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Julius Africanus was a Christian historian, chronographer, and writer who lived during the early third century AD. Although he is not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Julius Africanus made significant contributions to the development of early Christian thought, particularly in the realm of chronology. His works aimed to harmonize biblical history with secular events, helping early Christians understand their place within a broader historical context. He is often called the “father of Christian chronography” because of his extensive efforts to date events from the world's creation to his own time.
Not much is known about Julius Africanus’ personal life. He is believed to have been born in the late second century, possibly around AD 160—170, though the exact date and place of his birth are uncertain. His surname, Africanus, suggests that he may have been born in North Africa, part of the Roman Empire at the time. Other theories place his origins in Jerusalem or Edessa (in modern-day Turkey), where he had close ties to prominent Christian communities.
Africanus appears to have been well-educated, with a deep knowledge of secular and sacred history. He likely received a classical education in Greek and Latin and training in the sciences and philosophy, which was typical for intellectuals of his era. His writings demonstrate familiarity with various historical sources, including Jewish, Roman, and Greek traditions, and an extensive knowledge of the Bible.
Julius Africanus is best known for two major works: the Chronographiae and the Kestoi. Though both have only survived in fragments or through references by other writers, these texts were highly influential in their time. The Chronographiae was Africanus’ most significant work, a comprehensive five-volume history that attempted to chronicle the world from its creation according to the Bible until his own time. In Chronographiae, Africanus calculated the creation date as approximately 5500 BC, based on biblical genealogies and other ancient sources. His attempt to synchronize sacred and secular history was groundbreaking in that it marked one of the first efforts by a Christian scholar to present a unified vision of world history. Africanus’ chronological system influenced many later historians and ecclesiastical writers, such as Eusebius of Caesarea, who admired and built upon his work.
One of Africanus’ critical contributions in the Chronographiae was his defense of the genealogies of Jesus as presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. These two genealogies, which differ in their details, were controversial for early Christians and critics of the faith. Africanus proposed a solution to the discrepancy, suggesting that one genealogy (Matthew) represented Jesus’ legal lineage through Joseph, and the other (Luke) traced His biological lineage through Mary.
Africanus also wrote a second work, the Kestoi (meaning “Embroidered”), a more eclectic text covering a wide range of topics, including military strategy, agriculture, medicine, and various forms of divination. The Kestoi was not as focused on Christian theology or history as the Chronographiae, but it reflected Africanus’ broad intellectual interests and his desire to compile practical knowledge for the benefit of society.
Though the Kestoi has largely been lost, its existence is known through citations and references in the works of later authors. The Kestoi’s wide-ranging content indicates that Africanus was not solely concerned with theological matters but also engaged with the practical and scientific concerns of his time.
Despite the fragmentary survival of his writings, Julius Africanus’ influence on early Christian scholarship was profound. His Chronographiae helped establish a chronological framework that many later Christian historians would adapt and refine. Other church historians, including Eusebius of Caesarea, frequently cited his work, praising Africanus’ contributions to historical theology.
