The Rise of Kush

While still under the control of Ancient Egypt, Young Kushite nobles would visit Egyptian centers of learning and power in order to learn. As a result, the Kushite elite adopted the Egyptian language, as well as their customs and clothing styles. Additionally, they brought back Pharaonic royal rituals and the hieroglyphic writing system to Kush. Art and architecture styles heavily influenced the artists and builders in Kush, and can be seen in their also adapted Egyptian pyramids.

In the 700s B.C., the Nubian kingdom of Kush conquered all of upper and lower Egypt. In 751 B.C., Piankhi (PYANG•kee)—a Kushite king—attacked the Egyptian city of Memphis. By about 36 years later, Piankhi had gained control of Egypt.

From this point on, two periods make up the history of Kush. Each period is based on the location of the capital and the king's tomb. The city of Napata was the capital during this first period. Meroë (MEHR•oh•EE) was the capital during the second.

Political and Commercial Relations with Egypt

Piankhi united Egypt and Kush. Nubia established its own dynasty, or line of royal rulers, on the throne of Egypt. Piankhi was declared Egypt's pharaoh. His reign marked the beginning of Egypt's 25th Dynasty. Although he was the pharaoh, Piankhi did not live in Egypt. Instead, he chose to live in Napata, the capital of Kush.

Napata was located at the head of a road used to move goods around the Nile River's cataracts. Traders used the road when boats loaded with goods could not navigate some sections of the river due to their rough waters. Nubia was rich in goods that were scarce in Egypt: ivory, animal skins, timber, and minerals. This led to a lively trade along the Nile. Napata was the center for the spread of Egyptian goods and culture to Kush's other trading partners in Africa and beyond.