In ancient northern Africa, the Kingdom of Kush, situated in what is now Sudan, thrived between 1069 BCE and 350 CE. Its roots can be traced back to the Kerma Culture around 2500 BCE, marked by early contact with Egyptians during the Early Dynastic Period.
The ascendancy of Kush was facilitated by the weakening of the New Kingdom of Egypt around 1069 BCE. This allowed the Kushite city-state of Napata to establish itself as the capital, laying the foundation for the Kingdom of Kush. Kushite kings eventually became pharaohs of Egypt during the 25th Dynasty, demonstrating the influence and power of this African kingdom.
The shift of the Kushite capital from Napata to Meroe around 590 BCE marked a crucial turning point. The Kingdom continued to prosper until an invasion by the Aksumites in 330 CE, leading to the destruction of Meroe and the eventual demise of Kush.
The region was known by various names, such as Ta-Sety and Wawat by the Egyptians, while the indigenous designation ‘Kush’ predated the later term ‘Nubia’ introduced by the Egyptians. Kush played a vital role in supplying gold to Egypt, shaping its identity as the “Land of the Burnt-Faced Persons” by Greek and Roman writers.
The city of Kerma, founded around 2400 BCE, posed a significant threat to Egypt, yet trade flourished between the two civilizations. Despite being conquered by Mentuhotep II, Kerma remained influential until Thutmose I attacked around 1500 BCE, leading to the establishment of Napata by Thutmose III.
Napata, heavily influenced by Egyptian culture, became a powerful religious and trade center under the rule of Kushite kings. Egypt’s decline during the Third Intermediate Period paved the way for the Kingdom of Kush’s independence around 1069 BCE.
The 25th Dynasty, beginning with Alara and progressing through Kashta, Piye, and others, saw Kushite rulers ascend to the Egyptian throne. The Kushites ruled with admiration for Egyptian culture until conflict with the Assyrians in 671 BCE marked the decline of Kushite influence in Egypt.
The capital shifted to Meroe around 590 BCE, signaling a departure from Egyptian customs under Arkamani I. The Kingdom of Kush continued, now distinctly Meroitic, with female monarchs known as Candaces ruling from approximately 284 BCE to 314 CE.
Meroe’s prosperity eventually succumbed to internal and external pressures, including an invasion by the Axumites in 330 CE. Overuse of resources, deforestation, and environmental degradation had already taken a toll, leading to the abandonment of Meroe around 350 CE and the end of the Kingdom of Kush.