Alphabetical Index to Bible Timeline – Page 49 – Amazing Bible Timeline with World History

Posted on May 25, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 1 Comment

Constantine Converted to Christianity

Constantine was one of the greatest Roman emperors who led Rome during 306 to 337 AD where he is located on the Biblical Timeline Chart with World History. It was during his reign that Christianity became recognized as the Roman Empire’s primary religion. While historians are yet to have a solid evidence of Constantine’s decision of choosing Christianity and establishing it as the empire’s dominant religion, there were some doubts about the form of Early Christianity that Constantine favored. Moreover, several studies have proven that one of the possibilities that Constantine turned to Christianity was because of the influence of his mother towards him. However, Constantine was not baptized until a few years before he died.

Brief Information about the Life of Constantine

Constantine was born and raised at Naissus. His father, Flavius Constantius, was a renowned army officer who eventually divorced Constantine’s mother in 289 to marry Theodora. Driven to find his mission in life, Constantine decided to pursue a military career and travelled throughout the Roman Empire. During his crossing to the Alps, along with his army, he had a dream of a brilliant cross that was shining as it faced the sun. The cross bore the words “In this sign, conquer”. When he woke up from that dream, he decided to take it as a sign and guide throughout his journey. He was also able to defeat Maxentius, who was his rival at that time. Eventually, Constantine succeeded in conquering Rome, which led him to his victory as the empire’s new emperor.

Constantine_Converted_to_Christianity — Constantine

Early Christianity at the Time of Constantine

During the rule of Constantine, the early years of Christianity were filled with perils and threats. For instance, believers encountered harsh persecution by the government. There was also the issue on Arian heresy or the denial of Christ’s divinity. However, God decided to raise up a mighty leader who would defend Christianity from its adversaries. Thus, Constantine was able to overcome these events that helped shape the Christian religion throughout time.

Constantine‘s Conversion to Christianity

One of the significant turning points in Early Christianity’s great history was Constantine’s conversion to the Christian religion. This event was also depicted as the “Triumph of the Church” or the “Constantinian Shift”. It was in 313 AD that Constantine, along with Licinius, legalized Christian worship. Constantine left a legacy that is visible in the transformation of Christianity from being a private sect to a recognized public church. He also set the religion on a firm institutional ground that turned the Church into one of the leading cultural forces affecting the ancient world. Sunday was chosen as the day of worship, and it was also made into a public holiday. However, there were no firm evidences as to whether it was Emperor Constantine who chose Sunday instead of Saturday as the day of worship for Christians. There were two documents written in the first century that expressed how the Christians worshipped during a different day from the Sabbath day by the Jewish. Nevertheless, one thing is definite – that it was Constantine who transformed this religion, which used to be considered as an illegal sect, into a widely recognized religion of the Romans.

References:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/christianityromanempire_article_01.shtml
https://www.christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/constantine/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rome-Capitole-StatueConstantin.jpg

Posted on May 24, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 2 Comments

Anglo-Saxons and Britain Vandals in Spain (407 to 429 AD)

One group of people with Eastern Germanic heritage were called the Vandals. These people were originally from Jutland, and they settled in areas between the Vistula and Oder rivers during the first century AD where it is listed on the Biblical Timeline with World History. Based on historians, these people had wagons as their home, and they travelled from one pasture to another. When they remained in the Danube region, they provided troops and military reinforcements for the Romans. They also adopted Arianism or the heretical form of Christianity.

Key Facts about the Vandals and Anglo-Saxons

Tacitus first used the word Vandilii to describe this group of Germanic people that were from the ancestry of East Germans. During the Marcomannic War of 166 AD, these people decided to live in a place that is now referred to as Silesia. By the third century, or the time when the Roman Empire was experiencing great crisis due to invasions from its opponents, the Vandals joined forces with the Samaritans to conquer the frontier of the Roman Empire along the upper areas of the Rhine River.

Anglo-Saxons_and Britain_Vandals_in_Spain(407_to_429_AD) — ‘Reconstruction of a Germanic Iron Age warrior’s garments representing a Vandalic man’

‘Reconstruction of a Germanic Iron Age warrior’s garments representing a Vandalic man’

The Anglo-Saxons, on the other hand, were people who remained in Great Britain since the fifth century. They also included a few other groups from Germanic tribes who stayed on the southern portion of the island along with their descendants.

The early parts of the Anglo-Saxon era included medieval Britain’s history from the end of the Roman’s reign. This period was also considered as the migration period because of massive human migration throughout Europe beginning 400 AD. These migrants included those with Germanic ancestry including the Anglos, Saxons, Suebi, Goths, Franks, and Lombards. However, these people were eventually defeated by the Slavs, Huns, Avars, Alans and Bulgars.

Vandals Joined Forces with Other Tribes

In 406, the Vandals decided to join forces with some of the freed slaves from Pannonia, as well as with a few other barbarian tribes. These people included some Goths, Suevi and nomadic Alans that bravely overcame the frozen Rhine into the Roman Gaul. Their reason for following this route was to save themselves from the attack of the Huns.

After these people have conquered France, they decided to remain in the southern part of Spain after crossing the Pyrenees. The Vandals also lived in the countryside, yet it left several towns with their native population. These people also seized the Roman ships, and they succeeded in piratical raids to the coasts of Greece and various parts of the Mediterranean.

Downfall of the Empire

By 409 AD, the Roman empire began to fall apart because of a lack of control from its emperor. It was at this time that some of Emperor Constantine’s army were in Spain, and that made it difficult for his army to reach Gaul quickly. Eventually, the Germans residing at the western part of the Rhine river revolted against him, and a number of invaders from the eastern portion of the river finally reached Gaul. At that time, Britain no longer had any form of protection or troops after it had succumbed to massive raids by the Saxons from 408 to 409 AD.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandals
http://www.localhistories.org/barbarians.html
http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/articles/v/vandals_and_the_roman_empire.aspx

Posted on May 23, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Vulgate (The Latin Bible)

The Bible was first translated into Latin during the fourth century, and it was referred to as the Vulgate. It served as the masterpiece of St. Jerome, as per the recommendations of the Pope, Damasus the First, during the year 382 AD where it is listed on the Bible Timeline Chart. He was assigned to revise the Vetus Latina or the Old Latin translations.

Jerome was quite fluent in the Greek language, and he was also versed in Hebrew at that time that he began the translation of the Holy Scripture. He worked on making corrections to the New Testament’s existing version in Latin.

Since then, the manuscript became widely adopted. During the 13th century, the Latin revision or the “Versio Vulgata”, this means a commonly-used translation. By the 16th century, this was recognized as the officially used version of the Roman Catholic Church.

Key Information about the Vulgate

Regarded as the Bible’s Latin translation, it was written by Eusebius Hieronymus (otherwise known as St. Jerome) during the latter part of the 4th century and the beginning of the 5th century. Jerome was taught by a wise rhetoric teacher named Aelius Donatus, who was also famous for his advocacy for punctuation. Aelius also authored Virgil’s biography.

When Jerome was appointed the Pope to write the four Gospels, the former used widely accepted Latin language version for the Holy Scripture. This resulted in the replacement of the other less-scholarly written works at that time. While he was merely instructed to carry out the translations on the New Testament (focused only on the Gospels), Jerome decided to take it further by translating a huge portion of the “Septuagint”. This referred to the translation from Hebrew into Greek. It also included several apocryphal works, which were not featured in the Hebrew version of the Bible.

Originally, the Gospels were expressed in the Greek language. This was largely because the language was widely spoken in the area ruled by the famed ruler, Alexander. It is also worth noting that there was a pan-Hellenic dialect that was popular during the Hellenistic era, which was Koine. The dialect was Vulgar Latin’s equivalent in Greek.

In fact, most Jews that resided in areas that were primarily made up of Jewish people spoke Koine Greek, as well. Eventually, the Hellenistic era paved the way for the Romans to gain dominance, although Koine Greek remained as the spoken dialect in the East. On the other hand, the western world spoke the Latin language.

Further Details about the Latin Bible

There are insufficient evidence of how much Jerome was able to translate the New Testament. However, the author decided to compare the existing Latin translations of the Holy Scripture with the Greek version. He observed that the Gospels were written in the Greek language, while the Old Testament was in Hebrew.

Jerome decided to complete the Latin translation after referring to the Septuagint. He also checked with the Hebrew version, and this allowed him to create a different version of the texts in the Old Testament. Jerome did not work on any translations for the Apocrypha, as well as beyond Judith and Tobit. These texts were translated from the Aramaic language.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome#Translations_and_commentaries
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1154
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Domenico_Ghirlandaio_-_St_Jerome_in_his_study.jpg

Posted on May 22, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 1 Comment

Eusebius, the Great Ecclesiastical

Eusebius, who is also referred to as Eusebius Pamphili or Eusebius of Caesarea, was a renowned Christian polemicist and historian. He also served as the bishop of the Caesarean centers during 314 AD where he is listed on the Bible Timeline with World History. However, his greatest contribution was when he wrote the Ecclesiastical History, which was one of the books he has produced.

Interesting Facts about Eusebius

When Agapius completed his term as bishop of Caesarea, he was succeeded by Eusebius. This brilliant man took a special role during the Council of Nicaea, which was in 325 AD. Emperor Constantine considered Eusebius as a wise and noble man, and it was one of the reasons why the latter was chosen to present his own creed to the 318 attendees during the Council. One of Eusebius’ powerful opponents was Athanasius of Alexandria. At the synod held in Caesarea in 334, Athanasius was summoned to attend, but he refused to do so. During the year after that, he was requested to take part in the synod, in Tyre. It was in this event that Eusebius of Caesaria was tasked to preside. Athanasius was able to foresee the possible result of this situation, and he proceeded to Constantinople to speak about this matter to the emperor. Afterwards, Constantine summoned the bishops including Eusebius.

Following some deliberations, Athanasius was condemned, and he was put into exile in 335 AD. Since then, Eusebius gained the trust and favor of the emperor. He was also inspired to write about the life of the emperor shortly after his death in 337. Moreover, his work entitled “The Life of Constantine” became a significant historical masterpiece since it included numerous accounts from actual witnesses and primary sources that strengthened the credibility of his work.

About the Church History

Eusebius, the Roman bishop of Caesarea, wrote the Church History during the fourth century. This served as his brilliant masterpiece, which chronicled the development and progress of early Christianity during the first to the fourth century. Originally, the text was written in Koine Greek, yet it was eventually translated into Armenian, Syriac and Latin. This fine work by Eusebius was depicted as the very first and full-length narrative that was historical in nature and expressed the viewpoint of a Christian. Also, the text was continued by Sozomen and Socrates Scholasticus, who were the two great advocates of this masterpiece in Constantinople.

Along with Theodoret of Cyrrhus, a bishop, they continued this exceptional work written by Eusebius. It is worth noting that the chronicle written by Eusebius was intended to give a layout of a comparative timeline featuring the Old Testament and pagan history. It included a few other historiographical genres and universal history. This great masterpiece served historical importance, although the author did not have any intentions of making this text a vindication of Christianity as a religion. Nevertheless, the eloquence and wisdom that the author exuded in completing this text has turned it into one of the finest works in the history of the Catholic Church.

References:
http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Eusebius_Gospels.htm
http://www.bible-researcher.com/eusebius.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_History_(Eusebius)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eusebius
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eusebius_of_Caesarea.jpg

Posted on May 21, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 1 Comment

Rome and the Great Fire of 64 AD

On the night of July 18 64 AD (where it is listed on the Biblical Timeline Chart with World History) a fire erupted in the commercial section in Rome. The wind was strong then, and the blaze rapidly broadened all over the dried out, wooden buildings of the city. It grew increasingly more out of control and raged a devastating destruction for 6 days. By the time the fire was extinguished, 70% of the city was gone.

Christian_Persecution_in_Rome — ‘The Torches of Nero, by Henryk Siemiradzki. According to Tacitus, Nero targeted Christians as those responsible for the fire.’

‘The Torches of Nero, by Henryk Siemiradzki. According to Tacitus, Nero targeted Christians as those responsible for the fire.’

The historian Tacitus was present when the tragedy occurred. His has written about the occasion and is quoted as follows: “Now started the most terrible and destructive fire that Rome had ever experienced. It began in the Circus, where it adjoins the Palatine and Caelian hills. Breaking out in shops selling inflammable goods, and fanned by the wind, the conflagration instantly grew and swept the whole length of the Circus. There were no walled mansions or temples, or any other obstructions, which could arrest it. First the fire swept violently over the level spaces. Then it climbed the hills – but returned to ravage the lower ground again. It outstripped every counter-measure.

The ancient city’s narrow winding streets, and irregular blocks encouraged its progress. Terrified, shrieking women, helpless old and young, people intent on their own safety, people unselfishly supporting invalids or waiting for them, fugitives and lingerers alike – all heightened the confusion. When people looked back, menacing flames sprang up before t hem or outflanked them. When they escaped to a neighboring quarter, the fire followed – even districts believed remote proved to be involved. Finally, with no idea where or what to flee, they crowded on to the country roads or lay in the fields. Some who had lost everything – even their food for the day – could have escaped, but preferred to die. So did others, who had failed to rescue their loved ones. Nobody dared fight the flames. Attempts to do so were prevented by menacing gangs. Torches, too, were openly thrown in, by men crying that they acted under orders. Perhaps they had received orders. Or they may have just wanted to plunder unhampered.

‘Nero was at Antium. He returned to the city only when the fire was approaching the mansion he had built to link the Gardens of Maecenas to the Palatine. The flames could not be prevented from overwhelming the whole of the Palatine, including his palace. Nevertheless, for the relief of the homeless, fugitive masses he threw open the field of Mars, including Agrippa’s public buildings, and even his own Gardens. Nero also constructed emergency accommodation for the destitute multitude. The food was brought from Ostia and neighboring towns, and the price of corn was cut to less than ¼ sesterce a pound. These measures, for all their popular character, earned no gratitude. For a rumor had spread that, while the city was burning, Nero had gone on his private stage and, comparing modern calamities with ancient, had sung of the destruction of Troy.”

Scapegoat

To quell those accusing Nero of the fire, the emperor turned on the Christians for blame to appease the devastated citizens. He took the people he could accuse and gave them to the lions at huge gatherings in what was left of Rome’s Arena.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Fire_of_Rome
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nero
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/rome.htm
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/neros-rome-burns
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Siemiradski_Fackeln.jpg

Posted on May 20, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Roman Egypt

Egypt under Roman Control

Roman control in Egypt historically occurred after the coming of Octavian (Augustus) during 30 BC it is listed on the Biblical Timeline with World History under 1-250 AD with World History. This was after his victorious battle with Marc Antony and Cleopatra in Actium.

Roman_Egypt — ‘Temple of Denderah. Back wall where can be seen: Cleopatra and her son, Cesarion Image taken by Alex Lbh in April 2005.’

‘Temple of Denderah. Back wall where can be seen: Cleopatra and her son, Cesarion Image taken by Alex Lbh in April 2005.’

Augustus then proclaimed himself to the Egyptians as successor and Pharaoh. He abolished the Ptolemaic monarchy and declared the realm as his own. Then he announced a temporary ‘prefect’ or ‘governor’ that efficiently took politics out of the area; thus neutralising competitions to take over amidst the influential citizens of Rome.

For nearly 12 years, Egypt was maintained by Rome’s armies till the country was stabilised. Everything was done in line with the laws and stages of Rome’s laws. The structure of the government was remade to acknowledge the rights linked with ‘Greek’ history. This was an incredible addition to the Roman Empire and proved a great asset to the country. There was an abundance of farming with shipments of grain to Rome. Egypt made papyrus, glass, and varied delicately made crafts. The deserts held many different kinds of raw materials such as ore, porphyry, and granite. Business with central Africa, the Arabian Peninsular, and India thrived down the Nile, desert, and sea routes from the Red Sea port of Berenike. Valuables and cultural traditions spread from Egypt to Rome by Alexandria, a place Diodorus of Sicily spoke of as “the first city of the civilised world”. It’s amazing library and society of authors, philosophers, and scientists were recognised all over.

One of the first major problems the Roman Empire came across was the contentions between the Greeks and Jews during the rule of Caligula ( reigned 34-41). There was also the Jewish rebellions under Trajan (reigned 98-117), and the people’s rebellions in Coptos during 293 AD. Christianity was brought to Egypt during the first century AD from Saint Mark, who was martyred afterwards by the Alexandrians in 67 AD. Ever After the Christian missionaries started working and the vast church of Alexandria was created and is still present today.

Persecution

Surprisingly the Christian belief spread very quickly to the point that most of Egypt was converted by the end of the 3^rd Century AD. They were categorised along with Jews as a cult. This lasted till the Christians grew in number and acquired a distinctive position. Their place was increased after they rejected the culture to offer sacrifices to the Romans’ pagan gods. In addition, they opposed Roman teachings, particularly towards those policies that counteracted their beliefs. This was thought of by the Romans as dangerous for the safety and unifications of the empire. Resulting in the great persecutions and intensifying towards the largest recorded maltreatment towards Christians at the time.

It was prepared and enacted in violent order especially by rulers Septimus Severus (193-211), Maximinus I (235-238), and Decius (249-251). The climax of these terrible events occurred under Diocletian (284-306). His reign was labelled ‘The Martyrdom Era’ by today’s Christian-Egyptians (Copts). Romans had displayed harsh actions towards them with well-developed tools intended for only that. Torture became a common violence towards Christians such as lashing, sloughing, stoning, tearing off organs, pulling out eyes and so forth. At first, the Romans were attempting to persuade the Christians that the Roman faiths (especially the ones contrary to Christians) were right. If unsuccessful they would then implement torture and eventually killed them.

However, their actions had a reverse effect, spreading Christians and enacting more conversions. The standard Christian attitude was to stand their grand, proclaim their beliefs and ask to be martyred. This was an ideal that many were, in fact, hoping for. There was even a time in the Roman Empire that regular society was obligated to bear an official document proving that they believed in the Roman traditions and offered sacrifices on a regular basis to the pagan gods. This violent attitude against Christians was followed by harsh deconstructive standards against the Coptics. Religious books were burnt, along with sacred scripts, liturgies, and churches; really any item or place that had a connection to that faith. This continued until the open-minded rule of Constantine the Great (306-337); a ruler who at last acknowledged Christians as the official religion of the kingdom.

Coptic

At the time of the Roman Rule, an altered language was adapting into the Egyptian manner called the Coptic language. “Copt” was from the Greek word “Aigyptos” which stands for Egyptian. The root of the language is not dated but looks to have started in the 2^nd Century AD. It is taken from the historical Egyptian language and is thought of as its last phase. Coptic adds onto the Greek alphabet with 7 demotic letters taken from the writings basically a simpler take on hieroglyphics.

This manner of speaking lasted for a long time until the arrival of the Arab conquest during the 7^th Century. Afterwards, the Arabic language slowly took over. Despite this, the Coptic language made it through until current time to be used by the Coptic Church in ‘liturgies’. The growth of the Coptic language added in literature into Egypt’s infamous past. Along with Egypt’s contributions to society’s culture, they also pioneered the world into Christianity. They were the ones to start today’s ‘monasticism’. It began when Rome was discriminating any believer of the Christian way of life. The first to enter Monasticism was Saint Anthony (251-356). He abandoned his riches and left for the desert in search of religious freedom despite the threat of barbers who just like the Roman’s promised certain death. He pioneered the religion into ‘asceticism’ and created an order that provided monks with a self-governing culture. Saint Pachomious (292-346) created the cenobitic monasticism. He made the first policies for their gatherings and started many monasteries for both men and women. Along with the ascension of Constantine Pachomious, these events led to a period where the Mediterranean was labelled under the Byzantine Era, a branch of the Roman Rule but with varied qualities.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt_(Roman_province)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Greek_and_Roman_Egypt
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/regy/hd_regy.htm
http://www.youregypt.com/ehistory/history/roman/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Denderah3_Cleopatra_Cesarion.jpg

Posted on May 19, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Tartars and Turks

Turkics are a group of people that live in different cultures around northern, eastern, central and western Asia, northwestern China, and patches of Eastern Europe. They are listed on the Bible Timeline Chart with World History starting around 50-150 AD.

Turkic people have in common for the most part culture and ancient histories. The word ‘Turkic’ stands for a large range of ‘ethno-linguistic’ societies: Turkish people, Azerbaijanis, Chuvashes, Kazakhs, Tatars, Kyrgz, Turkmens, Uyghurs, Uzbeks, Bashkirs, Qashgai, Gagauz, Yakuts, Crimean, Karaites, Krymchaks, Karakalpaks, Karachays, Balkars, Nogais and ancient peoples like: Gokturks, Kumans, Kipchaks, AVars, Bulgars, Turgeshes, Khazars, Seljuk Turks, Ottoman Turks, Mamluks, Timurids, Khiljis, and maybe even Karasuks, Huns or the Xiongnu.

It is said that when they were first recorded there was only the Huns or the Tartars. If they had stayed this way, there is a high possibility that they would not be a very big part of the world’s past today. They began on Mount Altai, which was a tall city of Tartary and enclosed by hills full of valuable metals; bits of gold and an abundance of iron.

Around the time that the Huns attacked Rome (5^th Century of the Christian period) the Turks were just slaves and workers for ore and blacksmiths. It wasn’t long after the Huns lost control of Europe the Tartars grew surprisingly fast, and Turks arose all over the country as lords in broad lands. They were all linked with treaties for peace with the Chinese, Persian and Romans. The Turks had extended to Kamchatka in the North, Caspian in the West and possibly the beginning of Indus in the South. It was there that history shows a transitional kingdom of Tartars, located in the middle of eras Attila and Zingis.

Tartars_and_Turks — ‘The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is an example of the most common form of a Turkish mosque with a central dome and cascading semi-and quarter-domes and minarets.’

‘The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is an example of the most common form of a Turkish mosque with a central dome and cascading semi-and quarter-domes and minarets.’

When the Seljuk Turks introduced the Turkish language and Islam in Anatolia during the 11^th Century, it began the ‘Turkification’ of many groups of people in the area. The Ottoman beylik joined with Anatolia (in the past it had been segregated into many small groups). With the ending of the 13^th century, it became the Ottoman Empire. Turkish people spread with the growth of patriotism beneath the Ottoman Empire. Along with the movement of around 7-9 million Turkish Muslim refugees out of the taken lands of the Caucasus, Crimea, Balkans, and Mediterranean islands into Anatolia and Eastern Thrace.

Turkish loyalty banded together even more from the Turkish War of Independence and following the declaration of the Republic of Turkey. Turkey had a very broad range of traditions and customs that mold with different factors of the Oghuz Turkic, native Anatolian, Greek, Islamic, Ottoman, and Western ways of life. With the Ottoman history, the Turkish people are the 2^nd biggest cultural collection in Bulgaria and Cyprus. Along with the later resettlement a Turkish Diaspora that began, especially in Western Europe.

Great gatherings were established in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and even North America. In Eastern Europe, Volga Bulgaria turned into an Islamic territory during 922 and had a hand in designating trade routes. In the 13^th Century, the Mongols overran Europe and started the Golden Horde in Eastern Europe, Western and Northern Central Asia, and Western Siberia. The Cuman-Kipchak Confederation and Islamic Volga Bulgaria were taken.

In the 14^th Century, Islam turned into the declared territory beneath Uzbeg Khan, a place that mostly Turks and Mongols started to communicate in the Kipchak speech. They were also largely called the ‘Tatars’ by Russia and Westerners. The area was also called Kipchak Khanate and encompassed the majority of modern day Ukraine, and all of today’s southern and eastern Russia (European segment).

The Golden Horde separated into many ‘khanates’ and ‘hordes’ during the 15^th and 16^th Centuries. This is also involved the Crimean Khanate, Khanate of Kazan, and Kazakh Khanate (along with others), that were taken over one at a time by the Russian Empire from the 16^th to the 19^th Centuries. The Ottoman Empire slowly became less of a force from inadequate governing, constant wars with Russia and Austro-Hungary. Along with the growth of independent actions in the Balkans that finally came apart after WW1 into today’s Republic of Turkey.

Cultural independence growing in the Ottoman Empire during the 19^th Century became part of Pan – Turkism or Turanism. The Turkics of Central Asia was not gathered in ‘nation-states’ for most of the 20^th Century following the fall of the Russian Empire that lived in the Soviet Unions or the Chinese Republic.

In 1991 past the fall of the Soviet Union, five Turkic states acquired their freedom. They were: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Other Turkic areas like Tatarstan, Tuva, and Yakutia stayed in Russian Federation. Chinese Turkestan stayed as the People’s Republic of China. Right after the liberation of the Turkic states, Turkey started looking for non-violent interactions with those groups. As time passed, political gatherings grew and started the Turksoy in 1993 and afterwards the Turkic Council in 2009.

References:
http://www.theapricity.com/snpa/chapter-XII10.htm
http://www.newmanreader.org/works/historical/volume1/turks/lecture3.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_people

Posted on May 18, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Hadrian, Emperor

Publius Aelius Hadrianus Augustus was also known as Hadrian was born January 24 76 AD and died on July 10 183 AD. He was the emperor of Rome during 117 – 138 AD where he is listed on the Bible Timeline with World History. He is most recognized for the Pantheon, Temple of Venus and Roma. He also had Hadrian’s Wall built that set the northern borders of Roman Britain. Hadrian was thought of by many as a ‘humanist’ and a ‘philhellene’. He is thought well of as one of the Five Good Emperors.

During his youth, Hadrian was soundly taught in Italica Hispania (today’s Seville, Spain) his native land. Then he departed for Rome only around the age of 14. Where began work in the military as Tribune for Emperor Nerva, ho soon died and was succeeded by Trajan. Who was recorded as the first Emperor of Rome to be of local descent. In time historians would try to locate the birthplace of Trajan and Hadrian to Rome however they were of Hispanic ethnicity which was popularly thought of to be a factor for Trajan’s actions in adopting Hadrian.

It is disputed that Trajan actually adopted Hadrian since it did not occur until right around his death. Trajan’s wife Plotina was in favor of Hadrian succeeding and had been the one to sign the documents. Despite this Trajan had held Hadrian in high esteem and had thought of him as a possible heir but with no paperwork to make it formal.

Emperor

As soon as he ascended the throne Hadrian established loyalty with his armies and immediately sent away a Lusius Quietus, a possible threat. The Senate was aligned next despite an argument that Hadrian’s adoption papers were indeed Trajan’s doing. He was soon well esteemed by the people due to his continued absence from Rome to maintain order. He spent 12 years out of 21 going from province to province correcting management and ensuring the obedience of the legions. He was very well learned and involved with every part of ruling and enforcing justice. His dedication to the army was so much so that he was said to sleep and eat with the ordinary soldiers and often portrayed wearing military clothes despite his reign being comparatively calm.

Hadrian’s directions to new buildings are possibly the greatest part of his remembrance. He brought about cities all over the Balkan Peninsula, Egypt, Asia Minor, and Greece. He loved Greece and Greek Literature so much that he was called ‘Graeculus’ or ‘Greekling’ in his younger years but this enthusiasm did not diminish with time. He frequented Greece often and was part of the Eleusinian Mysteries very intimately. The Arch of Hadrian was built by the people of Athens during 131-132 AD in recognition as the originator of the city. He devoted many places in Greece towards youthful ‘lover’ Antinous who had drowned in the Nile River 130 AD. Hadrian had cared intesnly for him and his mourned his passing so much that he Hadrian had him defied (where originated the mystery cult in honor of Antinous). While in Egypt he started the city Antinopolis, in Rome he had the Pantheon rebuilt (had burnt down) and Trajan’s Forum along with financing the erection of more buildings, baths and villas. Several of these creations stayed together for a long period of time even as far as the 19^th Century; the Pantheon still stands to this day.

Jerusalem

In 130 AD Hadrian went to Jerusalem, a place that was in ruins from the First Roman-Jewish War in 66-73 AD. He had the city reconstructed with his own plans and had it named Aelia Capitolina Jupiter Capitolinus in honor of himself and the Ruler of the Roman Gods.

After he had a temple built to Jupiter on top of the remains of the Temple of Solomon (which was hallowed by the Jews), the people gathered in defiance under Simon bar Kokhbah in what was to turn into bar Kokhbah’s Revolt. The Roman lost an immense amount in this venture however the Jews fatalities were just as terrible. When the revolt was finally ended 580,000 Jews had been destroyed and more than 1000 cities demolished. Afterwards Hadrian exiled all the Jews that remained and named the area Syria Palaestina in honor of the foes of the Jewish people, the Philistines. Hadrian then had an open fire of the Torah, killed the Jewish scholars, and banned the religion altogether.

Death

When Hadiran’s health began to weaken he went back to Rome and spent his time writing poetry and governing the country. He adopted and had Antoninus Pius heir with the directions for Antoninus to name Marcus Aurelius as the following successor. Hadrian passed away in 138 AD supposedly from a heart attack at 62 years old.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadrian#Hadrian_and_Israel.3B_Second_Roman-Jewish_War_and_Jewish_persecution_.28132.E2.80.93136.29
http://www.ancient.eu.com/hadrian/
http://www.roman-empire.net/highpoint/hadrian-index.html
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/hadrian/p/Hadrian.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Samuel_and_Saidye_Bronfman_Archaeology_WingDSCN5035.JPG

Posted on May 17, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Goths Invade Rome

The Roman Empire, during its glorious period, extended to various parts of the world including Mesopotamia, North Africa, Britain and the Atlantic. However, the Romans’ power and victory soon came to an end when the Germanic tribes reached the Danube and the Rhine. Among these people who invaded some of the Roman provinces were the Visigoths. In 395, Alaric led several revolts that caused great problems to the Roman empire. The situation was also aggravated by the death of Theodosius the Great, a Roman emperor. Since then, the empire was divided into east and west, and its capital was moved to Ravenna.

Worsening Condition in the Roman Empire

Alaric’s main purpose was to secure an area where his people could live comfortably. He also wished for this land to be recognized by the empire, yet authorities in Ravenna refused to give him what he wanted. With his strong desire to obtain this piece of land for his followers, he decided to head off to Rome and claimed what he wanted.

In 409 AD (where it is listed on the Biblical Timeline Chart with World History), Alaric and his followers invaded and appointed Priscus Attalus as a temporary emperor. However, his reign did not last for a long time. A year after, he came to Rome once again because Ravenna failed to give in to his demands. Along with his warriors, they waited outside the city as the Senate attempted to resist the invasion of the Visigoths. However, several rebellious slaves prompted the attack when they opened the Salarian Gate. This gave the invaders a chance to enter freely and set fire to houses within the area.

Attack of the Visigoths

Once the Visigoths found their way into the city, the palaces were quickly looted. Those who resisted were murdered, yet not many inhabitants were slaughtered during the invasion of Rome. Moreover, several monuments and buildings were spared.

With the Arian Christian background of the Visigoths, numerous Christian treasures and sites were left untouched. They also refused to steal silver and gold vessels that once belonged to St. Peter. Alaric ordered his men to secure sacred objects that were brought to St. Peter’s Church.

The Visigoths Left Rome

Three days after Rome was sacked, the Visigoths withdrew their armies and left the city. They took with them some money and treasures looted from the palace and houses of aristocrats. They also took some prisoners for ransom, while others were taken as slaves. One of their prisoners was Galla Placidia, who was the 20-year-old half-sister of Honorius. Although she was held captive by the Visigoths, she was treated in a decent and respectful manner.

After the invasion, Alaric, and his followers headed off Campania. The invaders also went to the Roman province of Africa, and he intended to leave his army there for a secure place to stay. However, his ships were destroyed by a storm, which prolonged the journey.

When Alaric died, Athaulf took his place. He was Alaric’s brother-in-law, and he was chosen by the Goths to rule over them. Instead of going to Africa, which was the original plan, Athaulf led the people away from Rome and across the Alps. They also attacked Tuscany before they headed north.

References:
http://www.historytoday.com/richard-cavendish/visigoths-sack-rome
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sack_of_Rome_(410)
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/alaricthevisigoth/a/AlaricSackRome.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eroberung_roms_410.jpg

Posted on May 16, 2014May 9, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Aztec Calendar Similar to Asiatic

The Aztecs and several other groups of people during the Pre-Columbian era in Central Mexico devised and used a calendar system called the Aztec calendar. It is part of the Biblical Timeline with World History. This served as a guide to the people, which also has some similarities with the Mesoamerican calendars that were used during that period.

Features of the Aztec Calendar

The Aztec calendar features the xiuhpohualli, or a calendar cycle that includes 365 days. Another component of the calendar is the tonalpohualli, or the ritual cycle that involves 260 days. Together, these cycles form a calendar round that includes 52 years. Since the xiuhpohualli is based on the sun, it is used for agricultural purposes. On the other hand, the tonalpohualli is made up of 20 periods that include 13 days. These periods have a specific name, which is represented by a symbol such as a rabbit or water, among a few others. As days passed, a dot was added next to the hieroglyph or symbol for each period.

Aztec_Calendar_Similar_to_Asiatic — Aztec Calendar Stone

The 365-year calendar used by the Aztecs represents the solar year or the length of time that the earth takes before it completes one revolution. The calendar was helpful in guiding the Aztecs in determining the right time for performing agricultural tasks and religious rites. They also regarded the last 5-day period as an unlucky or dangerous time.

The periods included in the calendar come with their own unique festivals that are linked to the agricultural cycle. Moreover, the end of the 52-year cycles was considered as the time for celebrating religious rituals to renew the sun. It is during this time that the people extinguished the hearth fires, destroyed their household goods, fasted, and waited patiently for signs that show the sun’s renewal.

Analysis of the Similarities Between the Aztec Calendar and the Asiatic Calendar

The Asiatic calendar helps people to learn more about the order in which the world started. Scholars devised this type of calendar, and these people have the ability to analyze every composition of the planet. They also referred to the calendar to determine possible occurrences in the future. Furthermore, the Asiatic calendar gives people an idea that the universe is entering a new period, which also signifies a renewal in the world and man’s state of consciousness.

If taken into consideration the features and purposes of both calendars, it is safe to say that the Asiatic calendar has some similarities with the Aztec calendar. Both of these are intended to guide the people about the history and chronology of the world’s existence. In the Aztec calendar, the number 13 is referred to as the original 13 Tribes, a concept that is also presented in the Asiatic calendar. Moreover, both calendars are based on the science of astronomy and mathematics, which help determine how spiritual prophecies and histories are recorded in continual periods as civilizations advance in this planet. It is also depicted in both calendars that the world has reached a period in the repetitive cycle, and, as a result, renewals are expected to take place.

References:
http://autocww.colorado.edu/~toldy2/E64ContentFiles/CalendarHolidaysFestivals/AztecCalendarA1.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aztec_calendar
http://ancientorderoffreeasiatics.com/AsiaticCalendar.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Monolito_de_la_Piedra_del_Sol.jpg