AKA Nubia
Kush (1000 B.C. – A.D. 150)
• Conquered and was conquered by Egypt
• Built up wide trade network
• Exported ivory, animal skins, gold, perfume,
slaves
• Produced iron tools and weapons
• Developed system of writing
• Adopted Egyptian traditions
Nubia was a great
civilization that
developed along the
Nile River south of
Egypt. They shared
many of the same
cultural traits as Egypt
such as religion,
architecture and art.
Kushite Pyramids
Kushite Pyramids
Kushite Pyramids
same
•Smaller
•Steeper
•Large
•Triangular
•Big blocks
•Tombs
different
different
This is a Venn Diagram used to show things that are the same, and the things
that are different between the Nubian and Egyptian pyramids.
Nubian
Hieroglyphs
Cursive Version
Nubian
Hieroglyphs
I
T
K
N
W
D
Cursive Version
One reason little
was known
about the
culture was that
they did not
write down their
history until late
in ancient times.
Another reason
is that they were
isolated
geographically.
Outside people
would need to
cross harsh
desert or many
waterfalls,
called cataracts,
to reach Nubia.
Nubian writing was similar to Egyptian writing but developed into a
completely separate language later in time.
Ancient Kush was a great kingdom
that produced many resources like
gold, ivory, copper, frankincense and
ebony.
Kush was also known as Nubia and
The Land of the Bow. Kushite
archers (warriors who used a bow
and arrow) were feared by all who
saw them in battle.
Kush had a long line of powerful
kings. They were often at war with
Egypt, to the North. From about
2,000 to 1,000 BC, Egypt controlled
Kush but when Egypt weakened,
Kush came north and conquered
Egypt (800-700 BC.)
A frankincense tree. The resin was used to
make good smelling incense.
Kingdom of Kush
• The Kingdom of Kush
developed in southern part
of “Nubia” by 1750 B.C.E.
• Kush noted from
metalworking and
construction
• Egypt invaded Kush
during New Kingdom
period.
– Resulted in Egyptian
occupation that exploited
Nubian laborers
Kingdom of Meroë
• 800 B.C.E. - 350 C.E.
• This kingdom ruled Egypt as
the 25th Dynasty.
• Nubian Kingdom had a
capital at Napata.
• Napata period characterized
by Egyptian cultural
influence.
• In 4th century, moved capital
to Meroë.
– Better for agriculture and
trade
Meroë
• Ruling dynasty of Meroë
practiced a matrilineal family
system
• Queens were very influential
• Dominated trade routes
• Became important center for
iron smelting
• Declined because of shift in
trade routes, rise of the
Kingdom of Aksum, and
raids by camel-riding nomads