Ancient Kush

The Land of Nubia – The Empire of Kush In ancient times it had some fertile farmland. Today it is mostly desert. Nubia was rich in valuable minerals such as gold, copper, and stone. The region would lose its influence after centuries of farming and logging destroyed the soil.

Egypt influenced Kush. The most notable influence was in architecture, as seen in the following pictures.

Note the columns that are built in Egyptian style.

And note how the figures and gods chiseled into this temple look as if they are straight from Egypt.

The statues of the kings of Kush are dressed like Egyptian pharaohs – but notice the features of their faces.

Where was ancient Kush?

Early Civilization in Nubia The Nile flooded annually bringing fresh silt. Settlements began around 3500 BCE. The first kingdom began around 2000 BCE. For many years, cataracts on the Nile River kept Kush safe from powerful Egypt.

Ancient Kush was at the center of a large trading network with connections to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Kush’s location and production of iron goods helped make it a rich trading center. N

Effects of Egypt’s Conquest About 1500 BCE, Egypt invaded and conquered Kush. Kush remained an Egyptian territory for the next 450 years. Egypt influenced Kush in the following ways: Religion Clothing styles Pyramid building Language

Note how this statue shows Egyptian influence on the Kushite religion.

Piankhi c. 751–716 BCE (aka Piye) Piankhi was among Kush’s most successful military leaders. A fierce warrior on the battlefield, he conquered all of Egypt for the Kushite king! Piankhi’s belief that he had the support of the gods fueled his passion for war against Egypt. His courage inspired his troops on the battlefield. Piankhi loved his horses and was buried with 8 of them. Piankhi c. 751–716 BCE (aka Piye)

End of Kushite Rule in Egypt The Kushites ruled Egypt for about 40 years. In 670 BCE, the Assyrians invaded. The Assyrian army had iron weapons. They were much stronger than the Kushite bronze weapons. After about 10 years of fighting, the Kushites were completely driven out of Egypt.

Women in Kushite Society Unlike other women in the world, Kush women were greatly valued and expected to be active in their society. Many women fought along with the men during war. Many women held positions of authority, especially in the area of religion. Queen Shanakhdakheto The 1st Kushite Queen, she probably gained rule after her father or husband Died. Ruled from 170-150 BC

Kush declined when its farmers allowed their cattle to over-graze, eating all the grass. Without grass, the soil had nothing to hold onto. The wind blew all the top soil away. Without soil the farmers could no longer grow enough crops to support the population. Iron workers cut down all the trees for their furnaces. So they could no longer make iron tools or weapons to trade and their economic power declined. Decline and Defeat No top soil and few trees

Rise of Aksum Aksum (also spelled Axum) is located southeast of Kush on the Red Sea (where modern Ethiopia is). In AD 350 (350 CE), the Aksumite army of King Ezana invaded and took over the kingdom of Kush.

Aksum Ezana, the ruler of Aksum, converted to Christianity. He declared Aksum to be a Christian state, thus making it the first Christian state in the history of the world. This obelisk built during his reign is taller than the tallest Egyptian obelisk.

Summary