Nubia

NUBIA (1000 B.C. – A.D. 150) Cataracts were a protective barrier on the Nile Conquered and was conquered by Egypt Location helped build a wide trade network Exported ivory, animal skins, gold, perfume, slaves Produced iron tools and weapons Developed system of writing Adopted Egyptian traditions

The Land of Nubia 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.

Nubian Pyramids

Nubian Pyramids-were used as tombs

Nubians also believed in Egyptian gods as well as an afterlife.

Nubian Pyramids Egyptian Pyramids same Smaller Large Steeper Big blocks Triangular 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 and Egyptian Pottery

Nubian/Kush vs. Egyptian Art

Nubian/Kush vs. Egyptian Crowns

Nubian Hieroglyphs 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. T I K N W D Nubian writing was similar to Egyptian writing but developed into a completely separate language later in time.

A frankincense tree. The resin was used to make good smelling incense. Ancient Nubia was a great kingdom that produced many resources like gold, ivory, copper, frankincense and ebony. Nubia was also known as Kush and The Land of the Bow. Nubian archers (warriors who used a bow and arrow) were feared by all who saw them in battle. Nubia 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 Nubia but when Egypt weakened, Nubia came north and conquered Egypt (800-700 BC.) A frankincense tree. The resin was used to make good smelling incense.

Nubian Sandstone head Gold, Egyptian artifacts made from Nubian/Kush Gold Copper mirror w/ivory handle-resources from Nubia/Kush & Egyptian image

Nubian/Kush resources included iron which was used for weapons Nubian/Kush resources included iron which was used for weapons. Women could be warriors in this society and at times held the position of Pharaoh.

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