroyed and until the rebuilding.

In 50 AD, Paul and Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem to meet with John, Peter and James, who were considered as the pillars of the church. Eventually, this meeting was referred to as the Council of Jerusalem. During this meeting, various subjects were discussed including the mission of Paul and Barnabas to the gentiles, as well as the freedom of converts from Mosaic law.

Peter decided to leave Jerusalem as Herod Agrippa I made attempts to kill him. At this point, James became the new principal authority of the early Church in Jerusalem.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity
http://biblescripture.net/Acts.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_the_1st_century