Cultures of Nubia
Coach Parrish
OMS
Chapter 3, Section 5
Land of the Bow
► Egyptians
called Nubia, “The Land of the
Bow,” because of their skilled archers. The
Egyptians hired Nubian archers for their
army.
Nubian Archers
Valuable Resources
► Egypt
valued Nubia for its rich mineral
resources such as gold, copper, and iron
ore. Ore – mineral or a combination of
minerals mined for the production of metals.
► The most powerful kingdoms of Nubia were
located in the cities of Kerma, Napata, and
Meroë ruled by the Kushites.
Ancient Map of Nubia
Kerma’s Wealth
► From
about 2000 to 1500 BC, the Kushites
ruled Kerma and became very wealthy
because they controlled trade.
► Kerma became wealthy because of their
hand made pottery that became valuable.
Conflict with Egypt
► Around
1500 BC, as Egypt was regaining
strength, Thutmose I sent his armies into
Nubia. The war that lasted 50 years helped
to mix Egyptian culture into Nubian culture.
Capital of Napata
► In
the late 700s, Egypt had lost some of its
power and the Kushites expanded Nubia
into Egypt. They moved their capital first to
Thebes and then to Memphis.
► The Napatan rule was short lived as they
were forced back into Nubia in 660 BC.
Capital of Meroë
► After
being forced south, the Nubians
founded a royal court in the ancient city of
Meroë.
► The large desert east of Meroë contained
large amounts of iron ore. Nubians used
the iron ore to make weapons and control
trade.
► Today, Nubian culture lives in the current
country of Sudan in Africa.