S2.Ep 9- The Story of Vanished African Civilizations

In this episode black history educator Brittany Wilkins discusses the rise and fall of Egypt uncovering the profound impact of invasions and how conquerors changed the course of history for African civilizations. Join us as we resurrect the past, breathe life into lost cultures, and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible diversity of human history.

Transcript

[Introduction]

Welcome back to "The Coin: Black History on the Other Side" podcast. It's your favorite black history host Brittany Wilkins. In this episode, we continue our journey through the rich history of Africa, exploring the origin of the African race and the  stories of Egypt and its rulers. we delve into the untold stories of vanished African civilizations, beginning with North African History. 

[Segment I: Ancient Egypt - A Black Civilization]

Egypt stands as one of the earliest African civilizations, and a longstanding debate has revolved around the race of the ancient Egyptians. Recent archaeological discoveries have provided compelling evidence that the ancient Egyptians were indeed black. Within Egyptian graves, researchers found connections to African people. The bodies were often wrapped in reed mats similar to the bark cloth of modern African cultures, such as the Baganda people of the Buganda Kingdom in Uganda. The Egyptians believed in the continuity of life after death, and their graves contained items like pots of food, flint knives, weapons, and other necessities for the afterlife. They also developed a unique writing system using pictures and symbols. Notably, the earliest attempts at writing in Egypt were made by native African Egyptians.

[Segment II: The Dynastic Rule of Egypt]

Around the fourth millennium B.C, Egypt faced invasions from Dynastic Egyptians, who expanded their rule from the Desert Nile valley to the Mediterranean shores. This marked the beginning of 25 dynasties that ruled Egypt. Narmer(Naar mr) was the first dynastic ruler, followed by Menes(Me Knees). Senefuru(Sniff a roo), another ruler, led expeditions to Sudan, a gold-producing region, making Egypt prosperous and influential. Khufu, while known for some lavish personal spending, oversaw the construction of the largest pyramid in Giza, a remarkable feat of architecture.

Pepi I Merira, during his reign in the sixth dynasty, established strong relationships with Sudan and led successful campaigns in Palestine with the help of African allies. However, during the 12th dynasty, the conquest shifted to Nubia, and Ustersen III, the fifth ruler, exhibited prejudiced views towards the black race, leading to questions about his African lineage. He was quoted as describing blacks as being timid and weak minded. Boasting how he seized the black man woman, goods, and destroyed their homes.  

The 13th dynasty saw Neshira, a full-blooded African, reclaim the throne of Egypt, only to be followed by the invasion of the Aryans(Air ree ins), resulting in the 15th dynasty under King Salatis. These invaders burnt down Egyptian cities, demolished the temples of Gods, treated the Egyptians in the most barbarous manner, killing many of the people, and taking women and children captive as slaves. 

In eighteenth Dynasty lasted for 1580 to 1355 B.C. where Ahmes I was the first ruler holding the position of power for twenty five years. 

This pattern of new dynasties emerging with each invasion became evident. 

[Segment III: Nubian Rule and Beyond]

In 721 B.C., Nubian King Pinaki captured Thebes and Memphis, marking a significant achievement for Nubia, leading him to become the  undisputed master of Egypt.  Shabaka rose to become the first King of the 25th dynasty, known as the Nubian dynasty, from 715 to 660 B.C.

However, Nubians eventually lost control of Egypt to the Saites, Assyrians, and Persian invasions. Alexander the Great later took over Egypt, founding Alexandria, a major seaport in the Eastern Mediterranean. After Alexander's Ptolemy I Soter assumed control and established a dynasty known for its contributions, such as the library of Alexandria. His son Ptolemy II succeed him played a role in building a lighthouse on Pharos which is one of the seven wonders of the world.  

For generations Egypt would remain under the control Ptolemy Dynasty. 

[Segment IV: The Ptolemy Dynasty and the Roman Conquest]

The Ptolemy royal family faced numerous scandals, including murders and power struggles. You had brothers overthrowing each other in power. Ptolemy 10 killed his wife. Cleopatra brother expelled her position. She was later reinstated by Julius Caser in 47 B.C.  She played a role in having her brother killed as she did not want to share rulership of the Kindgom. Cleopatra's rise to power marked a tumultuous(tuh muhl choo uhs) period, culminating in Egypt becoming a Roman province after her death. The episode ended with the tragic double murder-suicide of Cleopatra and Antony, leading to Egypt's incorporation into the Roman Empire.

[Segment V: Reflecting on African History]

As you can see Egypt has known many invaders and conquerors in historic times. As we reflect on this  history spanning nearly 10,000 years, we see the emergence of empires and commerce in Africa. The ever-shifting positions of power through conquest and invasion have transformed African countries and their identities. This history sheds light on why Moses was called to lead his people to the promised land.

[Conclusion]

Thank you for joining us in this episode of "The Vanished African Civilizations". Stay tuned for more stories from the hidden pages of black history around the world. Share this podcast, "Black History on the Other Side," with your network, and help us uncover the forgotten narratives of our past.

Source: African Glory: The Story of Vanished Negro Civilizations 

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