All dates on this chart have been plotted directly from data found in the Holy Bible, New International Version®.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
See Critical Path for information on the continuity of the biblical chronology.
Copyright © 1999, 2012 by David Petrie
Era:
The Flood - Egypt
Dates:
1657 - 2299 AM [Chart]
2567 - 1925 BC [Chart]
[Table][Index]
Maps:
Abraham's Journeys
Biblical References:
Genesis 9 - 50
Comments:
This is an era of repopulation. All but 8 people were wiped out in the flood. The most obvious feature of this era (when viewing the chart) is the gradual shortening of the average lifespan. From Noah, who lived 950yrs, through to Joseph, who lived 110yrs, there are 13 generations. Moses lived 120 years, so it seems that after Joseph the average lifespan stabilised - which agrees with the biblical quote from Genesis 6:3 which is reproduced on the chart.
The table associated with this chart lists some events which can be isolated in this era. One of the most notable, however, cannot be pinpointed to any particular year, but can be speculated on - the construction (and destruction) of the Tower of Babel. This obviously cannot have happened too soon after the flood - a reasonable number of people would be needed to build such a structure. On the other hand, by the time of Abraham many nations had already formed an identity - such as Egypt. According to the biblical worldview, separate national identity would have occurred after the dispersion of people as a result of the destruction of the Tower of Babel and confusing of the people's language by God.