The Egyptian & Nubian Empires Ch 4: Section 1

Hyksos A group of Asiatic Invaders (they came from Asia). Rode in Chariots = advanced tech. Invaded Egypt in 1640 and ruled until 1570 B.C. The Hyksos were hated by the native Egyptians, rebellions kicked the Hyksos out of Egypt, led by Queen Ahhotep who took over after her husband was killed in battle.

New Kingdom The First Egyptian Empire – begun in 1570 BC with the defeat of the Hyksos. Strong Pharaohs sought to “take the fight” to Egypt’s enemies (better to fight in a “buffer zone” than in your own homeland). Buffer Zone – territory on your border an enemy would need to cross before entering your homeland. Extending Egypt’s borders into Palestine, Syria, and south along the Nile into Nubia created Egypt’s First Empire.

Hatshepsut Egyptian Queen ~1472 BC. Promoted TRADE enriching Egypt through business – sponsoring trade expeditions. Also fought to keep Egypt’s Empire strong. Used $$$ from trade for massive temple complex – Buildings = show of strength / immortality

Thutmose III Stepson of Hatshepsut, seized power from his stepmother (may have had her killed – no one knows). Famous for his Warrior King status – taking lands in Palestine (the city of Nagita in Israel – video battle).

Nubia A region of East Africa that straddles the upper Nile River. Home of the Kushites – a people from the Nubian Kingdom of Kush that will invade and conquer Egypt ~750 BC.

Ramses II Egyptian Pharaoh ~1290-1224 BC. Famous for his Great Temple building: Abu Simbel. Also known for his Battle with the Hittites at Kadesh ~1285. Here he fought against the Hittites to a draw and agreed to a Treaty of Mutual Protection – returned to Egypt a hero.

Abu Simbel The Great Temple built by Ramses II – carved right into the side of the hill overlooking the Nile – had to moved in modern times due to the Aswan Dam & lake Nasser. Why Build so big? Shows the POWER and PRESTIGE of Egypt – “Don’t mess with us.” – avoids fights & rebellions.

Pharaoh The Official title of Egyptian rulers. Means “great house” and originates during Ramses’ Time.

Kush A Nubian Kingdom Dominated by Egypt from 2000-1000 BC but eventually would prosper (through trade) and conquer Egypt instead (~751 BC)

Kushites The people from Kush.

Piankhi Conquers Egypt in 751 BC by kicking out the Libyans who had been ruling Egypt for 200 years. Adopted much of Egyptian culture & traditions.

Meroe A Kushite City, became the new capital city of Nubia after the Assyrians conquered Egypt in 671 BC. Dominated trade by mining Iron ore, making Iron tools and weapons in East Africa and became very wealthy and prosperous.

3. How did the New Kingdom of Egypt become so powerful and wealthy? Good Leadership / Strong Rulers – Centralized Gov’t (Thutmose III, Hatshepsut, Seti I, Ramses II) Conquered new lands (professional army) = Tribute & Trade. Building Projects – jobs and the projection of power! (Abu Simbel) Good economy: control trade routes (in Canaan – Phoenician Cities, In Nubia – gold, Iron, tools trade & Indian Ocean trade).

4. What cultural aspects of Egypt did the Kushites adopt? The Kushites adopted all kinds of Egyptian culture, such as: Religion (gods) & burials (mummified dead), Built Pyramids (smaller) & temples. Language, Customs, Clothing, and art.

5. Why was Kush able to thrive after losing Egypt to the Assyrians? Kush moved its capital to Meroe controlled the trade routes between Arabia, East Africa, and India. Plus Meroe had good natural resources like plentiful rainfall and Iron Ore deposits.

6. What role did geography play in Egypt’s rise and fall? Egypt’s location on the Nile helped it rise because the Nile helped trade and agriculture. But at the same time the Nile caused them to be vulnerable to attacks from the sea. The deserts also served to help make invasion difficult but also make expansion of agriculture difficult as well.

7. How did trade help both Egypt and Nubia maintain their dominance in the Nile region? TRADE = $$ = POWER TRADE = Cultural Diffusion = New Ideas & technology.