History of Africa

Season 2 Episode 7 - The Great King Ezana

King Ezana of Aksum is widely regarded among scholars of Aksumite history as the greatest ruler in the empire's history. He transformed the empire religiously, politically, and economically in a way that is unmatched by other Aksumite rulers. In this episode, we will focus on his childhood, upbringing, and the early years of his reign. Learn about how Ezana heightened Aksum's economic power, subdued his neighbors, and began the process of Christianizing the empire. To learn more about African history and see maps and artifacts mentioned in this episode, click hereNotre Dame StoriesStories highlighting Notre Dame’s work to be a force for good in the world.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 2 Episode 6: The Aksumite Empire’s Greatest Defeat

In the aftermath of the great conquests of king Gadarat, Aksum was left in a vulnerable position. Diplomatically isolated, militarily exhausted, and limited only to Najran and its immediate surroundings, Aksum will soon find itself trapped in a series of perpetual conflicts in Arabia. And, in one of these many wars, Aksum will suffer the worst military defeat in its entire history. Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 2 Episode 5: The Aksumite Invasion of Arabia

In the year 200 AD, the Aksumite King, Gadarat, went to work expanding Aksumite influence. At first, his ambitions were contained to the African continent, but when pirates from the southern Arabian kingdom of Himyar begin seizing Aksumite ships, his attention turns to the conquest of Arabia.To learn more about African history and see cool supplemental information, access our blog hereSupport the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 2 Episode 4: Aksum’s Humble Origins

In 300 BC, a small agrarian village in the Ethiopian highlands was beginning its rise to glory. This village, known as Aksum, would soon rise to become a great power, revered as far away as Rome, China, and Persia. Listen this week to learn about the humble origins of this magnificent civilization and its rise from humble village to global trade empire. To learn more about African history or support the show, click hereSupport the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 2 Episode 3: In with Dm’t, Out with Saba

In 690 BC, the Sabaean confederacy crumbled into a bloody civil war. As the Sabaean king scrambles to reassert his rule, the fledgling and mysterious kingdom of D'mt emerges as the new power in the Ethiopian highlands.To learn more about African history or support the show, click hereNotre Dame StoriesStories highlighting Notre Dame’s work to be a force for good in the world.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 2 Episode 2: The Rise of Saba

With Egypt's declining influence in East Africa, a new power will rise to take their place, the Yemeni kingdom of Saba. Most well known for its place in biblical and quranic lore as the kingdom of Sheba, learn about the true character of this marvelous Arabian kingdom, and their unique impact on Ethiopian history.(Note: in this episode and others, I refer to some cities on the fringes of the highlands like Qohaito as "coastal", even though they are not on the coast. This was an attempt to come up with a term to differentiate these cities from further inland sites like Yeha and Aksum. In retrospect I think this caused more confusion than it helped, but just keep that in mind. Qohaito is on the northern fringes of the highlands, not on the coast.)To learn more about African history or support the show, click hereSupport the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 2 Episode 1: Ethiopia’s Civilizational Stage

In the highlands of Ethiopia, a civilization will be born that will become the most respected on the continent. Other African nations will borrow their colors for their flags, and it will be viewed as an aspirational symbol for Africans everywhere. Join us this week, as we learn about how the geography of East Africa drove the early development of Ethiopian civilization, witness the migration of the proto-afroasiatics, and the rise of Puntite city-states.To support the show and learn more about African history, click hereSupport the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 1 Episode 8: The Collapse Of The Old Kingdom

The Old Kingdom is reeling from a series of disastrous civil and reforms. Things only get worse when the pharaoh Teti is assassinated, leaving a devastating power vacuum on Egypt's throne.  When order is finally restored, the last pharaohs of Egypt will desperately strive to restore Egypt's glory. But, just when things finally seem to be improving, events will conspire to bring the Old Kingdom crumbling down. To learn more about African history or to support the show, click hereSupport the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 1 Episode 7: The Rise and Fall of the Cult of Ra

Userkaf, an illegitimate son, has ascended to the throne of Egypt. To keep his power, he must find allies, and soon. The growing Cult of Ra, a powerful new religion, seems like a strong potential ally for the new pharaoh. What will come out of this precarious new relationship?If you'd like to support the show, and access additional resources about Egyptian history, click here.Notre Dame StoriesStories highlighting Notre Dame’s work to be a force for good in the world.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 1 Episode 6: The Old Kingdom’s Peak

When Sneferu ascended to the throne of Egypt, he had something to prove. He was born no royal, living his early life as a minor nomarch, and only lucked into the position by marrying the daughter of a pharaoh with no heir. In a quest to prove his status as a god-king, Sneferu commanded the most impressive building project yet made with human hands. Join us this week as Sneferu and his fourth dynasty successors build Egypt's most iconic landmarks. If you'd like to learn more about Egypt's fourth dynasty, or support the show, click hereSupport the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices