1. Egypt’s Neighbor

2. Introduction As populations grew, societies became more complex. People began to trade with other regions and the income from trade helped build kingdoms, like those in East Africa. Early trading civilizations developed on or near a coastline or river, providing access to important markets in Arabia, India and East Asia and the Mediterranean.

3. The Beginning Hunting and fishing communities began farming along the southern part of the Nile c. 3100 BCE. The Kushite civilization developed in the area of Nubia. Kush is the oldest known kingdom outside of Egypt. Due to its location along the Nile River, Kush became a major trading kingdom with Egypt and many other places in Africa and beyond.

4. Trade Kush was a center of trade between Central Africa, South Africa and the Mediterranean region. It was an important trading hub due to its location and natural resources. Along the Nile, Kush would trade with Egypt—Kush had gold, ivory, leather and timber. Egypt had grain, beer, linen. Traders used the Nile River, Red Sea and overland routes. Kushites traded with many lands—African kingdoms, Arabia, Rome, India and possibly even China.

5. Growth and Development Kush was well known for producing iron. They had plenty of forests to make wood into charcoal to melt the iron and make spears, arrows, swords and tools to make farming faster and easier. They were the first known iron producing center in East Africa. Art and architecture flourished and Kush had their own form of pottery (which was highly prized), they would make cloth and gold & silver jewelry. In Meroe, one of the capitals of Kush, they developed their own alphabet.

6. Kush and Egypt Being located on the Nile led to a trading relationship between Kush and Egypt. At times Kush ruled Egypt and Egypt ruled Kush. Circa 724 BCE Kush conquered Egypt and ruled it for 60 years. They established their own dynasty of kings in Egypt. The capital city of Napata was ruling Egypt. Egypt conquered Napata and it was destroyed. Meroe then became the capital of Kush. Farther south, Meroe was safe from Egypt.

7. Kush and Egypt Continued The close relationship between Kush and Egypt can be seen in pictures painted on walls of tombs and temples, both in Egypt and Kush. The word Nubia, where Kush was, comes from the Egyptian word nub, which means gold. Kush’s famed archers were hired to fight in Egypt’s army at times. Meroe being farther from Egypt, Kush became more isolated from the Mediterranean region.

8. Decline Being isolated from the Mediterranean region led to a decline in trade. Environmental deterioration of the forests and mining iron also contributed to the decline of Kush. Circa 300 CE, Aksum conquered Kush and the kingdom declined in power and was eventually ruled by Aksum.

9. Kingdom of Kush When? (750 BC-200 AD) Where? Along the Nile, south of the Egyptians