David Phillipson

Bio: David Phillipson is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: French horn & 2nd millennium BC. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 5 citations.

The Late-Holocene geomorphic history of the Ethiopian Highlands: Supportive evidence from May Tsimble

Abstract: Alluvial sedimentary archives contain important geochronological and paleo-environmental information on past geomorphic processes in semi-arid regions For North Ethiopia in particular, flashflood sediments transported by ephemeral streams can provide interesting chronological information on Late-Holocene land degradation, whether or not impacted by climate or land cover changes upstream Here we compare geomorphic records with independent regional records of rainfall regime changes, land use/cover changes and macrohistory, supported by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates for fluvial activity at a sediment sequence in the May Tsimble catchment, in the Northeastern Highlands We identified two degradation periods over the past 4000 years, one broadly from 1500–500 BCE and one from 500 CE onwards At least one prior incision phase is responsible for the stabilized gullies that can be seen on photographs around 1900 and another incision phase is dated to the late 20th century Based on all datasets, we (re-)interpret the geomorphic history of the Highlands Land degradation is dominantly determined by a human impact, although the impact of this human influence does get amplified during dry spells

Early Christianity in East Africa and Red Sea/Indian Ocean Commerce

Abstract: The ancient East African kingdom of Aksum gradually adopted Christianity from the early- to mid-fourth-century reign of Ezana onwards. The well-known narrative of the late Roman church-historian Rufinus relates a top-down process of conversion, starting with the ruler himself. The report, corroborated by the adoption of Christian symbolism on Ezana’s late coinage, and monotheistic as well as overtly Christian references in royal inscriptions, is generally considered trustworthy. While not challenging the significance of charismatic and powerful individuals, this article argues that Christianity was present in the region before Ezana, and that the introduction of Christianity should be situated within the context of early Red Sea/Indian Ocean commerce. Trade was the carrier of ideological impulses from communities in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean worlds and created the social infrastructure that expatriate believers, early converts, and later, church officials and local elites could draw upon.

Origins of modern diplomacy: aksum, syria and bizantium between the west and the east

Abstract: Purpose of the article. This article conceptualizes diplomacy in diachronic as a political practice of negotiating peace, trade, and war through standardized communications with other foreign policy actors. It is assumed that although the forms and conditions for the implementation of diplomacy changed over time, the foundations of such interaction were developed in ancient times in numerous and diverse networks of contacts and exchanges not only of large and small proto-states of the world, but also between fractions, parties, aristocratic unions, trading companies. Methodology . Historical-logical and systematic methods of analysis are used to clarify the origins of the phenomenon of diplomacy as a mechanism of "international relations", "external relations", trade of the elite of Axum. The scientific novelty consists in positioning the diplomacy of the Aksumite kingdom as a mechanism for resonating the social dimensions of human existence (spirituality, culture, economic and political interests) of ancient Rome, Byzantium in the synergistic effect of the further development of communications of the East and the West. Conclusions. During its heyday, the kingdom of Aksum was the most prominent and important example of the African proto-power. During this period Aksum kingdom made the greatest contribution to the history of mankind. Facts from the eventful history of Axum, his political and commercial influence, active participation in world politics of that time allow us to speak of the outstanding role of Aksum in world history. Aksum kingdoms' elite had strong ties with the peoples of Tropical Africa, the high civilizations of the Mediterranean, the population of the Nile Valley, South Arabia, the Persian Kingdom (including Mesopotamia), India, Ceylon and other distant countries. The multi-vector policy of the Aksumite elite was a product of a long historical development in conditions that are significantly different from the conditions in which civilizations of Europe and Asia developed.

Peace and justice in north africa: the case of libya

Abstract: The African continent is commonly referred to many negative concepts such as war, turmoil, conflict and poverty. The dominant cause of these mentioned concepts is colonialism. When it comes to the colonialism the European states come to mind firstly. These states started the colonial activities in Africa continent. The main purpose of colonialism was to seize fundamental raw material resources and operate them. In fact, having the rich and essential raw material resources in African continent has led the colonial European states to land in the continent. Colonial activities peaked the continent in the 19th century have transformed Africa into an unrecognizable condition. Particularly, the consequence of Berlin African Conference which was held in 1884-85 has deeply affected the fate of Africa. The results of this conference have led to the misrepresentation of Africa in terms of war, conflict, poverty and chaos. Thus, at the beginning of the decolonization process in Africa, African people have heroically fought to gain their independence from the colonialist countries. This struggle has brought honor and glory to African people. The African people have united themselves for their homeland, defending their rights and looking for ways to live together in peace. On the other hand, they have always struggled to ensure justice. In this context, the study deals with the Libya state in the northern part of Africa and also will be discussed how the people of Libya fought for the establishment of peace and justice in Libya.