Nubian Kingdoms
Nubia, Kush & Later Kush
Nubian Kingdom
Nubia
Nubia is located south of Egypt where the Blue Nile and the White Nile meet to form The Nile River. The region is stretched north to the first cataract, Egypt's southern boundary. Nubians depended on the Nile because of its geography, Egypt did not have fertile land but every time the Nile would flood, all the land would become fertile. Luckily, Nubia succeeded in mines to produce gold, granite, and precious stones for trading purposes. The Nubians were skilled in training and pottery and archery. Another name for Nubia is Land of the Nine Bows referred to by Egyptians. The Nubian Kingdom traded with Egypt and other lands so frequently that over time they created a great income. But, good things must come to an end and that is what happened. Nubia and Egypt became rivals, both wanting control of land and resources. During Egypt's Middle Kingdom, Egypt invaded and conquered much of Nubia. Nubia adjusted to Egyptians culture like religion and building style.
Kush
A powerful Nubian state called Kush that began to develop at the same time as Middle Kingdom. It was based around Kerma, Nubia (now Sudan) When the Middle Kingdom collapsed, Kush rose to a powerful empire and expanded its rule over Nubia. A way Kush was powerful was the alliance made with the Hyksos which produced an increase in trade and more money to Kush. The Egyptians invaded Kush and destroyed Kerma, which added the land to their empire. Ramses the Great, built temples and other monuments throughout Kush. Egypt ruled Kush for 400 years but Kush regained power after the reign of Ramses the Great. One bad thing from being free was the Kushites were weak and disorganized. But later, the regained strength and named their new capital Napata. Kush's ruler decided to expand their power to the north. Piankhi was a compassionate ruler who was loyal and ruthless. Kushite pharaohs tried to preserve Egyptian's tradition. Even though Egypt took over Kush for a number of years, Kushites never abandoned their cultural beliefs.
Later Kush
After the Assyrian Kingdom died out, Kush was born again. Kush moved their capital to Meroë, a city along the Nile and near the two rivers that make up the Nile. Kush cultured changed significantly after the capital's move. Since the city was near so much water, its often referred to the island of Meroë. The city used wood nearby from forests to build homes and the area was home to many wild animals. Meroë has an abundance of mineral resources nearby such as gold, copper, precious stones, and iron. The Kushites built a large, profitable iron industry from the great supply they were offered. Soon, iron became Kush's most valuable product. Kush finally abandoned Egyptians culture but continued to build pyramids. However, hieroglyphics for writing but their own alphabet. Women had a high status we believe because of the carvings found on tombs. Trade kept the economy strong and profitable. Meroë's empire fell to competition in trade, hostile people who disturbed trade routes, and environmental issues. Kingdom of Aksum, present day Ethiopia, invaded and Kushite civilization faded forever.