Egypt and Kush
Egypt and Kush
Historical Context
After a period of disorder, new dynasties of pharaohs established the New Kingdom (c. 1550-1070 B.C.).
The New Kingdom restored Egyptian greatness, entering an era of power and imperial expansion.
The Kingdom of Kush emerged to the south of Egypt during this time.
The New Kingdom of Egypt
End of the Middle Kingdom
The Middle Kingdom ended around 1650 B.C. due to the invasion of the Hyksos from western Asia.
The Hyksos utilized horse-drawn chariots to overpower Egyptian soldiers.
They ruled Egypt for almost 100 years.
Influence of the Hyksos
Despite the adverse conditions, Egyptians learned valuable skills:
Adoption of bronze for farming tools and weapon production.
Mastery of military techniques including horse-drawn chariots.
A new dynasty of pharaohs eventually expelled the Hyksos and reunited Egypt.
Pharaoh Ahmose I
Ahmose I defeated the Hyksos, leading to the New Kingdom's establishment.
This era saw the development of a professional army and a militaristic approach to foreign policy.
Height of the New Kingdom
Expansion Under Thutmose I & III
Thutmose I expanded the southern border into Nubia.
Thutmose III conducted 17 military campaigns, reaching the Euphrates, while allowing local princes to maintain power in occupied regions.
Egypt became active in political alliances and diplomacy.
Reign of Amenhotep III
Amenhotep III's reign (c. 1412-1375 B.C.) was marked by grandeur:
Consteruction of significant buildings and temples, notably at Karnak and Luxor.
His era saw notable artistic and architectural achievements.
Religious Revolution Under Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten)
Akhenaten promoted the worship of Aten as the sole god, closing other temples.
Established a new capital, Akhetaten (modern-day Tel el-Amarna).
His religious reforms faced resistance and were rejected after his death, leading to the restoration of worship of the old gods by Tutankhamen.
Role of Hatshepsut
Hatshepsut reigned as pharaoh, initially as regent for her stepson but later assumed kingship.
Known for her significant building projects, including a magnificent temple at Deir el-Bahri.
She engaged in military expeditions and trade, promoting prosperity in Egypt.
Decline of the Egyptian Empire
Challenges Leading to Downfall
Akhenaten's focus on religious reform diverted attention from foreign relations, leading to the loss of territories in Syria and Canaan.
Ramses II (c. 1279-1213 B.C.) attempted to reclaim lost lands, regaining some control over Canaan but failing to restore Egypt's empire fully.
Invasion of the Sea Peoples
The late 1200s B.C. saw invasions by the Sea Peoples, leading to a significant decline in Egyptian power and restricting its borders.
The New Kingdom officially collapsed by 1070 B.C.
The Kingdom of Kush
Rise and Development
Nubia became a significant trade area with Egypt by 2000 B.C.
After the collapse of the New Kingdom, Kush emerged as an independent state around 1000 B.C.
In 750 B.C., Kush successfully conquered Egypt but was later repelled by the Assyrians in 663 B.C.
Economy and Trade
Initially agrarian, Kush developed into a major trading empire centered in Meroe.
Meroe was strategically located at trade routes and was rich in iron ore, facilitating the production and export of iron goods.
Major exports included ivory, gold, ebony, and slaves, while receiving luxury goods from places like India and Arabia.
Kushite Society
Little is known of Kushite society, but it is presumed to have been urban and prosperous, indicated by the luxury in grave goods.
The presence of a merchant class is suggested by the construction of large houses with courtyards.
Public baths and luxurious palaces reflected the prosperity of the Kush royal family.
End of the Kingdom of Kush
Kush flourished from about 250 B.C. to A.D. 150 before declining, possibly due to the rise of Axum in modern-day Ethiopia.
Axum's advantage stemmed from its strategic location on trade routes between India and the Mediterranean.