The Kingdom of Kush

Definition

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 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. The later civilization defined as 'Kushite' probably evolved from this earlier culture but was heavily influenced by the Egyptians.

More about: The Kingdom of Kush

Timeline

  • c. 2400 BCE - c. 1500 BCE
    Kerma Culture in Kush.
  • 1700 BCE
    The Kingdom of Kush is formed to the south of Egypt.
  • 1600 BCE
    Founding of the kingdom of Kush, Nubia.
  • c. 1500 BCE - c. 590 BCE
    Napatan Culture in Kush.
  • c. 1069 BCE - 350 CE
    The Kingdom of Kush.
  • 750 BCE - 666 BCE
    The Kushite 25th Dynasty rules Egypt.
  • 712 BCE - 671 BCE
    Egypt is ruled by the Kushite dynasty.
  • 590 BCE
    City of Napata sacked; Kushite capital moves to Meroe.
  • c. 284 BCE - c. 314 CE
    Female monarchs known as Candaces often rule the Kingdom of Kush from Meroe.
  • c. 330 CE
    Meroe is conquered by the Kingdom of Axum; Kingdom of Kush in decline.
  • c. 350 CE
    Meroe is abandoned; Kingdom of Kush has fallen.
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