Chapter 3 Ancient Egypt and Nubia Section 5
Chapter 3: Ancient Egypt and Nubia Section 5: The Cultures of Nubia
Nubia & Egypt Archaeologists have found pottery, weapons, and jewelry at Nubian burial sites that date back to about 6000 b. c. They also show trade existed in Nubia.
Land of the Bow The Egyptians referred to Nubia as “Ta Sety” which means “Land of the Bow. ” This was in reference to the Nubians being skilled archers.
Valuable Resources Egypt Valued Nubia for its rich mineral resources such as gold, copper, and iron ore. Ore is a mineral or combination of minerals used for making metals. Early in its history Egypt benefited from goods that came from Lower Nubia, the region between the first and second Nile cataracts. Later, kingdoms in Upper Nubia, a region between the second and sixth Nile cataracts, began to rise to power and rival Egypt for power and resources.
The Kerma Culture The Kushites came to power at a time when Egypt was weakening. The Kushite kingdom expanded from Kerma into southern Egypt. These Nubians became known as the Kerma Culture. Nubian Pyramids
Kerma’s Wealth Kerma had gained power by controlling trade between central Africa and Egypt. Like the Egyptians, the people of Kerma put a lot of time and work into their dead. They buried their dead in large mounds with earthly possessions. Kerma was noted for its Artisans, people who are skilled at crafting items by hand. Their works have been found in the pyramids of pharaohs.
Conflict With Egypt would regain its power and control Nubia all the way to the fourth cataract. The Egyptians ruled the Nubians for the next 700 years. It was during this time that the Nubians began to adopt many Egyptian ways such as building pyramids and worshipping Egyptian gods.
Napata & Meroe After centuries of Egyptian rule, the Kushites again rose to power. Around 700 b. c. their kingdom was centered in the Nubian city of Napata and later Meroe. They then moved their capital into the Egyptian cities of Thebes and Memphis. The Nubians admired Egpytian culture and brought back many Egyptian ways. The Pharaohs of Egypt's 25 th dynasty were Nubians. About 660 b. c the Nubians were pushed back into Nubia and never again controlled Egyptian land.
The Capital of Meroe became the center of an empire that included much of Nubia. Meroe had large deposits of Iron Ore which the Nubians used to make weapons and tools. Iron plows allowed them to produce large amounts of food. Iron weapons allowed them to control trade routes. Meroe grew rich from this trade. Fetures of Nubian culture still exist in Africa today. Nubian styles of pottery, furniture, jewelry and hairstyles are still found today in the African country of Sudan.
Let‘s Review! 1. Why did Egypt and Nubia become rivals? 2. What were some characteristics of Kerma? 3. How did the people of Meroe use iron ore?
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