World historyChapter 5

Ancient Kush (c. 2300 BC - AD 350)

10 Topics for Chapter 5 1.Ancient Kush 2.Ebony and Ivory3.Kush and Eygpt

6.Kushite Metalwork

7.Kush’s trade Network

5.The end of kushite rule in Egypt

4.Kush rules Egypt

8.Exports and Imports9.Rulers of Kush 10.Decline and Defeat of Kushite Kingdom*

Chapter 5Ancient Kush

(c. 2300 BC - AD 350)

Ancient Kush

1.Ancient Kush

Ancient Kush

Like all early civilizations, the people of Nubia depended on agriculture for their food. Fortunately for them, the Nile’s floods allowed the Nubians to plant both summer and winter crops. Among the crops they grew were wheat, barley, and other grains. In addition to farmland, the banks of the river provided grazing land for cattle and other livestock. As a result, farming villages thrived all along the Nile by about 3500 BC.

2.Ebony and Ivory

Chapter 5Ancient Kush

(c. 2300 BC - AD 350)

Ebony and Ivory

Ebony and Ivory

ebony, a type of dark, heavy wood and ivory, a white material made from elephant tusks.

3.Kush and Egypt

Chapter Ancient Kush

(c. 2300 BC - AD 350)

Kush and Egypt

Kush and Egypt

Early in its history, Egypt dominated Kush, forcing Kushites to give tribute to Egypt. Later, as Kush’s power increased, its warriors invaded and conquered Egypt. This photo shows Kushite and Egyptian warriors. After conquering Egypt, Kush established a new dynasty. This photo shows one of Kush’s pharaohs kneeling before an Egyptian god.

4. Kush rules Egypt

Chapter 5Ancient Kush

(c. 2300 BC - AD 350)

Kush rules Egypt

Kush rules Egypt

• a Kushite king, Kashta, took advantage of Egypt’s weakness. Kashta attacked Egypt, and by about 751 BC he had conquered Upper Egypt. He then established relations with Lower Egypt.

5.The End of Kushite Rule in Egypt

Chapter 5Ancient Kush

(c. 2300 BC - AD 350)  

The end of Kushite rule in Egypt

The end of Kushite rule in Egypt

When the Assyrians invaded Egypt with their iron weapons, they forced Kush’s rulers out of Egypt and south into Nubia.

6.Kushite Metalwork

Chapter 5Ancient Kush

(c. 2300 BC - AD 350)

Kushite Metalwork

Kushite Metalwork

Kush’s crafts-people made iron spearheads and gold jewelry.

 

7.Kush’s trade Network

Chapter 5Ancient Kush

(c. 2300 BC - AD 350)

Kush’s trade Network

Kush’s trade Network• Ancient Kush was at the center of a large trading network with connections to Europe,

Africa, and Asia. Kush’s location and production of iron goods helped make it a rich trading center.

8.Exports and Imports

Chapter 5Ancient Kush

(c. 2300 BC - AD 350)

Exports and Imports

Exports and Imports

Kush’s exports—items sent to other regions for trade—included gold, pottery, iron tools, slaves, and ivory. Kushite merchants also exported leopard skins, ostrich feathers, and elephants. In return,

the Kushites received imports—goods brought in from other regions—such as fine jewelry and luxury items from Egypt, Asia,

and lands around the Mediterranean Sea. 

9.Rulers of Kush

Chapter 5Ancient Kush

(c. 2300 BC - AD 350)

Rulers of Kush

Rulers of Kush

Like the Egyptians, the people of Kush considered their rulers to be gods. Kush’s culture was similar to Egypt’s, but there were also

important differences.

10.Decline and Defeat of Kushite kingdom

Chapter 5Ancient Kush

(c. 2300 BC - AD 350)

Decline and Defeat of Kushite kingdom

Decline and Defeat of Kushite kingdom

Developments inside and outside of the kingdom lead to its downfall. First, Kush’s economic power decreased by a reduction in trade. A nearby kingdom, Aksum, began a new trade route that bypassed Kush. Second, overgrazing attributed to its downfall. The cattle ate all the grass so there was nothing to hold down the

soil. The nutrient rich soil blew away and left Kush unable to produce enough food for its people. Finally, as Kush’s power

declined, Aksum took Kushite over the kingdom.

Visual Summary