John bar Penkaye (c. 610 - 693 AD) - A Late Seventh-Century World History
John bar Penkaye, a seventh-century East Syriac historian and theologian, is the subject of these texts, which highlight his significant work, Ktâbâ d-rêš mellê (Summary History of the World). This fifteen-book history provides a rare contemporary perspective on events up to the late 600s AD, including early Islamic conquests and social conditions in Mesopotamia. The work blends historical narrative, spanning from creation to his present day, with theological interpretations, examining themes such as biblical history, paganism, Christology, the rise and fall of empires, and apocalyptic expectations. Notably, bar Penkaye views the Byzantine-Persian conflicts and subsequent Arab conquests through a religious lens, interpreting them as divine judgment and part of God's plan. For more teachings follow our website: www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com