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Kingdom Of Kush

17 11 'N 33 50' E / 17.18, 33.83

Pyramids of Meroe in Sudan - World Heritage of UNESCO Kingdom of Kerma

The Kingdom of Kerma formed from the eponymous site which will become the capital of a kingdom is powerful enough to disturb its northern neighbor, the Egypt of the Old Kingdom , which was already organizing shipments to the heart of Africa and what fact should necessarily pass through land controlled by the Nubians. It is mainly these Egyptian sources that we hold the information presented on this people, so in a somewhat belligerent or in any case did not intend to give way in the control of trade routes linking the region and major regions Central Africa and Southern Africa to the rest of avoiding - and it is a significant point - the grueling Sahara roads that already at this early period was affected by severe desertification and growing since.

There are three distinct periods for the kingdom which covers 1000 years or more development and civilization. Not being a civilization of the written word, so it is pretty hard to restore its history and great people who did. As a result, and unlike other ancient civilizations, it is essentially the archeology of this civilization can restore it in its entirety, and since we do not have to own writings to the people, we are forced to make assumptions about its evolution from cultural relics he has given us, particularly through the countless graves show that this civilization was an urban civilization, its people had gathered around major centers of worship and shopping.

First Kingdom of Kerma

( XXV at the twenty-first centuries BC. )

Under the former name Kerma means bringing together all cultures of Nilotic Sudan means that around chiefdoms banded together by a powerful monarch who was then its capital in Kerma , site of the average Nile in Sudan. The population of this age is in fact composed of a set of different tribes, more marked by the influences of southern Sudan. There is already a development of metallurgy (copper, but also bronze) and the arts: woodwork, ivory, ceramics, which has found much evidence in the burials of the period. Burial rites are related to those of the culture of Group C.

Graves then acquire their final shape: a circular pit containing the deceased buried in contracted position and head to the east, with a funerary equipment consisting mainly of ceramics for the most humble, the whole being covered with a mound around which food offerings are made and the sacrifices made funeral.

The royal tombs are much more impressive (the royal burial mounds at that time exceeded then an honorable diameter from 40 to 60 meters) and also contain a rich grave goods, subsidiary graves for the aristocracy of the time, while the surrounding Now the king is "sacrificed" on the day of his funeral and therefore receives the "privilege" to accompany his master in the afterlife. The site of Kerma is booming and many buildings testify to the existence of an organized monarchy and to which the entire region doomed to some deference.

North of this region, Nubia was dominated by tribes that are grouped under the term of Group C which prevented access to the south by controlling trade drastically, even when looting convoys returning to Egypt or went. In the Old Kingdom that situation became critical for the Egyptians who needed such access for goods and precious few from Central Africa.

Over time, the Group C seems to have gradually pacified relations with his Egyptian neighbor up to provide mercenary troops of the Pharaohs of the VIth dynasty. In return the Egypt , guaranteeing it a relatively secure at both military and economic, including overcoming periods of famine by sending grain to the people of the region. Opportunities in the gold mines of the eastern desert were probably already something.

Nubian soldiers conscripted into the Egyptian infantry - XIth Dynasty - Cairo Museum

In contrast, the distant kingdom of Kerma was always a danger for commercial shipments entering then probably compete with the young kingdom whose influence was growing. Two groups of people and culture so distinct occupied the whole valley of the Nile of Sudan until about the fifth cataract, and then formed two powerful proto-urban civilizations with which it took. It assists in effect all along the valley to the Peoples Progressive settling and establishment of villages which gradually become larger towns. Kerma was a city then already extensive.

Second Kingdom of Kerma

( Twenty-first to eighteenth centuries BC. )

With effect from the time of Kerma means, we observe the development of the kingdom and its culture including burial practices, the dead are always buried in a fetal position to head east with rich grave goods and can be followed through the evolution of these practices and the development of a hierarchy tumuli increasingly marked with the company. A true upper class sees the day and thus foreshadows the power of the kingdom to the next period. Rare direct contacts were held with neighbors to the north but trade is thriving and attests to the stability of the region. We find traces of its commercial network on the Shilluk lands south of the Nile Valley and into the mountains of Tibesti.

In northern countries, the Group C still dominates the valley until the Pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt literally annexing the area until Batn el-Haggar. There is then a reaction of the kingdom of Kerma, which will protect its cities and rear walls, a sign of the times, the dead men will then be buried with their weapons in a systematic way.

Third Kingdom of Kerma

( eighteenth to sixteenth centuries BC. )

The kingdom of Kush Classic Kerma during its territory extends from the first cataract in the vicinity of Aswan to the fourth cataract following the alliance of nations Nubian ( Group C ) and the Kingdom of Kerma , which then becomes the capital. Relations with the northern neighbor are at an early peaceful and trade is flourishing with all the Nile Valley and Central Africa.

We are witnessing a jump of agriculture and urbanization in the region. Large buildings in the capital and royal burial mounds with huge (some exceeding 100 feet in diameter). At the cultural level we see a continuation of local customs and traditions, although some architectural or decorative elements are borrowed from the Egyptian culture that remains quite active in the northern kingdom. Diplomatic relations between Kerma and dynasties Hyksos from the Nile Delta are proven and attested that the two powers tried to make an alliance to counter the rise of a rival dynasty located at Thebes. One of these rulers, Kamose then resume the advantage on the kingdom of Kerma pushing the border south of Elephantine. His successor Ahmose I. continue the conquest of the territories of Sudan.

Egyptian Domination

( sixteenth to twelfth centuries BC. )

The pharaohs of the New Kingdom Egyptian extend their dominion to the Fourth Cataract (Egyptian Nubia). Destruction of the kingdom of Kerma by Ahmose I. and Amenhotep I , and control of trade routes and gold mines in the Eastern Desert.

Construction sites and monuments in Egyptian Nubia:

Construction sites and monuments in Nubia and Sudan in Sudan:

Installation of a viceroy for the region that undergoes Egyptianization displayed. Capital at Aniba.

At the eleventh century with the end of Egyptian rule in the Sudan following the bursting of Egypt into several rival kingdoms, Nubia became independent around the Viceroy of Kush , whose last representative was certified Panhsy (reign of Ramses XI ) and thus allows the development of new chiefdoms and principalities in Sudan which seem to coexist peacefully in particular in the south.

In the tenth century we witness the establishment of a principality around a local dynasty in Napata ( Jebel Barkal ). This dynasty had its origins in the distant Meroe while still simple commercial center. Gradually the influence of the Principality covers all the kingdoms of the Sudan and a powerful kingdom in the heart of West and Central Africa. Reigns of six sovereigns unknown. In the ninth century after a civil war that plunged the Thebaid into chaos, part of the clergy of Karnak took refuge in Napata under the protection of the princes of Cush.

Kingdom of Napata

( eighth to fourth centuries BC. )

Main article: Kingdom of Napata.

With the reign of Prince Alara then the king Kashta the Kushite, we are witnessing the conquest of Lower Nubia and the Upper Egypt. We can then consider this period as the heyday of the kingdom of Napata whose dynasty claims the heritage of Egypt. Indeed, given the anarchy that reigns there, Piye ( Piankhy ) and his successors after him, intervene and ascend the throne of Egypt, founding the Twenty-fifth dynasty. Their kingdom extend from the sixth cataract and around Khartoum to the Mediterranean.

Pharaohs of the Twenty Fifth Dynasty from Napata

All will reign over the kingdom of Kush and Egypt.

From this period dates the construction of temples Napatan of Nubia and the current Sudan. This empire will end in the second half of the seventh century with the conquest of Egypt by the Assyrians. The kingdom maintains Napata as its capital then finds its original boundaries.

Kingdom of Meroe

( IV century before, the fourth century AD)

At the end of - the fourth century , the kings of Nubia face an invasion from North Napata leave and seek shelter further south to Meroe. Development of the Meroitic culture throughout the Nile Valley and close trade relations with the Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt. Conflicts erupt between the two powers and find their climax during the Roman conquest - first century.

Candace Nubian

Reign of the kings of Meroe:

Construction sites and monuments:

Development of cults of the gods Sudan: Ddoun the first of Nubia, Apedemak the great god of the South Arsnouphis and Mandulis.

Necropolis of pyramids at Royal Meroe : although there is a third century in a brief return of the royal necropolis at Napata , which must correspond to a resumption of influence in the region of northern Sudan from the Kingdom of Kush (probably when the Ptolemaic lose their suzerainty over Upper Egypt ) it is actually officially Meroe.

N19 the pyramid site of Meroe, in the center

Upon discovery of the royal necropolis of Meroe in the nineteenth century , a treasure hunt took effect the systematic destruction of the pyramids in the hope of discovering in their masonry caches and secret chambers housing the treasures of the kings of the Sudan.

Except for the treasury of Candace Amanishakhto found wrapped in towels in a bronze cauldron (forgotten by looters?) campaign of systematic destruction had little result, most royal tombs have been looted at the end of antiquity and left the royal necropolis in ruins.

In fact the pyramids of Meroe are designed the same way as the Napata , namely a burial arranged in the basement of the monument, usually formed in one piece, in which the deceased was buried with his royal furniture funeral on the day of his funeral. That's when the pyramid was built by the heirs of the deceased. These monuments had therefore no other purpose than to notify the royal tomb and thus preceded by a funeral chapel with a small tower , a legacy of religious architecture in Egypt, who often wore a representation of the king or the Queen ritually slaughtering the enemies of the kingdom. This chapel of worship built against the pyramid tomb contained a representation of Osiris in the round , which eventually disappear at the end of the Meroitic period.

Those days are troubled by numerous conflicts with the tribes and nomadic tribes of the desert West and East that led inexorably to desertification in the region looking for new land to settle. The kings and queens of Meroe and had constantly repel these incursions sometimes abandoning control of Nubia and then resuming again equating these cultures into its orbit of influence.

Relations with the Ptolemaic Egypt is uneven depending on the power of the latter. So early in the takeover of the two kingdoms early Ptolemies maintain trade and cultural exchanges that promote the economic development of Nubia. Temples and chapels are built jointly in particular Kalabsha in honor of the god Mandulis and Philae in honor of Arsnouphis.

In contrast to the second century , with the weakening of the monarchy of Alexandria , the area annexed by the border seems Kushite rulers who pushed their advantage may be downstream of the first cataract. We know that in all cases the Thebaid escaped the control of the Ptolemies for nearly a century and a small kingdom there formed, probably backed by its powerful southern neighbor.

Ptolemy V eventually reduce this sedition of Upper Egypt and pushed his expedition up Napata , however, he had to turn back, probably before the permanent hostility of local people as before the Great Persian king Cambyses II failed in this way. The Kingdom of Meroe remained undefeated and again the boundary is set at Aswan. Trade relations were resumed until the end of the Ptolemaic period in Egypt during the Roman invasion and the suicide of Cleopatra VII in -30.

In -24, conquest of Philae and Aswan by candace Amanishakhto. Conquest of Nubia by the Romans to be stopped by the queen. Peace treaty between Rome and Meroe in -21, the said treaty of Samos. The border is set at Maharraqa and from that time the two empires flourishing commercial ties. New architectural programs are held jointly controlled Nubia during the first centuries of our era. But relations are sometimes strained for reasons primarily economic (especially gold mining).

Nero organize such an expedition without a future to Meroe (failure of the expedition?). For its part the kingdom of Meroe organize expeditions to the north in order to guarantee access to places of worship.

In the second half of the fourth century , repeated incursions of the Kingdom of Aksum enter the kingdom of Meroe. It was then that one is traditionally his downfall at the hands of kings Ella Amida and Ezana of Ethiopia. The last royal burial Meroitic that we have discovered is dated to around 350 , which shows that despite these assaults in the history of civilization of Meroe was not totally annihilated by the Christian kingdom of Ethiopia.

Kingdoms post-Meroitic

( Fourth to sixth centuries )

Bursting of the kingdom of Meroe in three realms:

  • In Lower Nubia, a kingdom of Nobatia ,
  • In Upper Nubia kingdom Makuria ,
  • The region became the kingdom of Meroe Alou or Alodie.

In 450 , an alliance of Nobatae and Blemmyes cons Rome to defend their places of worship including the island of Philae was the main sanctuary. In 453 signed a peace treaty between belligerents allowing Sudan to practice their cult of Isis freely. Royal tombs of El-Hobagi and cemeteries of Qoustoul and Ballana.

Around 540 Christianization of Nubian kingdoms.

References

Bibliography

  • Jacques Reinold, Archaeology in Sudan. The civilizations of Nubia, Wandering, Paris, 2000 ( ISBN 2877721868 )
  • Collective, Sudan: Kingdoms on the Nile. Catalogue of the exhibition held at the IMA in 1997, Flammarion, Paris, 1997 ( ISBN 208010215X )
  • Charles Bonnet , Buildings and funeral rites at Kerma, Wandering, Paris, 2000 ( ISBN 2877721892 )

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