Chapter 2 (B) - Northeast Africa

Africa in Ancient Times

Geography and States

• Africa is a large and geographically diverse continent.

• Changing climates contributed to diverse origins of early states.

• Major geographic lines: Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.

• The continent has various biomes including:

  • Tropical/Subtropical Biomes

  • Dry Biomes (e.g., Deserts, Xeric Shrublands)

  • Temperate Biomes (e.g., Broadleaf and Mixed Forests)

  • Polar/Montane Biomes

  • Aquatic Biomes (e.g., Lakes, Mangroves)

The Nubian Kingdoms (C. 2400 BC - C. 350 AD)

Northern Africa and the Nile River

• The Nile River was crucial for Egyptian and Nubian civilizations.

• It flows from south to north and provided arable land after periods of desiccation (6000-3500 BC).

• Gradual drying led populations to migrate towards the Nile for sustenance.

Nile Cataracts

• Features shallow and narrow points in the Nile River.

• These cataracts are crucial for navigation; often impassable to boats.

• Source of revenue for kingdoms along the Nile, as the cataracts create natural barriers that control trade routes and protect resources from invasion.

Kingdoms of Kerma and Kush

• Kerma: 2400 – 1500 BC

  • Emerged due to favorable agricultural conditions.

  • Agricultural development and settlements evolved along the Nile.

  • Capital city named Kerma with limited urban development.

  • Taxation on goods traded through cataracts was a significant revenue source.

• Kush: C. 1000 BC - 300 AD

  • Capital at Napata (750 – 593 BC).

  • Successfully invaded Egypt in 744 BC, led by King Piye.

  • Ruled Egypt as the 25th dynasty and influenced through cultural adoption.

  • Constructed modified pyramids, imitating those of Egypt.

Cultural Aspects of Kerma and Kush

• Kerma's society utilized tombs, with the Eastern Cemetery housing over 30,000 tombs, indicating practices like human sacrifice.

• Kush culture was heavily influenced by Egyptian customs, especially during the 25th Dynasty rule (744-656 BC).

Transition to Meroe

• After 593 BC, Kush relocated to Meroe due to Assyrian attacks and geographic advantages.

• Meroe became a thriving city with a population peak of around 20,000 thanks to fertile land and summer rainfall.

Development of Meroe

• Meroe became economically successful with an iron-smelting industry and hardwood resources for weapon production.

• It also had access to profitable trade routes, exchanging surplus goods with Egypt, Greece, Rome, and India.

Meroitic Script

• Developed in the 3rd century BC, featuring two scripts:

  • Everyday script for stylus writing.

  • Hieroglyphics for ceremonial and formal uses.

Decline of Meroe

• The decline was caused by changes in trade routes, deforestation, and incursions by nomadic groups.

• The rise of the Axum Kingdom further contributed to its downfall, leading to abandonment by 350 AD.