Black Athena

Copyright 1995 ABC-CLIO. This review was taken from the ABC-CLIO Video Rating Guide for Libraries on CD-ROM, a 5-year compilation of over 8900 video titles and reviews, 1990-1994. For information regarding order VRGL CD-ROM, contact: ABC-CLIO, P.O. Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911; 805-968-1911

This following text has been included in the UCB Media Resources Center Web site with the kind permission of the publishers.

Rating: ****
Audience: College to Adult
Price: Public performance: $89.00
Date: Copyright 1991. Released 1991.
Descriptors: Africa - History. History - Ancient. Civilization, Occidental. Greece - History. Egypt - History.
Production Information: Live action. Color. 52 min. Production Company: Bandung File Channel Four Television
Available from: California Newsreel 149 9th St., #420 San Francisco, CA 94103 (415)621-6196
Cataloging: 930 Civilization, Occidental - African influences||Africa - Civilization
Print Entry #: 3:795
Reviewer: Will K. Covington

Classical civilization - where lies its roots? Does it originate in northern Europe transmitted to the Greeks via Indo-European invaders, with only slight influences from Africans and Phoenicians? Or does the basis of Western civilization flowing from ancient Greece have its foundations in Egypt and the Near East, with peripheral influences from the north? These are some of the questions posed in Black Athena. This program is an introduction to the debate surrounding the controversial theories espoused in Martin Bernal's 1987 publication, Black Athena: Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization.
According to Bernal, ancient Greek civilization had its origin in Africa and the Near East. This proposition has fueled a great debate involving classicists, archaeologists, historians, Egyptologists, linguists, Afrocentrists, multiculturalists, and others. Many classicists dismiss out-of-hand Bernal's conclusions while others find merit in some of his arguments. Afrocentrists, most notably the controversial Dr. Leonard Jeffries of City College of New York, have seized upon Bernal's book as proof of what they have been contending all along: Western civilization owes a great deal to Egyptian civilization and thus to Africa.
It seems that racism is at the root of much of this debate. According to Bernal, the "ancient model" that took hold 1,000 years before the "Golden Age" of Greece records that the Greeks were conquered and colonized in the second millennium B.C. by Egyptians and Phoenicians, who were a Semitic people. This theory held sway until the late 18th century, when the "Aryan model" replaced this earlier understanding with one that purports that classical Greek civilization was significantly formed by Indo-European invaders from the north. The latter hypothesis, which remains the dominant one, arose out of the Romantic movement, was spurred on by geographic determinism, and was based on racism and a need to justify the enslavement of African peoples.
A lot of evidence in support of his theories is presented by Bernal, who teaches Near Eastern studies at Cornell University. Much more refutation of his views is provided, but this can be attributed to the overwhelming breadth and depth of Bernal's arguments.
The excellent videography includes a refreshing format combining the right mix of interviews and shots of ancient remnants in modern Greece and Egypt. Many of the "experts" on both sides of the controversy are from British institutions of higher education, which may be a negative for the more diverse American audience.
Black Athena is highly recommended for all colleges and universities immersed in the issues of multiculturalism, the "canon," cultural pluralism, political correctness, and so on. It certainly will stimulate discourse, discussion, and debate! Public libraries serving sophisticated clientele interested in these highly controversial topics will also want to purchase this outstanding video.; Audience: College to Adult
Price: Public performance: $89.00
Date: Copyright 1991. Released 1991.
Descriptors: Africa - History. History - Ancient. Civilization, Occidental. Greece - History. Egypt - History.
Production Information: Live action. Color. 52 min. Production Company: Bandung File Channel Four Television
Available from: California Newsreel 149 9th St., #420 San Francisco, CA 94103 (415)621-6196
Cataloging: 930 Civilization, Occidental - African influences||Africa - Civilization
Print Entry #: 3:795
Reviewer: Will K. Covington

Classical civilization - where lies its roots? Does it originate in northern Europe transmitted to the Greeks via Indo-European invaders, with only slight influences from Africans and Phoenicians? Or does the basis of Western civilization flowing from ancient Greece have its foundations in Egypt and the Near East, with peripheral influences from the north? These are some of the questions posed in Black Athena. This program is an introduction to the debate surrounding the controversial theories espoused in Martin Bernal's 1987 publication, Black Athena: Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization.
According to Bernal, ancient Greek civilization had its origin in Africa and the Near East. This proposition has fueled a great debate involving classicists, archaeologists, historians, Egyptologists, linguists, Afrocentrists, multiculturalists, and others. Many classicists dismiss out-of-hand Bernal's conclusions while others find merit in some of his arguments. Afrocentrists, most notably the controversial Dr. Leonard Jeffries of City College of New York, have seized upon Bernal's book as proof of what they have been contending all along: Western civilization owes a great deal to Egyptian civilization and thus to Africa.
It seems that racism is at the root of much of this debate. According to Bernal, the "ancient model" that took hold 1,000 years before the "Golden Age" of Greece records that the Greeks were conquered and colonized in the second millennium B.C. by Egyptians and Phoenicians, who were a Semitic people. This theory held sway until the late 18th century, when the "Aryan model" replaced this earlier understanding with one that purports that classical Greek civilization was significantly formed by Indo-European invaders from the north. The latter hypothesis, which remains the dominant one, arose out of the Romantic movement, was spurred on by geographic determinism, and was based on racism and a need to justify the enslavement of African peoples.
A lot of evidence in support of his theories is presented by Bernal, who teaches Near Eastern studies at Cornell University. Much more refutation of his views is provided, but this can be attributed to the overwhelming breadth and depth of Bernal's arguments.
The excellent videography includes a refreshing format combining the right mix of interviews and shots of ancient remnants in modern Greece and Egypt. Many of the "experts" on both sides of the controversy are from British institutions of higher education, which may be a negative for the more diverse American audience.
Black Athena is highly recommended for all colleges and universities immersed in the issues of multiculturalism, the "canon," cultural pluralism, political correctness, and so on. It certainly will stimulate discourse, discussion, and debate! Public libraries serving sophisticated clientele interested in these highly controversial topics will also want to purchase this outstanding video.; Price: Public performance: $89.00
Date: Copyright 1991. Released 1991.
Descriptors: Africa - History. History - Ancient. Civilization, Occidental. Greece - History. Egypt - History.
Production Information: Live action. Color. 52 min. Production Company: Bandung File Channel Four Television
Available from: California Newsreel 149 9th St., #420 San Francisco, CA 94103 (415)621-6196
Cataloging: 930 Civilization, Occidental - African influences||Africa - Civilization
Print Entry #: 3:795
Reviewer: Will K. Covington

Classical civilization - where lies its roots? Does it originate in northern Europe transmitted to the Greeks via Indo-European invaders, with only slight influences from Africans and Phoenicians? Or does the basis of Western civilization flowing from ancient Greece have its foundations in Egypt and the Near East, with peripheral influences from the north? These are some of the questions posed in Black Athena. This program is an introduction to the debate surrounding the controversial theories espoused in Martin Bernal's 1987 publication, Black Athena: Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization.
According to Bernal, ancient Greek civilization had its origin in Africa and the Near East. This proposition has fueled a great debate involving classicists, archaeologists, historians, Egyptologists, linguists, Afrocentrists, multiculturalists, and others. Many classicists dismiss out-of-hand Bernal's conclusions while others find merit in some of his arguments. Afrocentrists, most notably the controversial Dr. Leonard Jeffries of City College of New York, have seized upon Bernal's book as proof of what they have been contending all along: Western civilization owes a great deal to Egyptian civilization and thus to Africa.
It seems that racism is at the root of much of this debate. According to Bernal, the "ancient model" that took hold 1,000 years before the "Golden Age" of Greece records that the Greeks were conquered and colonized in the second millennium B.C. by Egyptians and Phoenicians, who were a Semitic people. This theory held sway until the late 18th century, when the "Aryan model" replaced this earlier understanding with one that purports that classical Greek civilization was significantly formed by Indo-European invaders from the north. The latter hypothesis, which remains the dominant one, arose out of the Romantic movement, was spurred on by geographic determinism, and was based on racism and a need to justify the enslavement of African peoples.
A lot of evidence in support of his theories is presented by Bernal, who teaches Near Eastern studies at Cornell University. Much more refutation of his views is provided, but this can be attributed to the overwhelming breadth and depth of Bernal's arguments.
The excellent videography includes a refreshing format combining the right mix of interviews and shots of ancient remnants in modern Greece and Egypt. Many of the "experts" on both sides of the controversy are from British institutions of higher education, which may be a negative for the more diverse American audience.
Black Athena is highly recommended for all colleges and universities immersed in the issues of multiculturalism, the "canon," cultural pluralism, political correctness, and so on. It certainly will stimulate discourse, discussion, and debate! Public libraries serving sophisticated clientele interested in these highly controversial topics will also want to purchase this outstanding video.; Date: Copyright 1991. Released 1991.
Descriptors: Africa - History. History - Ancient. Civilization, Occidental. Greece - History. Egypt - History.
Production Information: Live action. Color. 52 min. Production Company: Bandung File Channel Four Television
Available from: California Newsreel 149 9th St., #420 San Francisco, CA 94103 (415)621-6196
Cataloging: 930 Civilization, Occidental - African influences||Africa - Civilization
Print Entry #: 3:795
Reviewer: Will K. Covington

Classical civilization - where lies its roots? Does it originate in northern Europe transmitted to the Greeks via Indo-European invaders, with only slight influences from Africans and Phoenicians? Or does the basis of Western civilization flowing from ancient Greece have its foundations in Egypt and the Near East, with peripheral influences from the north? These are some of the questions posed in Black Athena. This program is an introduction to the debate surrounding the controversial theories espoused in Martin Bernal's 1987 publication, Black Athena: Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization.
According to Bernal, ancient Greek civilization had its origin in Africa and the Near East. This proposition has fueled a great debate involving classicists, archaeologists, historians, Egyptologists, linguists, Afrocentrists, multiculturalists, and others. Many classicists dismiss out-of-hand Bernal's conclusions while others find merit in some of his arguments. Afrocentrists, most notably the controversial Dr. Leonard Jeffries of City College of New York, have seized upon Bernal's book as proof of what they have been contending all along: Western civilization owes a great deal to Egyptian civilization and thus to Africa.
It seems that racism is at the root of much of this debate. According to Bernal, the "ancient model" that took hold 1,000 years before the "Golden Age" of Greece records that the Greeks were conquered and colonized in the second millennium B.C. by Egyptians and Phoenicians, who were a Semitic people. This theory held sway until the late 18th century, when the "Aryan model" replaced this earlier understanding with one that purports that classical Greek civilization was significantly formed by Indo-European invaders from the north. The latter hypothesis, which remains the dominant one, arose out of the Romantic movement, was spurred on by geographic determinism, and was based on racism and a need to justify the enslavement of African peoples.
A lot of evidence in support of his theories is presented by Bernal, who teaches Near Eastern studies at Cornell University. Much more refutation of his views is provided, but this can be attributed to the overwhelming breadth and depth of Bernal's arguments.
The excellent videography includes a refreshing format combining the right mix of interviews and shots of ancient remnants in modern Greece and Egypt. Many of the "experts" on both sides of the controversy are from British institutions of higher education, which may be a negative for the more diverse American audience.
Black Athena is highly recommended for all colleges and universities immersed in the issues of multiculturalism, the "canon," cultural pluralism, political correctness, and so on. It certainly will stimulate discourse, discussion, and debate! Public libraries serving sophisticated clientele interested in these highly controversial topics will also want to purchase this outstanding video.; Descriptors: Africa - History. History - Ancient. Civilization, Occidental. Greece - History. Egypt - History.
Production Information: Live action. Color. 52 min. Production Company: Bandung File Channel Four Television
Available from: California Newsreel 149 9th St., #420 San Francisco, CA 94103 (415)621-6196
Cataloging: 930 Civilization, Occidental - African influences||Africa - Civilization
Print Entry #: 3:795
Reviewer: Will K. Covington

Classical civilization - where lies its roots? Does it originate in northern Europe transmitted to the Greeks via Indo-European invaders, with only slight influences from Africans and Phoenicians? Or does the basis of Western civilization flowing from ancient Greece have its foundations in Egypt and the Near East, with peripheral influences from the north? These are some of the questions posed in Black Athena. This program is an introduction to the debate surrounding the controversial theories espoused in Martin Bernal's 1987 publication, Black Athena: Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization.
According to Bernal, ancient Greek civilization had its origin in Africa and the Near East. This proposition has fueled a great debate involving classicists, archaeologists, historians, Egyptologists, linguists, Afrocentrists, multiculturalists, and others. Many classicists dismiss out-of-hand Bernal's conclusions while others find merit in some of his arguments. Afrocentrists, most notably the controversial Dr. Leonard Jeffries of City College of New York, have seized upon Bernal's book as proof of what they have been contending all along: Western civilization owes a great deal to Egyptian civilization and thus to Africa.
It seems that racism is at the root of much of this debate. According to Bernal, the "ancient model" that took hold 1,000 years before the "Golden Age" of Greece records that the Greeks were conquered and colonized in the second millennium B.C. by Egyptians and Phoenicians, who were a Semitic people. This theory held sway until the late 18th century, when the "Aryan model" replaced this earlier understanding with one that purports that classical Greek civilization was significantly formed by Indo-European invaders from the north. The latter hypothesis, which remains the dominant one, arose out of the Romantic movement, was spurred on by geographic determinism, and was based on racism and a need to justify the enslavement of African peoples.
A lot of evidence in support of his theories is presented by Bernal, who teaches Near Eastern studies at Cornell University. Much more refutation of his views is provided, but this can be attributed to the overwhelming breadth and depth of Bernal's arguments.
The excellent videography includes a refreshing format combining the right mix of interviews and shots of ancient remnants in modern Greece and Egypt. Many of the "experts" on both sides of the controversy are from British institutions of higher education, which may be a negative for the more diverse American audience.
Black Athena is highly recommended for all colleges and universities immersed in the issues of multiculturalism, the "canon," cultural pluralism, political correctness, and so on. It certainly will stimulate discourse, discussion, and debate! Public libraries serving sophisticated clientele interested in these highly controversial topics will also want to purchase this outstanding video.; Production Information: Live action. Color. 52 min. Production Company: Bandung File Channel Four Television
Available from: California Newsreel 149 9th St., #420 San Francisco, CA 94103 (415)621-6196
Cataloging: 930 Civilization, Occidental - African influences||Africa - Civilization
Print Entry #: 3:795
Reviewer: Will K. Covington

Classical civilization - where lies its roots? Does it originate in northern Europe transmitted to the Greeks via Indo-European invaders, with only slight influences from Africans and Phoenicians? Or does the basis of Western civilization flowing from ancient Greece have its foundations in Egypt and the Near East, with peripheral influences from the north? These are some of the questions posed in Black Athena. This program is an introduction to the debate surrounding the controversial theories espoused in Martin Bernal's 1987 publication, Black Athena: Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization.
According to Bernal, ancient Greek civilization had its origin in Africa and the Near East. This proposition has fueled a great debate involving classicists, archaeologists, historians, Egyptologists, linguists, Afrocentrists, multiculturalists, and others. Many classicists dismiss out-of-hand Bernal's conclusions while others find merit in some of his arguments. Afrocentrists, most notably the controversial Dr. Leonard Jeffries of City College of New York, have seized upon Bernal's book as proof of what they have been contending all along: Western civilization owes a great deal to Egyptian civilization and thus to Africa.
It seems that racism is at the root of much of this debate. According to Bernal, the "ancient model" that took hold 1,000 years before the "Golden Age" of Greece records that the Greeks were conquered and colonized in the second millennium B.C. by Egyptians and Phoenicians, who were a Semitic people. This theory held sway until the late 18th century, when the "Aryan model" replaced this earlier understanding with one that purports that classical Greek civilization was significantly formed by Indo-European invaders from the north. The latter hypothesis, which remains the dominant one, arose out of the Romantic movement, was spurred on by geographic determinism, and was based on racism and a need to justify the enslavement of African peoples.
A lot of evidence in support of his theories is presented by Bernal, who teaches Near Eastern studies at Cornell University. Much more refutation of his views is provided, but this can be attributed to the overwhelming breadth and depth of Bernal's arguments.
The excellent videography includes a refreshing format combining the right mix of interviews and shots of ancient remnants in modern Greece and Egypt. Many of the "experts" on both sides of the controversy are from British institutions of higher education, which may be a negative for the more diverse American audience.
Black Athena is highly recommended for all colleges and universities immersed in the issues of multiculturalism, the "canon," cultural pluralism, political correctness, and so on. It certainly will stimulate discourse, discussion, and debate! Public libraries serving sophisticated clientele interested in these highly controversial topics will also want to purchase this outstanding video.; Available from: California Newsreel 149 9th St., #420 San Francisco, CA 94103 (415)621-6196
Cataloging: 930 Civilization, Occidental - African influences||Africa - Civilization
Print Entry #: 3:795
Reviewer: Will K. Covington

Classical civilization - where lies its roots? Does it originate in northern Europe transmitted to the Greeks via Indo-European invaders, with only slight influences from Africans and Phoenicians? Or does the basis of Western civilization flowing from ancient Greece have its foundations in Egypt and the Near East, with peripheral influences from the north? These are some of the questions posed in Black Athena. This program is an introduction to the debate surrounding the controversial theories espoused in Martin Bernal's 1987 publication, Black Athena: Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization.
According to Bernal, ancient Greek civilization had its origin in Africa and the Near East. This proposition has fueled a great debate involving classicists, archaeologists, historians, Egyptologists, linguists, Afrocentrists, multiculturalists, and others. Many classicists dismiss out-of-hand Bernal's conclusions while others find merit in some of his arguments. Afrocentrists, most notably the controversial Dr. Leonard Jeffries of City College of New York, have seized upon Bernal's book as proof of what they have been contending all along: Western civilization owes a great deal to Egyptian civilization and thus to Africa.
It seems that racism is at the root of much of this debate. According to Bernal, the "ancient model" that took hold 1,000 years before the "Golden Age" of Greece records that the Greeks were conquered and colonized in the second millennium B.C. by Egyptians and Phoenicians, who were a Semitic people. This theory held sway until the late 18th century, when the "Aryan model" replaced this earlier understanding with one that purports that classical Greek civilization was significantly formed by Indo-European invaders from the north. The latter hypothesis, which remains the dominant one, arose out of the Romantic movement, was spurred on by geographic determinism, and was based on racism and a need to justify the enslavement of African peoples.
A lot of evidence in support of his theories is presented by Bernal, who teaches Near Eastern studies at Cornell University. Much more refutation of his views is provided, but this can be attributed to the overwhelming breadth and depth of Bernal's arguments.
The excellent videography includes a refreshing format combining the right mix of interviews and shots of ancient remnants in modern Greece and Egypt. Many of the "experts" on both sides of the controversy are from British institutions of higher education, which may be a negative for the more diverse American audience.
Black Athena is highly recommended for all colleges and universities immersed in the issues of multiculturalism, the "canon," cultural pluralism, political correctness, and so on. It certainly will stimulate discourse, discussion, and debate! Public libraries serving sophisticated clientele interested in these highly controversial topics will also want to purchase this outstanding video.; Cataloging: 930 Civilization, Occidental - African influences||Africa - Civilization
Print Entry #: 3:795
Reviewer: Will K. Covington

Classical civilization - where lies its roots? Does it originate in northern Europe transmitted to the Greeks via Indo-European invaders, with only slight influences from Africans and Phoenicians? Or does the basis of Western civilization flowing from ancient Greece have its foundations in Egypt and the Near East, with peripheral influences from the north? These are some of the questions posed in Black Athena. This program is an introduction to the debate surrounding the controversial theories espoused in Martin Bernal's 1987 publication, Black Athena: Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization.
According to Bernal, ancient Greek civilization had its origin in Africa and the Near East. This proposition has fueled a great debate involving classicists, archaeologists, historians, Egyptologists, linguists, Afrocentrists, multiculturalists, and others. Many classicists dismiss out-of-hand Bernal's conclusions while others find merit in some of his arguments. Afrocentrists, most notably the controversial Dr. Leonard Jeffries of City College of New York, have seized upon Bernal's book as proof of what they have been contending all along: Western civilization owes a great deal to Egyptian civilization and thus to Africa.
It seems that racism is at the root of much of this debate. According to Bernal, the "ancient model" that took hold 1,000 years before the "Golden Age" of Greece records that the Greeks were conquered and colonized in the second millennium B.C. by Egyptians and Phoenicians, who were a Semitic people. This theory held sway until the late 18th century, when the "Aryan model" replaced this earlier understanding with one that purports that classical Greek civilization was significantly formed by Indo-European invaders from the north. The latter hypothesis, which remains the dominant one, arose out of the Romantic movement, was spurred on by geographic determinism, and was based on racism and a need to justify the enslavement of African peoples.
A lot of evidence in support of his theories is presented by Bernal, who teaches Near Eastern studies at Cornell University. Much more refutation of his views is provided, but this can be attributed to the overwhelming breadth and depth of Bernal's arguments.
The excellent videography includes a refreshing format combining the right mix of interviews and shots of ancient remnants in modern Greece and Egypt. Many of the "experts" on both sides of the controversy are from British institutions of higher education, which may be a negative for the more diverse American audience.
Black Athena is highly recommended for all colleges and universities immersed in the issues of multiculturalism, the "canon," cultural pluralism, political correctness, and so on. It certainly will stimulate discourse, discussion, and debate! Public libraries serving sophisticated clientele interested in these highly controversial topics will also want to purchase this outstanding video.; Print Entry #: 3:795
Reviewer: Will K. Covington

Classical civilization - where lies its roots? Does it originate in northern Europe transmitted to the Greeks via Indo-European invaders, with only slight influences from Africans and Phoenicians? Or does the basis of Western civilization flowing from ancient Greece have its foundations in Egypt and the Near East, with peripheral influences from the north? These are some of the questions posed in Black Athena. This program is an introduction to the debate surrounding the controversial theories espoused in Martin Bernal's 1987 publication, Black Athena: Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization.
According to Bernal, ancient Greek civilization had its origin in Africa and the Near East. This proposition has fueled a great debate involving classicists, archaeologists, historians, Egyptologists, linguists, Afrocentrists, multiculturalists, and others. Many classicists dismiss out-of-hand Bernal's conclusions while others find merit in some of his arguments. Afrocentrists, most notably the controversial Dr. Leonard Jeffries of City College of New York, have seized upon Bernal's book as proof of what they have been contending all along: Western civilization owes a great deal to Egyptian civilization and thus to Africa.
It seems that racism is at the root of much of this debate. According to Bernal, the "ancient model" that took hold 1,000 years before the "Golden Age" of Greece records that the Greeks were conquered and colonized in the second millennium B.C. by Egyptians and Phoenicians, who were a Semitic people. This theory held sway until the late 18th century, when the "Aryan model" replaced this earlier understanding with one that purports that classical Greek civilization was significantly formed by Indo-European invaders from the north. The latter hypothesis, which remains the dominant one, arose out of the Romantic movement, was spurred on by geographic determinism, and was based on racism and a need to justify the enslavement of African peoples.
A lot of evidence in support of his theories is presented by Bernal, who teaches Near Eastern studies at Cornell University. Much more refutation of his views is provided, but this can be attributed to the overwhelming breadth and depth of Bernal's arguments.
The excellent videography includes a refreshing format combining the right mix of interviews and shots of ancient remnants in modern Greece and Egypt. Many of the "experts" on both sides of the controversy are from British institutions of higher education, which may be a negative for the more diverse American audience.
Black Athena is highly recommended for all colleges and universities immersed in the issues of multiculturalism, the "canon," cultural pluralism, political correctness, and so on. It certainly will stimulate discourse, discussion, and debate! Public libraries serving sophisticated clientele interested in these highly controversial topics will also want to purchase this outstanding video.; Reviewer: Will K. Covington

Classical civilization - where lies its roots? Does it originate in northern Europe transmitted to the Greeks via Indo-European invaders, with only slight influences from Africans and Phoenicians? Or does the basis of Western civilization flowing from ancient Greece have its foundations in Egypt and the Near East, with peripheral influences from the north? These are some of the questions posed in Black Athena. This program is an introduction to the debate surrounding the controversial theories espoused in Martin Bernal's 1987 publication, Black Athena: Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization.
According to Bernal, ancient Greek civilization had its origin in Africa and the Near East. This proposition has fueled a great debate involving classicists, archaeologists, historians, Egyptologists, linguists, Afrocentrists, multiculturalists, and others. Many classicists dismiss out-of-hand Bernal's conclusions while others find merit in some of his arguments. Afrocentrists, most notably the controversial Dr. Leonard Jeffries of City College of New York, have seized upon Bernal's book as proof of what they have been contending all along: Western civilization owes a great deal to Egyptian civilization and thus to Africa.
It seems that racism is at the root of much of this debate. According to Bernal, the "ancient model" that took hold 1,000 years before the "Golden Age" of Greece records that the Greeks were conquered and colonized in the second millennium B.C. by Egyptians and Phoenicians, who were a Semitic people. This theory held sway until the late 18th century, when the "Aryan model" replaced this earlier understanding with one that purports that classical Greek civilization was significantly formed by Indo-European invaders from the north. The latter hypothesis, which remains the dominant one, arose out of the Romantic movement, was spurred on by geographic determinism, and was based on racism and a need to justify the enslavement of African peoples.
A lot of evidence in support of his theories is presented by Bernal, who teaches Near Eastern studies at Cornell University. Much more refutation of his views is provided, but this can be attributed to the overwhelming breadth and depth of Bernal's arguments.
The excellent videography includes a refreshing format combining the right mix of interviews and shots of ancient remnants in modern Greece and Egypt. Many of the "experts" on both sides of the controversy are from British institutions of higher education, which may be a negative for the more diverse American audience.
Black Athena is highly recommended for all colleges and universities immersed in the issues of multiculturalism, the "canon," cultural pluralism, political correctness, and so on. It certainly will stimulate discourse, discussion, and debate! Public libraries serving sophisticated clientele interested in these highly controversial topics will also want to purchase this outstanding video.
Classical civilization - where lies its roots? Does it originate in northern Europe transmitted to the Greeks via Indo-European invaders, with only slight influences from Africans and Phoenicians? Or does the basis of Western civilization flowing from ancient Greece have its foundations in Egypt and the Near East, with peripheral influences from the north? These are some of the questions posed in Black Athena. This program is an introduction to the debate surrounding the controversial theories espoused in Martin Bernal's 1987 publication, Black Athena: Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization. According to Bernal, ancient Greek civilization had its origin in Africa and the Near East. This proposition has fueled a great debate involving classicists, archaeologists, historians, Egyptologists, linguists, Afrocentrists, multiculturalists, and others. Many classicists dismiss out-of-hand Bernal's conclusions while others find merit in some of his arguments. Afrocentrists, most notably the controversial Dr. Leonard Jeffries of City College of New York, have seized upon Bernal's book as proof of what they have been contending all along: Western civilization owes a great deal to Egyptian civilization and thus to Africa. It seems that racism is at the root of much of this debate. According to Bernal, the "ancient model" that took hold 1,000 years before the "Golden Age" of Greece records that the Greeks were conquered and colonized in the second millennium B.C. by Egyptians and Phoenicians, who were a Semitic people. This theory held sway until the late 18th century, when the "Aryan model" replaced this earlier understanding with one that purports that classical Greek civilization was significantly formed by Indo-European invaders from the north. The latter hypothesis, which remains the dominant one, arose out of the Romantic movement, was spurred on by geographic determinism, and was based on racism and a need to justify the enslavement of African peoples. A lot of evidence in support of his theories is presented by Bernal, who teaches Near Eastern studies at Cornell University. Much more refutation of his views is provided, but this can be attributed to the overwhelming breadth and depth of Bernal's arguments. The excellent videography includes a refreshing format combining the right mix of interviews and shots of ancient remnants in modern Greece and Egypt. Many of the "experts" on both sides of the controversy are from British institutions of higher education, which may be a negative for the more diverse American audience. Black Athena is highly recommended for all colleges and universities immersed in the issues of multiculturalism, the "canon," cultural pluralism, political correctness, and so on. It certainly will stimulate discourse, discussion, and debate! Public libraries serving sophisticated clientele interested in these highly controversial topics will also want to purchase this outstanding video.

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Copyright (C) 1996 by the Library, University of California, Berkeley. All rights reserved.
Document maintained on server: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/ by
Gary Handman, Head, Media Resources Center.
Last update 7/10/96. Server manager: webman@library.berkeley.edu

Black Athena

Copyright (C) 1996 by the Library, University of California, Berkeley. All rights reserved. Document maintained on server: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/ by Gary Handman, Head, Media Resources Center. Last update 7/10/96. Server manager: webman@library.berkeley.edu

Copyright (C) 1996 by the Library, University of California, Berkeley. All rights reserved.
Document maintained on server: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/ by
Gary Handman, Head, Media Resources Center.
Last update 7/10/96. Server manager: webman@library.berkeley.edu