Cultures of NubiaCultures of Nubia

Coach ParrishCoach Parrish

OMSOMSChapter 3, Section 5Chapter 3, Section 5

Land of the BowLand of the Bow

►Egyptians called Nubia, “The Land of Egyptians called Nubia, “The Land of the Bow,” because of their skilled the Bow,” because of their skilled archers. The Egyptians hired Nubian archers. The Egyptians hired Nubian archers for their army.archers for their army.

Nubian ArchersNubian Archers

Valuable ResourcesValuable Resources

►Egypt valued Nubia for its rich mineral Egypt valued Nubia for its rich mineral resources such as gold, copper, and resources such as gold, copper, and iron ore. iron ore. OreOre – mineral or a – mineral or a combination of minerals mined for the combination of minerals mined for the production of metals.production of metals.

►The most powerful kingdoms of Nubia The most powerful kingdoms of Nubia were located in the cities of Kerma, were located in the cities of Kerma, Napata, and MeroNapata, and Meroë ruled by the ë ruled by the Kushites.Kushites.

Ancient Map of NubiaAncient Map of Nubia

Kerma’s WealthKerma’s Wealth

►From about 2000 to 1500 BC, the From about 2000 to 1500 BC, the Kushites ruled Kerma and became Kushites ruled Kerma and became very wealthy because they controlled very wealthy because they controlled trade.trade.

►Kerma became wealthy because of Kerma became wealthy because of their hand made pottery that became their hand made pottery that became valuable.valuable.

Conflict with EgyptConflict with Egypt

►Around 1500 BC, as Egypt was Around 1500 BC, as Egypt was regaining strength, Thutmose I sent regaining strength, Thutmose I sent his armies into Nubia. The war that his armies into Nubia. The war that lasted 50 years helped to mix Egyptian lasted 50 years helped to mix Egyptian culture into Nubian culture.culture into Nubian culture.

Capital of NapataCapital of Napata

► In the late 700s, Egypt had lost some In the late 700s, Egypt had lost some of its power and the Kushites of its power and the Kushites expanded Nubia into Egypt. They expanded Nubia into Egypt. They moved their capital first to Thebes and moved their capital first to Thebes and then to Memphis.then to Memphis.

►The Napatan rule was short lived as The Napatan rule was short lived as they were forced back into Nubia in they were forced back into Nubia in 660 BC.660 BC.

Capital of MeroCapital of Meroëë

►After being forced south, the Nubians After being forced south, the Nubians founded a royal court in the ancient founded a royal court in the ancient city of Merocity of Meroë.ë.

►The large desert east of The large desert east of MeroMeroë ë contained large amounts of iron ore. contained large amounts of iron ore. Nubians used the iron ore to make Nubians used the iron ore to make weapons and control trade.weapons and control trade.

►Today, Nubian culture lives in the Today, Nubian culture lives in the current country of Sudan in Africa.current country of Sudan in Africa.