Nubia

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Nubia
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• NUBIA (1000 B.C. A.D. 150)
• Conquered and was conquered by Egypt
• Built up wide trade network
• Exported ivory, animal skins, gold, perfume,
  slaves
• Produced iron tools and weapons
• Developed system of writing
• Adopted Egyptian traditions

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The Land of Nubia
Nubia was a great civilization that developed
along the Nile River south of Egypt. They shared
many of the same cultural traits as Egypt such as
religion, architecture and art.
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Nubian Pyramids
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Nubian Pyramids
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Nubian Pyramids
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Nubian Pyramids
Egyptian Pyramids
same

• Smaller
• Steeper

• Large
• Big blocks

• Triangular
• Tombs

different
different
This is a Venn Diagram used to show things that
are the same, and the things that are different
between the Nubian and Egyptian pyramids.
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Nubian Hieroglyphs Cursive Version Nubian Hieroglyphs Cursive Version



One reason little was known about the culture was
that they did not write down their history until
late in ancient times. Another reason is that
they were isolated geographically. Outside people
would need to cross harsh desert or many
waterfalls, called cataracts, to reach Nubia.
T
I
K
N
W
D
Nubian writing was similar to Egyptian writing
but developed into a completely separate language
later in time.
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Ancient Nubia was a great kingdom that produced
many resources like gold, ivory, copper,
frankincense and ebony.
Nubia was also known as Kush and The Land of the
Bow. Nubian archers (warriors who used a bow and
arrow) were feared by all who saw them in battle.
Nubia had a long line of powerful kings. They
were often at war with Egypt, to the North. From
about 2,000 to 1,000 BC, Egypt controlled Nubia
but when Egypt weakened, Nubia came north and
conquered Egypt (800-700 BC.)
A frankincense tree. The resin was used to make
good smelling incense.
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Kingdom of Kush

• The Kingdom of Kush developed in southern part of
  Nubia by 1750 B.C.E.
• Kush noted from metalworking and construction
• Egypt invaded Kush during New Kingdom period.
• Resulted in Egyptian occupation that exploited
  Nubian laborers

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Kingdom of Meroë

• 800 B.C.E. - 350 C.E.
• This kingdom ruled Egypt as the 25th Dynasty.
• Nubian Kingdom had a capital at Napata.
• Napata period characterized by Egyptian cultural
  influence.
• In 4th century, moved capital to Meroë.
• Better for agriculture and trade

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Meroë

• Ruling dynasty of Meroë practiced a matrilineal
  family system
• Queens were very influential
• Dominated trade routes
• Became important center for iron smelting
• Declined because of shift in trade routes, rise
  of the Kingdom of Aksum, and raids by
  camel-riding nomads

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First Civilizations of the Americas The Olmec
and Chavin 1200-250 B.C.E.
Olmec
Chavin
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The Olmecs

• 1200-400 B.C.E.
• Built the first pyramids in America
• Major centers of civilization were located along
  the coast of Mexico
• Political structure built around kingship
• Power rested on extensive trade and dominant
  religion

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• Center of early civilization was San Lorenzo.
• Surpassed by La Venta around 900 B.C.E.
• Gave way to Tres Zapotes around 600 B.C.E.
• Large earthen mounds dominated urban centers

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Olmec Sculpture
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Chavín Civilization

• First major urban civilization in South America
• Politically and economically dominant between 900
  and 250 B.C.E.
• Had military strength and religious appeal
• Used clan-based system of labor
• Warfare led to fall of Chavín around 200 B.C.E.

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Chavín Art