Introduction

This block focuses on the study of the Egyptian Evolution from the Pharaonic period (3rd millenium BCE) until the Byzantine period (3rd century AD) passing through Hellenistic and Roman dominations.

The block will also explore how the Libyco- Berber world, which will be called later the Maghreb, was dominated by the Carthaginian Empire which extended over the majority of the countries around the Mediterranean before Carthage fell respectively under the Roman, Vandal and Byzantine dominations. In the end, the block points out how the Nilotic Sudan developed an original civilisation.

This block aims at helping you to:

–             see that Egypt is the heart of a great civilisation which developed along the Nile

–             consider the significant role which was played by Carthage before its decline

–             see that the Nilotic Sudan also managed itself to further the emergence of great empires.

What is in this block?

There are 3 sections in this block:

Section 1: Egypt

Section 2: The Libyco-Berber world

Section 3: The Nilotic Sudan

Estimated study time

To study this block you will need 7 or 8 hours to achieve all the activities, which are proposed to you.

Learning objectives

By the end of this block, you should be able to:

• describe the main political, economic and social transformations that Egypt went through since the Pharaonic period until the Roman occupation,
• explain how Carthage managed to dominate the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea before it was defeated by Rome,
• locate in the Nilotic Sudan the expansion hearth of  Kush, Meroe and Axoum kingdoms.

How will I assess my learning in this block?

This block comprises of 3 activities. They are designed to help you to evaluate your progress in the study of the contents of the block. After having studied each section, do the activities, which are suggested to you. Then compare your answers with proposed at the end of the block. If you have difficulties in finding the answers, please review the section.

If difficulties persist, ask for assistance from a colleague or your tutor.