The Civilization of Kush Chapter 2 Section 4

Cool Fact The upper class in ancient Egypt had indoor bathrooms, though they did not have running water…. Think about it.

Nubia The region of Nubia, later known as Kush, was located south of Egypt on the Nile River. 1st people to arrive in Nubia were cattle herders, who grazed their herds on the savanna. Savanna: grassy plain. Later farmers settled in villages in Nubia. More powerful Nubian villages took control of weaker ones, and the kingdom of Kerma was created. Kings of Kerma were buried in tombs like the Egyptian pharaohs. Egypt invaded Kerma, and after 50 years of war, Kerma was defeated. During the Egyptian rule, the people of Kerma adopted many Egyptian ways.

Discussion Question Before the invasion by Egypt, how did the people of Kerma help the Egyptians? The people of Kerma traded with the Egyptians and served as warriors in the Egyptian armies.

The Rise of Kush Nubians broke away from Egypt and formed their kingdom called, “Kush”. The Kushite kings ruled from city of Napata, which is located along the upper Nile. This location helped Kush people become important traders, and Kush grew wealthy. Kashta and his son, Piye, conquered Egypt in 728 B.C. Assyrians then later invaded Egypt and forced Kushites out. Kushites learned iron working from Assyrians. Kushites were the 1st Africans to become iron workers. The Kush moved the ruling city south to the city Meroe, farther away from the Assyrians. Meroe become an important center of trade and iron working. Kushite kings rebuilt Meroe to look like an Egyptian city, with pyramids and temples. Kush eventually declined in power. The kingdom of Axum arose in what is today Ethiopia. Axum invaded Meroe and burned it to the ground.

Discussion Question How did iron working skills help the Kushites? They could make farming tools with iron. These superior tools helped them grow more crops. They also could make iron spears and swords. Traders also traded iron to other peoples.