The Civilization of Kush

Helen Hufor Mr. Haskvitz

What is Kush?• Kush was...

– An ancient kingdom that...• had earlier controlled Egypt and was also

controlled by Egypt as well– A growing power around 850 BC with

establishments in both Upper and Lower Egypt around 751 BC

Where Kush is Located?• Kush is found

near the Nile River and close to the area of Nubia, as shown here on this map. It is neighbors with Egypt.

Brief on Kush’s History• Kush was at first a supplier for Egypt

– Sent raw materials and slaves– Later, Kush became wealthy from trade

• Kush’s army also became stronger– Rulers of Egypt were fearful of Kush’s power

• Believed that they could attack Egypt later on• Egypt tried to prevent this from

happening by invading Kush

Brief History, cont.• Later on, Egypt’s leaders grew weak

– Kush invaded Egypt, leaded by King Kashta– Gained control of all of Egypt (Upper and Lower)

• Kashta’s son, Piankhi, took over when he died– He continued to attack Egypt and captured its

capital• Believed that the gods wanted him to rule Egypt as

well as Kush• 716 BC—Kingdom grew

– North from Napata to Nile Delta

Brief History, cont.• Shabaka, Piankhi’s brother, took over

when he died– Declared himself ruler

• Started the Twenty-fifth (Kushite) Dynasty– Tried to keep old Egyptian practices and

writings• Remained in Egypt for 40 years• Pushed out around 670’s BC by

Assyrians

Causes and Effects of Egypt’s Actions

Causes• Pharaoh Thutmose’s army took

control of Nubia north of the Fifth Cataract (1500 BC)

• Egypt kept its control for approximately 450 years

• The power of Egyptian rulers began to weaken around the mid-1000’s BC

• Later on, Egyptians had gained power of Kerma (where the kings of Kush normally ruled)

• Kush leaders tried to preserve Egyptian writings and practices

Effects• The people of Kush were taken

over by the Egyptians and was temporarily ruled by Egypt

• The people of Kush adopted to Egyptian customs such as language, clothing, names, and religions.

• Kush regained power and separated from Egypt

• Kush leaders had to rule from Napata instead, 100 miles SE of Kerma

• Egyptian culture was preserved during the Kushite dynasty

Kush’s Political System• Kush’s political system grew more

complicated throughout its years.– There were many powerful monarchs that

controlled the political system.• Ex. Queen Shanakhdakheto (Sha-nak-da-ke-to)• King Kashta• Piankhi

• Egypt lost some power as Kush gained it – Weak leaders in Egypt left the country open and

vulnerable• Kings and leaders in Kush took advantage of this and

attacked Egypt, such as King Kashta

Trade in Kush• Kush traded with mainly Egypt

– Egypt delivered goods to India, China, and Africa

• Exports included...– Gold, pottery, iron products, slaves, and

ivory• Imports included...

– Jewelry and luxury goods• Animal skins

Other Cultures of Kush• Women played an important role in society

– Worked in fields, fought in battles, raised children, cooked, etc. – Religious authority (priestesses, etc.)– Rulers

• Ex. Queen Shanakhdakheto (Sha-nak-da-ke-to): the first queen of Kush

• Other cultures merged with Kush through different merchants– Ex. Buildings in Kush represented Egypt’s structures, but they

were usually smaller and steeper– Kush rulers used “pharaoh” and were buried in pyramids– Worshipped both Egyptian and Kush gods

• Developed unknown written language called Meroitic– Had hieroglyphics and cursive similar to the Egyptian language

Economics in Kush• Kush’s economy mainly consisted of...

– Ebony– Ivory– Metalwork

• Ex. Iron industries, which developed quickly from iron ores

– Pottery• These were all traded with Egypt

• Not much agriculture was included in Kush’s economy, for the soil was not that fertile or ideal to grow many crops– However, the small area of Kush that was near the Nile

River consisted of fertile soil from the floods

Kush’s Beliefs• The Kushites and the Egyptians

shared many gods. • The main god of Kush was Amon• Apedemak, a lion god, was also

worshipped by the Kushites• Frogs were important to the Kushites

– Seen as symbols of rain