Kerma and Kush Overview

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Questions and Answers

What significant event occurred in 663 BCE regarding the 25th Dynasty?

The founding of the Ethiopian Church

The establishment of the new capital at Meroë

The Kushites retreated due to Assyrian invasion (correct)

Aksum rose to prominence

During which century did Aksum rise to prominence?

5th century CE

7th century CE

1st century CE (correct)

3rd century CE

What is the primary argument of Afrocentric historiography?

Europe has historically been undervalued in global events.

Africa played a dominant role in shaping world history.

African civilizations have no significant historical influence. (correct)

How did the Kingdom of Aksum differ from the Roman Empire theologically?

Aksum followed a different Christology Signup and view all the answers

What does the name 'Nubia' likely originate from?

The Egyptian word for gold. Signup and view all the answers

What was the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Church?

Ge'ez Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant economic connection between Aksum and Rome?

Trade relationships Signup and view all the answers

How did the Egyptians refer to the region of Kush?

Ta-Nehesy and Ta-Sety. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant military contribution of the Kushite people?

Kushite soldiers were esteemed as elite warriors, particularly archers. Signup and view all the answers

What timeframe is associated with the Kerma kingdom?

2500-1400 BCE. Signup and view all the answers

What was the center of the Kingdom of Kush?

Western Deffufa Signup and view all the answers

When did Kerma regain its independence from Egyptian occupation?

1700 BCE Signup and view all the answers

What major event occurred around 1475 BCE regarding the city of Napata?

It was founded as an Egyptian outpost. Signup and view all the answers

How long was Kush ruled as a viceroyalty of Egypt?

From its founding until 1069 BCE Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the relations between Egypt and Kush?

Mixed, sometimes peaceful and sometimes hostile Signup and view all the answers

What was the status of Kush in relation to Egypt around 1069 BCE?

An independent kingdom Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Kerma is true?

It regained independence after 2000 BCE. Signup and view all the answers

What was the demographic significance of Napata in the context of Kush?

It became the founding site of a kingdom. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant role of Kashta in the Kingdom of Kush?

He appointed his daughter as the high priestess at Thebes. Signup and view all the answers

Which event signifies the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt by Kush?

Piye conquering Lower Egypt. Signup and view all the answers

Which dynasty did the Kushite kings belong to after establishing their dominance over Egypt?

25th Pharaoh Dynasty. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the ruler of Kush known for making Memphis the capital?

Shabaka. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Kushites' rule during the 25th Dynasty?

Military campaigns leading to territorial expansion. Signup and view all the answers

Which famous biblical books mention the Kushite kings?

Book of Kings II and Book of Chronicles II. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the influence of Kush over Egypt?

Kush exerted military and political control over Egypt. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Piye play in the history of Kush?

He conquered Lower Egypt, uniting it with Upper Egypt. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Kerma & Kush

Kerma was a kingdom south of Egypt, with relations that fluctuated between peaceful and hostile.
Kerma's center was the Western Deffufa, a temple-fortress.
Egypt conquered and occupied Kerma around 2000 BCE but did not destroy it.
Kerma regained its independence around 1700 BCE but was conquered again around 1500 BCE.
The city of Napata was founded as an Egyptian outpost in Kush around 1475 BCE.
Kush was ruled as a viceroyalty of Egypt until 1069 BCE.
The independent Kingdom of Kush was founded at Napata in 1069 BCE.

The Kingdom of Kush

Kush began to assert its economic and political influence, eventually gaining dominance over Egypt.

The Kushite 25th Dynasty of Egypt

The Kushite Kings ruled Egypt from around 1000-591 BCE.
King Kashta (d. 747 BCE) had enough power to make his daughter, Amenirdis I, Wife of Amun (high priestess) at Thebes. This was the same status Hatshepsut had centuries earlier.
Kush claimed to rule all of Upper Egypt and had the military power to back it up.
Kashta’s son Piye (d. 721 BCE) conquered Lower Egypt, uniting all of Egypt under one pharaoh.
Kings of the 25th Dynasty are mentioned in the Biblical books of Kings II and Chronicles II.
Shabaka (r. ca. 719-703 BCE) made Memphis the capital.
Taharqa (r. ca. 690-664 BCE) fought against the Assyrian invasion of Egypt and established a new capital at Meroë.
In 663 BCE, the Assyrian invasion toppled the 25th Dynasty, forcing the Kushites to retreat.
In 591 BCE, an Egyptian invasion of Nubia forced the Kushites further south to Meroë, where they established a new kingdom.

Afrocentric Historiography

Its basic premise is that Europeans have downplayed Africa and over-emphasized Europe in world history.
George James' "Stolen Legacy" (1955), Molefi Kete Asante's "Afrocentricity" (1980), and Martin Bernal’s "Black Athena" (3 vols, 1987-2001) are all works of Afrocentric historiography.

Pharaonic Egypt & Ancient Nubia

Nubia is roughly the same as modern Sudan.
Egyptians referred to Nubia as Kush/Cush.
Nubia was once thought to be a southern outpost of ancient Egyptian civilization.
There was much exchange between Egypt and Nubia, but the Nubians/Kushites developed their own distinct culture.
The name "Nubia" may come from the Ancient Egyptian word for gold, “nub.”
Ancient Egyptians referred to Kush as “Ta-Sety” (Land of the Archers) and “Ta-Nehesy” (Land of the Black People).
Kushite soldiers--especially archers--were considered elite warriors and were hired to serve in pharaonic armies.

Meroë

Founded as the Kushite capital around 656 BCE by Taharqa’s descendants.
They looked increasingly towards the east (Ethiopia and Arabia) and south (Sub-Saharan Africa) rather than north (Egypt).
They were strong enough to withstand the Roman Empire.
They gradually gave way to Aksum.

Aksum

Located in Ethiopia.
Rose to prominence around 100 CE.
Had access to the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean trade routes.
Converted to Christianity under King Ezana (r. 303-350 CE).
By the 6th century CE, Aksum was considered one of the great world powers.

Ethiopian (Tewahedo) Church

Founded around 333 CE.
Has close ties to the Coptic (Egyptian) Church of Alexandria.
Its Liturgical language is Ge’ez.
Its Christology differs from the Churches of Rome (Catholic) and Constantinople (Orthodox).

Aksum, the Red Sea, and the Empires

Aksum differed theologically from Rome.
They were connected economically through trade.
Aksum invaded Yemen in 520 CE.
The Persians took Yemen in 570 CE, leading to the decline of Aksum.

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Description

Explore the rich history of the kingdoms of Kerma and Kush, including their fluctuating relations with Egypt, significant events, and lasting influence. This quiz covers the rise of Kush as a dominant power in the region and its notable rulers, particularly during the Kushite 25th Dynasty.