During the time of Jesus Christ, Africans living on the continent were engaged in various activities, contributing to the vibrant civilization that existed during that era. The African continent was home to diverse cultures, kingdoms, and city-states, each with its own unique customs, traditions, and way of life.
In Egypt, one of the most prominent African civilizations, the people were involved in advanced agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. Egyptians built magnificent structures such as the Great Pyramids and the temples of Karnak. They had a rich religious and spiritual life, worshiping numerous gods and practicing elaborate burial rituals. Some Africans from Egypt were also present in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus, as evidenced by the presence of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40).
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Further south, in the Kingdom of Kush, located in present-day Sudan, Africans were engaged in a prosperous trade network that linked them to the Mediterranean world. The kingdom developed thriving cities like Meroë, known for its iron production and its role as a center of commerce.
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In the region of modern-day Ethiopia, Africans were active participants in international trade and commerce. The Aksumite Empire, with its capital in Aksum, became a significant trading power, connecting Africa with the Roman Empire, India, and Arabia. It is believed that some of the early followers of Jesus came from this region, as indicated by the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
Throughout the African continent, people engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, and various forms of craftsmanship, including pottery, weaving, and metalworking. They operated within extensive social systems and interacted with neighboring cultures through trade and cultural exchanges.
While specific details of the lives of individual Africans during Jesus’ time are sparse, it is evident that Africans were active participants in the social, economic, and religious fabric of the ancient world. Their contributions and interactions added to the diverse and complex tapestry of civilization during the life of Jesus Christ.