Saturday, March 27, 2010

How Nubia (Africa) civilised the world.

Modern Law is often referred to as Judeo-Christian--based on its Judaic origins. But what is forgotten or never mentioned is that when (according to Bibilical accounts), Moses laid down the 10 commandments upon which this law is derived, the Jews or followers of Judaism--had come out 400 years of exile in Nubia.

During that time the successive generations of the Hebrew speaking peoples, acquired and were tutored in traditions, laws, philosophies and religious beliefs, of the Afro-Nubian civilizations.These traditions and philosophies formed the basis of what later came to be known as Judaism. In a nutshell Africa, gave the world its leading religious philosophies.

But just in case you still doubt the role Africa has contributed to world religion, what is considered to be the world's oldest religious site was recently discovered by archeologists in the Kalahari. The site is estimated to be 70,000 years old.

Just to demonstrate the depth and scale of how Africa has shaped world history and civilisation, here is a sample of modern technologies and practices that owe their origin to ancient Nubia:

1.Wine and wine making

2. Brewing technology

3. Coffee brewing

4. Mathematics

5. Astronomy--the astronomical knowledge of the DOGON people of Mali, is one of the most advanced ever among modern humans.

6. The modern 365 day calendar.

7. Day, hour measurements using a water clock

8. Hieroglyphics - the earliest known writing.

9. Black Ink

10. Paper manufactured from the fibers of the papyrus plant.

11. Population census

11. A Postal system and the use of Carrier pigeons

12. Cartography

13. Architecture and building technnology

14. The Pyramids

15. Rowed Ships

Dhows/ Sail boats and ships

The Navy

Mortar and cement

brick making

Construction of Arched ceilings

Irrigation systems

Obelisks

Man-made canals

Rope from hemp

Surveying techniques

Tunnelling techniques

Metalurgy--iron works, copper and tin mines

Development of Bronze by mixing tin and copper

Construction and use of copper piping

Metal tools for farming, hunting and weaponry

Jewelry

The flute
The Lyre -

The Clarinet

Trumpet

Ox-Drawn Ploughs

Sickle blades


Domestication of Cattle and the Donkey

Beekeeping


Knowledge of human anatomy

Surgical instruments

Surgical techniques

Medical specialisation

Medicines for various ailments

The Comb

Use of a hot hair straightening comb

Henna for nail paint and hair coloring

Scissors

Wigs

Cosmetics including eye makeup

Perfumery

Dental health tools--Toothbrush and toothpaste

Linen produced from flax

Textile looms

Dye making

Sandals

This list is only a synopsis the breath and scale endogenous Nubian innovations can not be exhausted here, but it gives one the depth and value of the heritage.


awori.achoka@gmail.com

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