Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization: A Comprehensive and Engaging Introduction to African History and Culture (Book PDF)
Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization (Exploding the Myths) book pdf
If you are interested in learning about the history, culture, and achievements of ancient Africa, especially Egypt or Kemet, then you might want to read Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization (Exploding the Myths) by Anthony T. Browder. This book is a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the civilization of the Nile Valley and its role as the parent of future civilizations. It also challenges some of the common myths and misconceptions that have distorted and obscured the true nature and legacy of African history. In this article, we will provide a summary, analysis, and review of this book, as well as some FAQs for those who want to learn more.
Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization (Exploding the Myths) book pdf
Introduction
What is the book about?
Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization is a book that explores the history, culture, and achievements of ancient Africa, with a focus on Egypt or Kemet. The book consists of two parts. The first part provides an overview of Nile Valley civilization, from its origins to its decline. It covers topics such as geography, chronology, religion, philosophy, science, art, architecture, literature, politics, economics, and social organization. It also highlights some of the historical accomplishments of Kemet, such as building pyramids, temples, obelisks, sphinxes, libraries, universities, hospitals, calendars, clocks, writing systems, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, engineering, metallurgy, agriculture, navigation, trade, and diplomacy. The first part also traces the African origins of Christianity and Islam, showing how these religions were influenced by ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices.
Who is the author?
The author of Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization is Anthony T. Browder, an African American author, publisher, cultural historian, archaeologist, lecturer, and educator. He is also the founder and director of IKG Cultural Resource Center, a Washington D.C.-based organization dedicated to researching and disseminating information about African civilizations and their contributions to world culture. He has written several books on African history and culture, such as From the Browder File, Africa on My Mind, Egypt on the Potomac, Survival Strategies for Africans in America, and The Browder File 22 Essays on the African American Experience. He is also the first African American to fund and coordinate an archaeological dig in Egypt, where he and his team have discovered the tombs of Karakhamun and Karabasken, two 25th dynasty priests.
Why is the book important?
The book is important because it provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the civilization of the Nile Valley and its role as the parent of future civilizations. It also challenges some of the common myths and misconceptions that have distorted and obscured the true nature and legacy of African history. The book is based on extensive research and evidence from various sources, such as historical records, archaeological findings, linguistic analysis, oral traditions, genetic studies, and cultural comparisons. The book also uses an Afrocentric perspective, which means that it views African history and culture from the standpoint of Africans themselves, rather than from the standpoint of outsiders who may have a biased or limited understanding of Africa. The book also aims to inspire and empower readers to learn more about their African heritage and to apply the wisdom and values of their ancestors to their current challenges and opportunities.
Summary of the book
Part One: Nile Valley Civilization
The origins and development of Nile Valley civilization
The first part of the book begins with a chapter on the origins and development of Nile Valley civilization. The author explains that the Nile Valley is a region in northeastern Africa that includes the countries of Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Congo, and parts of Chad, Niger, Mali, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and Turkey. The Nile Valley is home to the longest river in the world, the Nile River, which flows from south to north for over 4,000 miles and creates a fertile strip of land on both sides of its banks. The Nile River also has a unique annual cycle of flooding that replenishes the soil with rich silt and minerals and allows for agriculture and irrigation.
The author argues that Nile Valley civilization is one of the oldest and most advanced civilizations in human history. He traces its origins to at least 10,000 B.C.E., when Africans from various regions migrated to the Nile Valley and settled along its banks. He also cites evidence that suggests that some of these Africans may have come from other parts of the world, such as Asia, Europe, Australia, or America. He claims that these Africans brought with them various skills and knowledge that they had developed in their original habitats, such as hunting, fishing, gathering, farming, domesticating animals, making tools, creating art, developing language, practicing religion, forming social groups, and establishing laws. He also asserts that these Africans intermixed with each other and created a diverse and dynamic culture that reflected their common ancestry and shared values.
The author then describes how Nile Valley civilization evolved over time into different phases or periods. He uses a chronological framework that is based on both historical records and archaeological findings. He divides Nile Valley civilization into six main periods: prehistoric (10,000-3100 B.C.E.), early dynastic (3100-2686 B.C.E.), old kingdom (2686-2181 B.C.E.), middle kingdom (2055-1650 B.C.E.), new kingdom (1550-1069 B.C.E.), and late period (1069-332 B.C.E.). He also mentions some of the intermediate periods that occurred between these main periods due to political instability or foreign invasion. He highlights some of the major events and achievements that characterized each period, such as unification, expansion, trade, warfare, diplomacy, literature, architecture, art, science, religion, philosophy, and social organization.
The historical accomplishments of Kemet
The next chapter focuses on the historical accomplishments of Kemet. Kemet is the name that ancient Egyptians used to refer to their country. It means "black land" or "land of the blacks" in their language. The author explains that Kemet was one of the most influential civilizations in world history. It was a source of inspiration and learning for many other civilizations that came after it. It was also a center of innovation and creativity in various fields of human endeavor. The author provides examples and a science. They had a system of medicine that was based on both empirical observation and magical practices. They had a large corpus of medical texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus, the Edwin Smith Papyrus, and the London Medical Papyrus, which contained descriptions of diseases, symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions, and prognoses. They also had a hierarchy of medical practitioners, such as priests, physicians, surgeons, dentists, veterinarians, and pharmacists. They treated various diseases and injuries, such as infections, wounds, fractures, tumors, diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, and mental disorders. They also performed surgical operations, such as circumcision, caesarean section, trepanation, amputation, and dental extraction. They used various instruments and techniques, such as knives, needles, forceps, sutures, splints, bandages, antiseptics, anesthetics, and prosthetics . - Engineering: The ancient Egyptians were master engineers who built monumental structures that still stand today. They built pyramids, temples, obelisks, sphinxes, statues, palaces, fortresses, and tombs. They also built canals, bridges, dams, reservoirs, harbors, and lighthouses. They used various materials and tools, such as stone, wood, metal, clay, rope, ramp, lever, pulley, crane, and plumb line. They also applied mathematical and astronomical principles to design and align their structures with precision and accuracy . The African origins of Christianity and Islam
The last chapter of the first part of the book examines the African origins of Christianity and Islam. The author argues that both of these religions were influenced by ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices. He claims that Christianity was derived from the ancient Egyptian religion of Atenism, which was introduced by the pharaoh Akhenaten (1353-1336 BCE) as a monotheistic worship of the sun god Aten. He also claims that Islam was derived from the ancient Egyptian religion of Ausarism, which was based on the myth of Ausar (Osiris), Aset (Isis), and Heru (Horus), a divine family that represented resurrection and salvation. He provides evidence from various sources, such as scriptures, doctrines, rituals, symbols, names, and traditions, to support his claims. He also discusses how both Christianity and Islam were distorted and corrupted by foreign influences over time.
Part Two: Exploding the Myths
The myth of race and racism
The second part of the book begins with a chapter on the myth of race and racism. The author explains that race is a social construct that has no biological basis. He states that there is only one human race that originated in Africa and diversified into different phenotypes due to environmental factors. He also states that racism is a system of oppression that was created by Europeans to justify their exploitation and domination of non-Europeans. He traces the history of racism from its origins in ancient Greece and Rome to its development in modern Europe and America. He also exposes some of the racist theories and practices that have been used to dehumanize and degrade Africans and their descendants.
The myth of Eurocentrism and Afrocentrism
The next chapter deals with the myth of Eurocentrism and Afrocentrism. The author defines Eurocentrism as a worldview that places Europe at the center of human history and culture and that regards European values and achievements as superior to those of other peoples. He defines Afrocentrism as a worldview that places Africa at the center of human history and culture and that regards African values and achievements as equal or superior to those of other peoples. He criticizes both Eurocentrism and Afrocentrism as forms of ethnocentrism that distort and falsify history and reality. He argues that both Eurocentrism and Afrocentrism are based on myths and ideologies that serve the interests of certain groups at the expense of others. He advocates for a balanced and objective approach to history and culture that recognizes the contributions and interactions of all peoples.
The myth of Egyptology and African history
The last chapter of the second part of the book addresses the myth of Egyptology and African history. The author explains that Egyptology is a branch of academic study that focuses on ancient Egypt and its civilization. He states that Egyptology was founded by Europeans in the 19th century as a tool of colonialism and racism. He claims that Egyptologists have systematically denied, ignored, or distorted the African identity and heritage of ancient Egyptians. He also claims that Egyptologists have appropriated, exploited, or destroyed the ancient Egyptian artifacts and monuments for their own benefit. He provides evidence from various sources, such as writings, photographs, drawings, paintings, sculptures, museums, exhibitions, films, books, and media, to support his claims. He also discusses how some African American scholars and activists have challenged and confronted the myth of Egyptology and have reclaimed ancient Egypt as part of African history.
Conclusion
The main points and takeaways of the book
In conclusion, Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization (Exploding the Myths) is a book that explores the history, culture, and achievements of ancient Africa, with a focus on Egypt or Kemet. It also challenges some of the common myths and misconceptions that have distorted and obscured the true nature and legacy of African history. The main points and takeaways of the book are: - Nile Valley civilization is one of the oldest and most advanced civilizations in human history. It originated in Africa and diversified into different regions and periods. It influenced and inspired many other civilizations that came after it. - Nile Valley civilization had remarkable accomplishments in various fields of human endeavor, such as paper and ink, cosmetics, toothbrush and toothpaste, breath mint, calendar, clock, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, engineering, and architecture. - Nile Valley civilization was also the source of two major world religions: Christianity and Islam. Both of these religions were derived from ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices. - Nile Valley civilization has been misrepresented and maligned by Eurocentrism, Afrocentrism, and Egyptology. These are forms of ethnocentrism that distort and falsify history and reality for their own interests. - Nile Valley civilization belongs to African history and culture. It reflects the African identity and heritage of ancient Egyptians and their descendants. It also offers valuable lessons and insights for modern Africans and people of African descent.
The recommendations and implications of the book
The book also provides some recommendations and implications for the readers. Some of these recommendations and implications are: - Readers should learn more about Nile Valley civilization and its contributions to world civilization. They should also learn more about other African civilizations and their contributions to world civilization. They should use various sources of information, such as books, articles, documentaries, websites, museums, and cultural centers, to enrich their knowledge and understanding of African history and culture. - Readers should also critically examine and challenge the myths and misconceptions that have been propagated by Eurocentrism, Afrocentrism, and Egyptology. They should also critically examine and challenge their own biases and assumptions that may have been influenced by these myths and misconceptions. They should seek to develop a balanced and objective perspective that respects and appreciates the diversity and complexity of human history and culture. - Readers should also apply the wisdom and values of Nile Valley civilization and other African civilizations to their current challenges and opportunities. They should also seek to contribute to the advancement and empowerment of African people and people of African descent around the world. They should also seek to promote peace and cooperation among all peoples of the world. The final thoughts and opinions on the book
The book is a valuable and informative resource for anyone who wants to learn about Nile Valley civilization and its contributions to world civilization. It is also a powerful and provocative critique of the myths and misconceptions that have distorted and obscured the true nature and legacy of African history. The book is written in a clear and engaging style that makes it accessible to a wide range of readers. The book is also well-researched and well-referenced, with ample evidence and examples to support its claims. The book is not without its limitations, however. Some of the claims made by the author may be controversial or debatable, depending on one's perspective or interpretation of the available sources. Some of the sources used by the author may also be outdated or unreliable, depending on their origin or quality. Some of the topics covered by the book may also be too broad or too complex to be adequately addressed in a single volume. Therefore, readers are advised to use their own judgment and discretion when reading this book, as well as to consult other sources for further information or clarification.
FAQs
Where can I get a pdf version of the book?
A pdf version of the book can be downloaded from this link. However, readers are encouraged to purchase a hard copy of the book from reputable online or offline bookstores, such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble, to support the author and his work.
How can I learn more about Nile Valley civilization?
There are many ways to learn more about Nile Valley civilization. Some of them are: - Reading other books on Nile Valley civilization, such as The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality by Cheikh Anta Diop, Black Athena: The Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization by Martin Bernal, Civilization or Barbarism: An Authentic Anthropology by Cheikh Anta Diop, Stolen Legacy: Greek Philosophy is Stolen Egyptian Philosophy by George G.M. James, The Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D. by Chancellor Williams, Ancient Egypt: The Light of the World by Gerald Massey, The Ankh: African Origin of Electromagnetism by Nur Ankh Amen, Black Man of the Nile and Her Children by Yosef Ben-Jochannan, and The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality by Cheikh Anta Diop. - Watching documentaries on Nile Valley civilization, such as Hidden Colors: The Untold History of People of Aboriginal, Moor, and African Descent by Tariq Nasheed, The Pyramid Code by Carmen Boulter, The Black Pharaohs by National Geographic, and The African Presence in Early Europe by Runoko Rashidi. - Visiting websites on Nile Valley civilization, such as www.ikg-info.com, www.africaresource.com, www.africawithin.com, www.nubianet.org, and www.egyptsearch.com. - Visiting museums and cultural centers that display artifacts and exhibits on Nile Valley civilization, such as the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington D.C., the Brooklyn Museum in New York City, the Oriental Institute Museum in Chicago, the British Museum in London, the Louvre Museum in Paris, and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. - Visiting cultural events and festivals that celebrate Nile Valley civilization and its legacy, such as Kwanzaa, Black History Month, African Liberation Day, Pan-African Film Festival, and African American Cultural Festival.
What are some other books by Anthony T. Browder?
Some other books by Anthony T. Browder are: - From the Browder File: 22 Essays on the African American Experience - Africa on My Mind: Reflections of My Second Trip - Egypt on the Potomac: A Guide to Decoding Egyptian Architecture and Symbolism in Washington D.C. - Survival Strategies for Africans in America: 13 Steps to Freedom - The Browder File 22 Essays on the African American Experience - Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization (Exploding the Myths) Volume II: The Origin of Western Mysteries - Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery - Finding Karakhamun: The Collaborative Rediscovery of a Lost Tomb
How can I apply the knowledge from the book to my life?
There are many ways to apply the knowledge from the book to one's life. Some of them are: - Developing a positive self-image and self-esteem based on one's African identity and heritage - Appreciating and respecting the diversity and complexity of human history and culture - Seeking to learn from and emulate the wisdom and values of one's ancestors - Contributing to the advancement and empowerment of one's community and people - Promoting peace and cooperation among all peoples of the world
How can I support the author and his work?
There are many ways to support the author and his work. Some of them are: - Purchasing his books and other products fr