Category: Biblical Timeline Poster

Just as the Olmec civilization was on the verge of decline, another civilization was on the rise along the western coast of the Pacific Ocean: the Zapotec. They are recorded on the Biblical Timeline Poster with World History between 400 BC – 1500 AD. The Zapotecs lived in the mountainous area of Oaxaca that was broken by wide fertile valleys with an altitude that could reach 5000 feet. They called themselves “be’ena’a” (The People) in their own language and were sometimes known as the ben’zaa/be’ena za’a (Cloud People). It was the neighboring Aztecs who called them Zapotec, or in their Nahuatl language, tzapotēcah which means “people of the sapodilla”. At its height, the population in the Valley of Oaxaca peaked at around 100,000 inhabitants. They spoke the Zapotecan branch of the Oto-Manguean language family which comprised as many as 58 languages.

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Monte Alban

Their first capital was Monte Alban, nestled in the central valleys of Oaxaca between the Sierra Madre del Sur and Sierra Madre Oriental mountain ranges. It flourished from 500 BC to around 450 AD and was the religious and cultural center of the Zapotecs. A ceremonial center overlooking the vast valleys was built during the height of the Zapotec civilization. The area was protected from invaders by a wall 15 feet high and 60 feet wide. There were many settlements around the area, but Monte Alban was considered as the Zapotecs’ glorious capital.

Pyramids, plazas, temples, and other public buildings were constructed during this time. The Zapotecs also constructed an astronomical observatory and ball courts. A cistern and an efficient drainage system that flowed into a reservoir at the bottom of a hill was built to improve irrigation. A new capital was then built further south in Mitla after the decline of the first capital Monte Alban.

Community

The Zapotec community was an agriculture-based one centered in the fertile valleys of Oaxaca. The main crops were corn, beans, gourds, tomatoes, and chilies. They traded with the Olmecs for various goods, because of this, the Zapotecs absorbed some elements of the Olmec civilization. This stopped when the Olmec civilization experienced a decline around 400 BC.

The Zapotecs were divided into four distinct groups: the isthmus, mountain, southern, and central Zapotecs. Priests and warriors made up the ruling class; they extended their influence and power over the communities around them that paid tribute. It is not clear whether these communities were absorbed peacefully by the Zapotecs or by bloody conquest.

Legacy

The Zapotec developed two calendars: the regular 365-day solar calendar and the 260-day ritual calendar. Their writing system is similar to other Mesoamerican scripts as they also used glyphs carved in stones. Their weaving showed a distinct Mesoamerican look with colorful geometric patterns while their ceramic arts were highly ornate with complicated animal features.

Decline

Around the 7th century AD, Monte Alban went through a decline in population and cultural significance. Walls and buildings were allowed to fall into disrepair while the people moved to the lower slopes of the hills. Mitla replaced Monte Alban in importance and became their new religious center.

End of the 11^th Dynasty

Egypt’s 12^th Dynasty lasted from circa 1985-1773 BC, which is listed on the Biblical Timeline Poster with World History around that time. It began with the reign of Amenemhat I to the first attested female Egyptian monarch Queen Sobekneferu. After the chaos of the First Intermediate Period, Egypt was unified under the 11^th Dynasty that ruled from Thebes. Mentuhotep II of Upper Egypt (c 2081–1938 BC) defeated the Herakleopolis-based 10^th Dynasty so  by 1968 BC, he had reunited Egypt and ushered in the dawn of the Middle Kingdom. Egypt’s 11^th Dynasty starting from Mentuhotep I to Mentuhotep IV lasted for 143 years. This ended with a coup, which the first 12^th Dynasty pharaoh, Amenemhat took part in.

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Rise to Power

Amenemhat I (1985-1956 BC) was a vizier of the little-known Mentuhotep IV of the 11^th Dynasty before his ascension as pharaoh. He was not of royal birth and may have usurped the throne through violence. The Prophecy of Neferty may have been composed to assert the legitimacy of his rule. Amenemhat is credited with moving the capital from Thebes to Amenemhat-itj-tawy (Itjtawy) in the Faiyum region. There his government would have been closer to Asia where incursions from Asiatics frequently happened. Having a new capital also meant that the officials based in Itjtawy would be dependent on the Pharaoh, and would not have had their own power bases.

Amenemhat I’s reign marked the return of centralized government, increased bureaucracy, rise in mineral wealth as evidenced by royal burials of this era, and an increase in living standards for middle-class Egyptians. He may have also built the undiscovered Walls-of-the-Ruler as mentioned in the Prophecy of Neferty, conducted several conquests to Nubia to obtain gold, and started a campaign westward to Libya. Amenemhat I’s 30-year reign ended when he was assassinated and his son Senusret I, who was raiding Bedouin tribes at that time, hurried back to Itjtawy to assume the throne.

Senusret I succeeded his father as pharaoh of Egypt, and reigned for 45 years (c. 1956-1911 BC). He expanded Egypt’s borders as far as Buhen in Nubia and built a fort there. They also mined gold, amethyst, copper, and other precious stones for jewelry and sculpture in Nubia. He was succeeded by his son Amenemhat II (c.1911-1877 BC).

Wars then became more frequent between Asiatics and Egyptians. He was followed by Senusret II (1877-1870 BC) who expanded trade to the Near East and was notable for his peaceful reign. He inaugurated the Faiyum irrigation system which connected the Nile with the Faiyum region.

Egyptian Renaissance

Senusret III (c.1870-1831 BC) may have been the legendary ‘Sesostris’ mentioned by Egyptian historian Manetho and by Herodotus. He made repeated campaigns into Nubia during his reign, and much of these were violent. He also made, at least, one incursion into Palestine. His son, Amenemhat III (c. 1831-1786 BC), had a long and peaceful reign. It also marked a cultural and political peak during the 12^th Dynasty. Amenemhat III was credited with building forts, shrines, and temples. He also strengthened Egypt’s borders and conducted extensive mining. The last years of his reign, however, were marked with low Nile floods and much of the building activities drained the economy. The combination of these factors contributed to Egypt’s economic and political decline at that time.

Decline and End of 12^th Dynasty

Little is known regarding Amenemhat IV’s (1786-1777 BC) reign except that he came to it at an old age, and he held the throne for only nine years. He was followed by Queen Sobekkara Sobekneferu (1777-1773 BC) who was the first attested female pharaoh and was also Amenemhat’s IV’s wife and half-sister. Her reign lasted only four years, and her death without an heir marked the end of Egypt’s 12^th Dynasty, as well as Egypt’s Middle Kingdom. The rule of competing dynasties and entry of the Hyksos from Asia marked the start of Second Intermediate Period.

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.

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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.

Pompeii was a city of ancient Rome, which is located in modern-day Naples. In 79 AD (where it is listed on the Biblical Timeline Poster with World History), Pompeii and several other cities and villas were destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted. Affected areas were buried under very thick pumice and ashes.

Background of the City of Pompeii

According to researchers, Pompeii was established by the Oscans in the 7th or 6th BC. Eventually, the city was conquered by Rome, and it became a colony of the Romans in 80 BC. About 160 years after becoming a Roman colony, Pompeii was destroyed. At this time, the city had about 11,000 residents including a gymnasium, port and water system in operation.

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The eruption of Mount Vesuvius caused the total destruction of the city. This has led to the death of all its inhabitants including the loss of properties that were buried in ash. Pliny the Younger, a witness of the volcano’s eruption, wrote a letter that documented the events during that fateful day. He also wrote in the letter a narration of how Pliny the Elder, his uncle who was the Roman fleet’s admiral, was killed after attempting to rescue affected citizens.

The location greatly impacted by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption was lost for at least 1500 years. However, it was rediscovered in 1599, and there was an even broader rediscovery about 150 years after by Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre, a Spanish engineer. When the site was discovered, there were several objects found throughout the place. It was also observed that these remnants appeared to be well-preserved due to lack of moisture and air.

Destruction of Pompeii

Pompeii was a prosperous town-city found near Mount Vesuvius. In fact, it had a thriving economy because of its agriculture. However, with the eruption of this volcano, several communities were devastated including Pompeii and Herculaneum.

According to studies, those who died from the volcanic eruptions suffered from intense heat and suffocation due to ash. Researchers have discovered that these people were exposed to as much as 250 degrees Celsius of heat, and the hot surges were at about 10 kilometers distance away from the event. This severe heat was enough to bring about death in spite of the fact that the people remained inside their houses.

After the eruption, several buildings including people and other properties at Pompeii were buried in tephra by about 12 different layers of this material. Historians have found evidence that the city of Pompeii was buried completely in November, contrary to what Pliny stated in his letter that the eruption occurred in August.

Archaeologists have discovered that the people who were buried in ash were wearing heavier and thicker clothing, which meant it was impossible for the eruptions to have taken place in August. Moreover, there were sealed wine fermenting jars, as well as coins that feature the 15th imperatorial acclamations of the emperor’s titles. Hence, it was impossible for these coins to have been minted prior to the middle of September. Thus, the accounts by Pliny that the volcanic eruption was in August may be proven to be inaccurate based on research and studies by scientists.

The Council of Nicaea was held in Bithynia, where Christian bishops met to reach a consensus about their stand on the Trinity. It was convened by Constantine I, a Roman Emperor, in the year 325 AD and is listed on the Biblical Timeline Poster with World History during that period. The council was led by Bishop Hosius of Corduba and believed to be a Papal delegate. The Council was able to form an agreement as to the Christological issue involved in the relationship of the son to God-the-father, as well as the creation of the first part of the Nicene Creed. Also, the council also aimed to settle a definite time of observing Easter, as well as the spread of the early canon laws.

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About the Council of Nicaea

Prior to the Council, there were disagreements in terms of the nature of the God-the-son, as well as its relationship to God-the-father. This issue existed within the religious in the Church of Alexandria. Furthermore, there were arguments as to the nature of the son whether he was indeed begotten by God-the-father, or he was merely created and existed out of nothing. Athanasius and Alexander of Alexandria held the first position while Arius had the second position. After much deliberation, the Arians lost to about 250 to 318 attendees in the council decided against the presbyters. The Council also resulted in an agreement based on the definite time to celebrate Easter. This occasion was considered as the most significant feasts in the church calendar. Primarily, the Council discussed various areas of Christology, and it was the first of several other councils that were held.

Purpose of the Council of Nicaea

Emperor Constantine asked all the Christian Church bishops to convene and come to Nicaea, and the main purpose was to resolve any disagreements that caused divisions and issues in the Church. Primarily, the Council was based on the recommendations of the group under the leadership of Hosius of Cordoba. There were controversies by the Arians, and most bishops agreed that Arius’ teachings were conflicting to the Christian faith, as well as heretical.

Hence, in 325 AD, bishops from various provinces came to Nicaea. This place was set as the location of the first Council because of its accessibility to all delegates coming from various parts of the world. Including Armenia, Egypt, Georgia, Thrace, Greece, Syria, Asia Minor, and Palestine.

The Council of Nicaea was the very first important council in the church’s history ever since the Council of Jerusalem was held. The Apostolic Council was created to provide certain conditions that the Gentiles should follow to be able to become a part of the Church. The Council aimed to make an organized step to define the doctrines and prevent heretical teachings and theologies.

About 1800 bishops coming from the east and west attended the Council, although only a smaller number of these religious leaders attended. These delegates were from all the regions of the Roman Empire, with the exception of Britain. Bishops from the east made up most of the attendees, and these included Alexander of Alexandria, Macarius of Jerusalem and Eustathius of Antioch.

Octavianus was the main heir of the Roman Julius Caesar he can be located on the Biblical Timeline Poster with History starting 31 BC. His career started when he supported Caesar during the Spanish expedition that was held in 46 BC. When Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC, he returned to Rome. At age 19, the young Octavius was appointed as consul, and he was soon known as Octavian.

As a child, Octavian lived a comfortable life. His father was Gaius Octavius, who was a senator. His mother was the daughter of Julius Caesar’s sister. Thus, his family had an honorable and distinguished lineage because of his parents, specifically his mother.

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Octavian was handsome and possessed grace, although he was of short stature with poor health. Many people considered him as somewhat cruel during his younger years, yet he was regarded as quite mild as he grew older. Primarily, this change in character was brought about by his more stable political position, thus the less need for him to express brutality. Octavian was also more tolerant of negative comments or criticism given to him, and he had a good sense of humor. He fond of playing dice, and most people knew him as someone who gave money to guests so that they could place their bets.

As a husband, Octavian was not quite faithful. He was married to Livia Drusilla. Nevertheless, he was devoted to Livia despite his unfaithfulness. Octavian also had strict moral attitudes, which caused him to put into exile his granddaughter and daughter who went against these principles. In 46 BC, Octavian supported Julius Caesar during the Spanish expedition, and he did this even when he suffered from an unstable health condition. He was also supposed to handle an important role as a senior military commander of the Parthian expedition, in 44 BC. At this time, Octavian was only 18 years of age.

Octavian learned that Caesar was assassinated, and this prompted him to head back to Rome. His main goal was to avenge Caesar and defeat those who have murdered him. However, upon reaching Rome, he met with Marcus Lepidus and Mark Antony, who wanted amnesty and compromise.

Along with Marcus Lepidus and Mark Antony, Octavian formed Rome’s second triumvirate. The senate of Rome was forced to give these three individuals consular power that would last for five years. Prior to executing revenge on the people who killed Caesar, the triumvirate successfully killed or sent into exile about 2000 equestrians and 300 senators.

As a Leader

At a certain point in history, Rome was under so much chaos and insecurity that there was constant violence throughout the land. Hence, Octavian decided to change this situation by improving the military conditions in Rome. He obtained the support of soldiers that protected Rome by giving land to about 100,000 veterans situated in Italy. Octavian also succeeded in forming a navy and army.

The triumvirate was soon abolished, and Octavian became the consul. By 27 BC, Octavian took the name Augustus, which made his even more powerful than the governors in Rome.