The History and Origins of the Kingdom of Kush
- Kerma: The First Kingdom of Kush. The first Kingdom of Kush, also known as Kerma, is one of if not the oldest African states outside of Egypt.
- The Second Kingdom of Kush. Over time, Egyptian control over Nubia declined, and by the 11th century B.C., the Viceroys of Kush had become independent kings.
- Meroe. ...
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Why was Kush an important trading center?
Kush’s location and natural resources made it an important trading hub, or center. Kush linked central and southern Africa to Egypt. Pharaohs sent expeditions on ships south along the Nile to buy, or sometimes steal, goods. The Egyptians traded grain and linen for Kush’s gold, ivory, leather, and timber.
Why is Kush so good?
Why is Kush so good? Kush strains are known to have the utmost relaxing effect, all while making the user giggly and joyous. Kush strains with strong ties to their indica roots are very hard to come by these days, as the cannabis community moved towards growing highly resistant hybrids.
What was the religion of ancient Kush?
In the beginning, the religion of Kush appears to have differed little from that of pharaonic Egypt. The principal state deity was Amun, whose cult was celebrated at the great state temples of Napata and Meroe, and at many other places.
Why was Kush located where it was?
Why did Egypt want control of Kush? A kingdom located south of Egypt in Southern Nubia. They were conquered by the Egyptians because Egypt feared that they would grow powerful enough to conquer them. How did the Kush come to rule Egypt? After King Kashta (“the Kushite”) invaded Egypt in the 8th century BC, the ]
Which cities were in Kush?
There were three major cities in Kush. The earliest was Kerma. Later, the cities of Napata and Meroe were at different times the capitals of the Ki...
Is Kush part of Africa?
Yes, Kush is part of Africa. The Kingdom of Kush existed in what is now modern day Sudan along the Nile River.
How did the Kush come to rule Egypt?
During a period of unrest in Egypt, the Kushite ruler Piye invaded Egypt, He and his successors succeeded in becoming the rulers of Egypt as the 25...
What was the kingdom of Kush known for?
The Kingdom of Kush was known for invading Egypt and ruling as the 25th Dynasty. It was also famous for its ruling queens known as Candaces.
Who destroyed Kush?
The Kingdom of Kush ultimately fell to invasions by the Kingdom of Axum. Not long afterwards, Meroe, the last capital of Kush was abandoned.
When did the Kush civilization begin?
While the history of the overall country is quite ancient, the Kingdom of Kush flourished between c. 1069 BCE and 350 CE.
Where is Kush located?
Kush was a kingdom in northern Africa in the region corresponding to modern-day Sudan. The larger region around Kush (later referred to as Nubia) was inhabited c. 8,000 BCE but the Kingdom of Kush rose much later. The Kerma Culture, so named after the city of Kerma in the region, is attested as early as 2500 BCE and archaeological evidence ...
What happened to the Kush kingdom?
The Kingdom of Kush continued on with Meroe as its capital until an invasion by the Aksumites c. 330 CE which destroyed the city and toppled the kingdom. Overuse of the land, however, had already depleted the resources of Kush and the cities would most likely have been abandoned even without the Aksumite invasion.
Why did the Kushites not worry about incursions into their territory by Egypt?
The Kushites no longer had to worry about incursions into their territory by Egypt because Egypt now had enough trouble managing itself. They founded the Kingdom of Kush with Napata as its capital, and Kush became the power in the region while Egypt floundered. Remove Ads. Advertisement.
When was Kerma culture established?
The Kerma Culture, so named after the city of Kerma in the region, is attested as early as 2500 BCE and archaeological evidence from Sudan and Egypt show that Egyptians and the people of Kush region were in contact from the Early Dynastic Period in Egypt (c. 3150 - c. 2613 BCE) onwards.
Where did the word "Nubia" come from?
The region of Kush was the main source of gold for the Egyptians, and it is thought that 'Nubia' derived from the Egyptian word for gold, 'nub'. There is another theory, however, which claims that 'Nubia' derives from the people known as the Noba or Nuba who settled there.
Who drove the Hyksos from Egypt?
The Kushites of Kerma and the Hyksos engaged in trade with the Egyptians at Thebes until Ahmose I (c. 1570-1544 BCE) drove the Hyksos from Egypt and then marched south to defeat the Kushites. Egyptian campaigns into Kush continued during the reigns of Thutmose I (1520-1492 BCE) and Thutmose III (1458-1425 BCE).
Who bred OG kush?
Likewise, Master Kush and OG Kush, two of the most beloved Kush strains, were originally bred by legendary seed bank, Sensi Seeds.
Where is the Kush region?
So what’s the history behind this beloved lineage? Kush strains trace their heritage to the Hindu Kush region, an area with disputed boundaries shouldering India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Hindu Kush is located north of Jammu and Kashmir, currently controlled by India — which Pakistan argues belongs to them. The area has a rich history, not just because of its long history of cannabis and hashish production, but for its volatility and political instability.
How did Kush strains make their way to Europe and the New World?
The Hippie Trail was made famous by subculture seekers in the mid-1960s through the late 1970s. Many a beatnik and hippie made the overland journey, traversing Europe to South Asia (specifically Pakistan, India, and Nepal). A popular alt-tourist destination, North Americans and Europeans (particularly members of the Brotherhood of Eternal Love) made the pilgrimage bringing back with them Hindu Kush seeds.
What was the impact of Hindu kush on Western cannabis cultivation?
The profound impact of Hindu Kush on Western cannabis cultivation can’t be understated. The Kush strains from this region revolutionized production. Indica strains are more versatile (from a growing perspective) than Sativa strains. By introducing these marvels of nature to the genetic pool, growers were able to dramatically shorten flowering times, while being able to be cultivated in cold and remote areas, like Alaska.
What is the most popular strain of cannabis?
Kush strains consistently rank as some of the most popular strains, with numerous varieties taking top honors at cannabis cups across the globe (including the revered HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup). Let’s dig into the history of kush.
Where is Hindu Kush located?
Hindu Kush is located north of Jammu and Kashmir, currently controlled by India — which Pakistan argues belongs to them. The area has a rich history, not just because of its long history of cannabis and hashish production, but for its volatility and political instability. Nestled comfortably along stunningly gorgeous Himalayas mountain range, ...
Is Hindu kush a landrace?
Hindu Kush: An Epic Landrace Strain. Not only is Hindu Kush a region made famous by its popular crop, Hindu Kush is an eponymously named landrace strain. In fact, it’s because of landrace strain that the words “Kush” and “Indica” are used interchangeably.
When did Kush become independent?
With the disintegration of the New Kingdom around 1070 BC , Kush became an independent kingdom centered at Napata in modern northern Sudan. This more-Egyptianized "Kingdom of Kush" emerged, possibly from Kerma, and regained the region's independence from Egypt.
How long did the Egyptians rule Kush?
The Egyptians ruled Kush for 800 years in New kingdom at intermittent intervals that began when the Egyptian King Thutmose I occupied Kush and destroyed its capital, Kerma.
What did the Kushites do?
The Kushites had their own unique language and script; maintained a complex economy based on trade and industry; mastered archery; and developed a complex, urban society with uniquely high levels of female participation.
What happened to Nubia in the 3rd century BC?
From the 3rd century BC to 3rd AD century, northern Nubia would be invaded and annexed to Egypt. Rule d by the Macedonians and Romans for the next 600 years, this territory would be known in the Greco-Roman world as Dodekaschoinos. It was later taken back under control by the fourth Kushite king Yesebokheamani. The Kingdom of Kush persisted as a major regional power until the fourth century AD when it weakened and disintegrated from internal rebellion amid worsening climatic conditions,and invasions by the Noba people.The city of Meroë was captured and destroyed by the Kingdom of Aksum, marking the end of the kingdom and its dissolution into the three polities of Nobatia, Makuria and Alodia .
What dynasty was the Kushite Empire in?
For the period of Kushite rule in Egypt, see Twenty-fifth Dynasty of Egypt. Kushite heartland, and Kushite Empire of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty of Egypt, circa 700 BC.
Where did the Kerma civilization originate?
The Kerma culture was an early civilization centered in Kerma, Sudan. It flourished from around 2500 BC to 1500 BC in ancient Nubia. The Kerma culture was based in the southern part of Nubia, or " Upper Nubia " (in parts of present-day northern and central Sudan ), and later extended its reach northward into Lower Nubia and the border of Egypt. The polity seems to have been one of several Nile Valley states during the Middle Kingdom of Egypt. In the Kingdom of Kerma's latest phase, lasting from about 1700–1500 BC, it absorbed the Sudanese kingdom of Sai and became a sizable, populous empire rivaling Egypt.
When did the Kerma culture emerge?
The latter polity began to emerge around 1000 BC, 500 years after the end of the Kingdom of Kerma.
Where do kush grow?
Growing kush strains. Over the centuries, Kush landrace strains survived and thrived in the harsh mountain country of the Hinda Kush range. Because these are typically tough strains with landrace origins, they don’t require a ton of close upkeep, and are usually easier for novice growers.
What is Afghan kush?
Kush is one of several building-block strains that have been used to breed an entire family of strains and hybrid cannabis chemovars.
What does a kush feel like?
What kush strains feel like. Kush strains are known for providing a relaxing, sedative experience, akin to wrapping yourself in a blanket and hovering over a hot cup of tea in a mountaintop Hindu Kush village. The high can be very euphoric and happy, but not especially energetic or cerebral like with Haze strains.
What are the physical attributes of kush?
The physical attributes of kush strains. True Kush strains are indica or indica dominant, and they grow shorter and bushier, with large leaves that often have a purple tint to them. Kush strains tend to have dense, resin-coated buds, and often have a slight purple shade. With their landrace origins, Kush strains evolved a hardy, ...
Why is Hindu Kush so popular?
Like a classic Kush, it produces dense buds with a thick coating of resin , one of the reasons it is so popular with people making hash. Hindu Kush has an earthy, sweet aroma that is often compared to that of hashish. It produces a calming, relaxing high that can help you get a great night’s sleep, or just relieve a little stress.
What is the smell of kush?
Befitting its high country origins, the aroma of Kush weed can be very earthy and pine-scented. Other aromas of Kush weed can be floral, hashy, or sweet and spicy. Because of its aromas and smooth, earthy flavors, smoking Kush can be a highly-sensory experience.
How many strains of cannabis are there?
But even though there are well over 18,000 strains that we know about, ultimately almost all of them come back to a certain core trio of strain families: Kush, Haze, and Skunk. Cannabis strains are also typically categorized as “indica,” “sativa,” or “hybrid.”. Countless cannabis fans use this to determine what type of high they’ll get ...
When did Egypt conquer Kush?
During the New Kingdom (about 1600–1100 B.C.E.), at the height of Egypt's power, Egypt conquered Kush and forced its people to pay tribute in the form of gifts.
How long did the Kush kingdom last?
The kingdom of Kush survived for nearly 400 more years. In 350 C.E., Kush fell to invaders from the African country of Ethiopia.
How far did the Kush kingdom extend?
The kingdom of Kush now extended 1,500 miles. It reached from the Kushite city of Meroë(MER-oh-ee), located on the southern Nile River, to the Mediterranean Sea.
What did the Kushites worship?
Artwork, clothing, and buildings no longer imitated Egyptian styles. For example, Kushites worshipped an African lion-god rather than Egyptian gods.
How long did the Kushite civilization last?
The large, wealthy city of Meroë became the center of a Kushite civilization that lasted for nearly 1,000 years
What is the name of the ancient civilization in Africa?
Aside from Egypt, Kush was the greatest ancient civilization in Africa. Similar to its neighbor to the north, Kush grew up around the fertile banks of the Nile River. Kush was known for its rich gold mines. In fact, another name for Kush is Nubia, which comes from , the Egyptian word for gold.
Who invaded Egypt in 671 B.C.E.?
By the 670s B.C.E., the Assyrians, who had created a powerful empire in Mesopotamia, started attacking Egypt. In 671 B.C.E., an Assyrian king invaded Egypt. For many years, the Kushites tried to defend themselves, but the Assyrians' advanced iron weaponry drove the Kushites out of Egypt.
What was the Kush people?
At this period in Kush's history, they were an agrarian people, great with horses, and likely equipped with a respectable, albeit rudimentary, military. But Kush had no organized bureaucracy to speak of. Their writing system was simple at best, and they had no major cities or trading centers to their name.
When did the Golden Years of Kush start?
The Golden Years of Kush. Shutterstock. The Kingdom of Kush was gradually driven south from around 600 BCE to 300 BCE, this time for good. Choosing a new capital, Meroe, the kingdom set about rebuilding and expanding its influence, free from the constant turmoil surrounding Egypt and its vast natural resources.
What kingdom was the first to call the shots?
The Kingdom of Kush wielded remarkable influence. Even as its earliest tousles with Egypt left Kush militarily battered and financially bruised, the Kushites called the shots over a vast 750-mile portion of the Nile Valley.
How did the Kush hold its territories together?
We don't know how Kush held its massive territories together during its first millennia or so of preeminence. We do know that the Kingdom of Kush's wealth and political significance eventually left an indelible mark, forging an agile and mercenary culture that, in its heyday, could give Egypt a run for its money.
How did Kushite spread wealth?
Historian Randi Haaland describes redistribution as a tool for maintaining a strong sense of social cohesion. Kushite kings would "mediate the flow of goods and services internally between different occupational specialists ... as well as externally between different kingdoms." This generated a strong sense of loyalty to Kush, as well as a handy network of debts to cash in further down the line. The system may also have provided the ancient world equivalent of a social welfare safety net, with surplus produce and income from taxes extended to the most deprived people within the kingdom.
What were the Kushites' superpowers?
However, being in control of such a vast territory of rich land would eventually equip the Kushites with two cultural superpowers that would serve them well right through to their glory days: Trade and horses. The Kushites were accustomed to living in vast, open spaces, and their way of life depended on horses. As the kingdom's territory and range of influence expanded, the ability to effortless range over vast distances seamed perfectly with trade's subtle dance of logistics and commerce. Equestrian prowess also meant that Kush packed a military punch well above its weight-class. While the Kushites may have lacked the military apparatus of Egypt, Kush could shift force around quickly and decisively. As JSTOR Daily puts it, "What was unobtainable through trade might have been obtained through force." Kush would come to build trading connections as far away as modern-day Morocco and perhaps even Europe.
What was the Kushites' way of life?
The Kushites were accustomed to living in vast, open spaces, and their way of life depended on horses. As the kingdom's territory and range of influence expanded, the ability to effortless range over vast distances seamed perfectly with trade's subtle dance of logistics and commerce.
Name
Kerma & Early Kush
- The city of Kerma was established in Kush by c. 2400 BCE and was powerful enough to threaten Egypt as attested by Egyptian inscriptions and forts built to repel raids from the south. Even so, the kings of Kerma and Egypt established a lucrative tradefor both parties and Egypt relied on Kerma for the import of gold, ebony, incense, exotic animals, and ivory among other luxury items…
Napata
- Napata was clearly influenced by Egyptian culture from its very beginning. Rulers were buried beneath pyramid tombs with Egyptian gravegoods, making dating certain graves difficult since a relatively recent grave of a Kushite king might contain items from 200 years before his reign. The lack of a written record also makes positive dating difficult. Scholar Derek A. Welsby notes how “…
The 25th Dynasty
- The Third Intermediate Period in Egypt, although not as chaotic and dark as early Egyptologists have claimed, saw a general decline in the wealth and international prestige of the nation. At the same time, Kush was flourishing and the first Kushite king known by name, Alara, unified the kingdom and consolidated religious rites centered at Napata. His dates are unknown (although …
The Great City of Meroe
- The 25th Dynasty ended with Tantamani, and he was replaced by the Assyrians with a puppet king known as Necho I. Necho's son, Psammeticus I (also known as Psamtik I, c. 665-610 BCE), threw off Assyrian rule and founded the 26th Dynasty of Egypt. Psammeticus I and his successor, Necho II, ruled well, but Necho II's successor, Psammeticus II, felt he needed a glorious military …
Conclusion
- Meroe, on the banks of the Nile, was an agricultural and industrial complex, as well as the capital of the Kingdom of Kush, and grew wealthy through its iron works and trade. Grains and cereals were exported along with iron weapons and tools and livestock roamed the fields around the city. Meroe was so wealthy that it became legendary and the Persian king Cambyses II(525-522 BCE…
Overview
The Kingdom of Kush was an ancient kingdom in Nubia, centered along the Nile Valley in what is now northern Sudan and southern Egypt.
The region of Nubia was an early cradle of civilization, producing several complex societies that engaged in trade and industry. The city-state of Kerma emerged as the dominant political force between 2450 and 1450 BC, controlling the Nile Valley between the first and fourth cataracts, an …
History
The Kerma culture was an early civilization centered in Kerma, Sudan. It flourished from around 2500 BC to 1500 BC in ancient Nubia. The Kerma culture was based in the southern part of Nubia, or "Upper Nubia" (in parts of present-day northern and central Sudan), and later extended its reach northward into Lower Nubia and the border of Egypt. The polity seems to have been one of several Nile Valley states during the Middle Kingdom of Egypt. In the Kingdom of Kerma's latest phase, la…
Name
The native name of the Kingdom was recorded in Egyptian as kꜣš, likely pronounced IPA: [kuɫuʃ] or IPA: [kuʔuʃ] in Middle Egyptian, when the term was first used for Nubia, based on the New Kingdom-era Akkadian transliteration of the genitive kūsi.
It is also an ethnic term for the native population who initiated the kingdom of Kush. The term is also displayed in the names of Kushite persons, such as King Kashta (a transcription of kꜣš-tꜣ "…
Language and writing
The Meroitic language was spoken in Meroë and Sudan during the Meroitic period (attested from 300 BC). It became extinct about 400 AD. It is uncertain to which language family the Meroitic language is related. Kirsty Rowan suggests that Meroitic, like the Egyptian language, belongs to the Afro-Asiatic family. She bases this on its sound inventory and phonotactics, which she argues are similar to those of the Afro-Asiatic languages and dissimilar from those of the Nilo-Saharan l…
Technology, medicine, and mathematics
The natives of the Kingdom of Kush developed a type of water wheel or scoop wheel, the saqiyah, named kolē by the Kush. The saqiyah was developed during the Meroitic period to improve irrigation. The introduction of this machine had a decisive influence on agriculture especially in Dongola as this wheel lifted water 3 to 8 meters with much less expenditure of labor and time than the shaduf, which was the previous chief irrigation device in the kingdom. The shaduf relied on h…
Military
During the siege of Hermopolis in the eighth century BC, siege towers were built for the Kushite army led by Piye, in order to enhance the efficiency of Kushite archers and slingers. After leaving Thebes, Piye's first objective was besieging Ashmunein. He gathered his army after their lack of success so far, and undertook the personal supervision of operations including the erection of a siege tower from which Kushite archers could fire down into the city. Early shelters protecting sa…
Architecture
During the Bronze Age, Nubian ancestors of the Kingdom of Kush built speoi (a speos is a temple or tomb cut into a rock face) between 3700 and 3250 BC. This greatly influenced the architecture of the New Kingdom of Egypt. Tomb monuments were one of the more recognizable expressions of Kushite architecture. Uniquely Kushite tomb monuments were found from the beginning of the empire, at el Kurru, to the decline of the kingdom. These monuments developed organically fro…
Kush and Egyptology
On account of the Kingdom of Kush's proximity to Ancient Egypt — the first cataract at Elephantine usually being considered the traditional border between the two polities — and because the 25th dynasty ruled over both states in the eighth century BC, from the Rift Valley to the Taurus mountains, historians have closely associated the study of Kush with Egyptology, in keeping with the general assumption that the complex sociopolitical development of Egypt's neighbors can b…