Where did the first civilizations develop? Nubia Where did the first civilizations develop?

The Kingdom of Nubia: 3800 BCE to 1400 CE

Nubia

Geography South of Egypt Situated along the Nile River (in what is known as “Upper Egypt”- because it is higher in altitude). Unlike Egypt, they were not dependent upon the flooding of the Nile for good soil. They enjoyed tropical rainfall all year long. Cataracts (waterfalls) kept Nubia safe from invaders for some time (until 1500 BC when they were conquered by the Egyptians)

Religion At first Nubians worshiped the same gods as the Egyptians Mummified the dead Built pyramids – similar but were smaller with flat tops

Daily Life of Kings, Queens &Nobles Kings, Queens and Nobles lived in riverside palaces At first they modeled themselves after Egyptian Kings & Queens Queens were often more powerful than Kings WHY? Maybe because Goddess Isis, had her origin in Nubia. She and her husband Osiris, and their child Horus, the original African holy trinity, were regarded as divine but also as actual persons, the way many Christians view Jesus. Sacred texts informed society that queens could be as equally powerful and competent as kings.

Imagine it: you're a foot soldier in the Roman army that for several years has been occupying the border region between Egypt and Nubia, where, it is rumored, the rulers are often queens. Back home across the Mediterranean, women have very little power, which is, you think, as it should be. Suddenly, the call to arms. As you take up your position against the enemy, you are surprised to note that a formidable-looking woman is leading the charge against you....

Daily Life of Common People Most people lived in farming villages- Each village had a leader Like most ancient peoples, Nubians depended on agriculture for their food Dressed similar to Egyptians at first (white cotton) , then dressing more like those in the Southern Sahara (colorful cotton)

Nubia – “Land of Gold” Nubia was a land of natural wealth. They had gold mines, ivory, incense, copper and iron ore. This is the place where AFRICA’s first iron industry began

Trade Networks Ancient peoples wanted iron weapons and statues- this sparked the desire to trade Nubians sent goods down the Nile to Egypt Egyptian and Greek merchants carried goods to ports in the Mediterranean and Red Seas and ports in southern Africa. In later times Nubian goods may have even traveled to India and perhaps China Trade with other nations brought cultural influences to Nubia

Why are the Nubians in the history books? What makes them stand out?