The Watershed · Learning together
History, side by side.
Explore the civilizations of the ancient world alongside the events of the Bible. Scroll through the ages, then tap any card to look closer.
Civilizations & context Biblical storyDates marked “c.” are approximate.
01 / 09c. 3000–2000 BCEThe first cities
Rivers, writing, and the ancient world of Genesis
The Great Pyramid of Khufu, Egypt · Old KingdomPhoto: Gary Todd · CC0 In the wider world
In the biblical story
02 / 09c. 2000–1500 BCEFamilies & promises
A world of kingdoms, trade routes, and the patriarch narratives
In the wider world
In the biblical story
03 / 09c. 1500–1100 BCEExodus & settlement
Egyptian power and Canaanite cities in the Late Bronze Age
Karnak temple complex, Egypt · Built across many erasPhoto: Mustang Joe · CC0 In the wider world
In the biblical story
04 / 09c. 1100–930 BCEKings & a capital
The biblical account of Saul, David, and Solomon
In the wider world
In the biblical story
05 / 09c. 930–722 BCETwo kingdoms
Israel and Judah amid rising Assyrian power
Assyrian palace relief · Ashurnasirpal IIPhoto: Daderot · CC0 In the wider world
In the biblical story
06 / 09c. 722–539 BCEExile & hope
From Assyrian rule to Babylon’s capture of Jerusalem
In the wider world
In the biblical story
07 / 09539–332 BCEReturn & rebuilding
Judea becomes part of the Persian Empire
Persepolis, Iran · Achaemenid imperial centerPhoto: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 In the wider world
In the biblical story
08 / 09332–63 BCEA changing world
Greek-speaking kingdoms and the years between the Testaments
In the wider world
In the biblical story
09 / 0963 BCE–100 CEJesus & the early church
The New Testament in a Roman-ruled Mediterranean world
Roman theater at Caesarea Maritima · Restored sitePhoto: Zairon · CC BY-SA 4.0 In the wider world
In the biblical story
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