This document discusses the cultures of Nubia, including the Kerma, Napata, and Meroë kingdoms. It notes that Nubia was located between Central Africa and Egypt and acted as a trade link. The Kerma culture was the first Nubian state located along the Nile River from around 2500 to 1500 BC. Napata expanded into Egypt under King Taharka but its rule did not last long. Meroë was the southern capital of the Kushite Kingdom from around 800 BC to 280 AD. The cultures of Nubia adopted Egyptian beliefs and built pyramids, while also developing a strong iron industry and international trade.

1. ANCIENT EGYPT AND NUBIA Development of Ancient Civilisations

2. In this unit… How did physical geography affect the growth of ancient civilisations? What historical accomplishments is each civilisation known for? What were the beliefs and values of ancient peoples? How did ancient people develop governments?

3. Section V The Cultures of Nubia

4. In this section you will Examine the relationship between Nubia and Egypt Learn about the Nubian kingdoms centered in Kerma, Napata and Meroë.

5. Lower Nubia Upper Nubia

6. Nubia & Egypt Nubia was located between Central Africa and Egypt - trade link for goods from C. Africa to Egypt, Mesopotamia Nubia and Egypt also had direct dealings with each other - Egypt hired Nubian archers Nubia and Egypt conquered each others’ lands at different points in history Nubians adopted Egyptian ways eg. Believed in Egyptian gods, built pyramids

7. Kerma, Napata and Meroë The Kerma culture, called Kush or Kushite by the Egyptians, was the first Nubian state, situated between the third and fourth cataracts of the Nile River, c. 2500 and 1500 BC. Napata was situated between the fourth and fifth cataracts of the Nile River, c. 750 BC - c. 660BC expanded into Egypt under Taharka, but the rule of the Napatan kings did not last long, and Napata was eventually abandoned for Meroë. Meroë was the southern capital of the Kushite Kingdom, c. 800 BC - c. 280 AD, situated between the fifth and sixth cataracts of the Nile River

8. Kerma Bronze dagger from Kerma. Classic phase (ca. 1750 to 1600 B.C.) (London: British Museum). The high quality of this bronze is due in part to the use of an advanced type of kiln that reached very high temperatures.

9. Kerma Tulip beaker - Kerma craftsmen, probably working under the direction of the temple, produced large quantities of high quality ceramics, much of which ended up as grave goods.

10. Napata A granite sphinx of one of the most famous Napatan kings who ruled Egypt and Nubia for approx 26 years : Taharqa

11. Meroë Aerial view of the Nubian pyramids at Meroë, Photographer: B N Chagny

12. Meroë Meroë was the base of a flourishing kingdom whose wealth was due to strong iron industry, plus an international trade involving India and China. Traded metal works, exported cotton textiles and jewelry. Nubia was very rich in gold. They also traded "exotic" animals from farther south in Africa

13. Section V Next lesson: Ancient India The Cultures of Nubia