In February 2013, archaeologists working on a site in Seidinga, northern Sudan, discovered 2000-year-old pyramids belonging to the ancient kingdom of Kush. For many years now, Sudan has been an archaeological hotspot, with evidence being uncovered of a civilization that was as advanced as Egypt in art, architecture, military prowess and trade. It even had its own Meriotic script.
Situated at the confluence of the Blue Nile, White Nile and River Atbara, there were two kingdoms of Kush (also known as Nubia), at different times in history. The first kingdom existed from around 2500 BCE, when the capital was at Kerma and the second from 800 BCE to 350 CE when the capital city was Meroe and to a lesser extent, Napata. In between, for around 500 years, Egypt colonized the area and a viceroy appointed by the Pharaoh ruled over Kush.
Kush is historically because it is the only ancient civilization with truly African roots. Its unrivalled power and wealth even saw it rule over Egypt for more than a century (between 747 BCE and 656 BCE) when the Kushite king Piye established the 25th dynasty.
Kush’s main occupation was agriculture. The presence of four waterfalls downriver in the Nile facilitated the building of reservoirs and wells that were used to irrigate the fields. Iron ore and gold were also mined. Kush enjoyed a flourishing trade since it was a conduit between Egypt and the rest of eastern Africa.
In 593 BCE, Napata was sacked, possibly by the Egyptians, and again in 23 BCE by the Romans.
Picture Credit : Google
