By 1500 B.C., the Nubian empire roughly stretched from Wadi Halfa south to Meroë.Ĭentered on its original capital at Napata, the Nubian ruling dynasty continued to flourish militarily and economically through the ninth century B.C.
This civilization grew in power just as Egypt’s Middle Kingdom was in decline around 1785 B.C. He found evidence of a civilization grown rich from trade and abundant with fields and livestock, a kingdom distinct from Egypt with its own material culture and traditions. Swiss archaeologist Charles Bonnet spent decades excavating the lands surrounding the southern Nile. Tall, slender, graceful: These monuments bear witness to the lasting splendor that was Kush. Perhaps their grandest achievements are the more than 200 pyramids built at the necropolis at Meroë, giving Sudan more pyramids than all of Egypt. They built temples, palaces, and royal baths in their capital. With access to mines and minerals, the Meroites were expert goldworkers. Unauthorized use is prohibited.īecause of Meroë’s distance, the Kushites were able to retain their independence, developing their own vibrant hybrid of Egyptian culture and religion until well into the fourth century A.D.
