THE PEOPLE OF KUSH: A FORGOTTEN CIVILIZATION OF ANCIENT AFRICA

Deep in African antiquity, the ancient civilization of Kush emerged as a formidable force in the ancient world. Centered in the Nile River valley in modern-day Sudan, the people of Kush established a kingdom that lasted nearly a thousand years, from approximately 1000 BC to approximately 350 AD.

 The origins of the people of Kush are shrouded in mystery, but they are believed to have descended from the Nubian people of the Nile Valley.

 The kingdom of Kush was known for its wealth, power and cultural achievements. The Kushites were skilled in agriculture, metallurgy, and trade, and built massive temples, palaces, and fortifications that rivaled those of their northern neighbor, ancient Egypt.

 The Kushites were also known for their military prowess, and in the 8th century BC, they invaded and occupied Egypt, establishing the 25th Dynasty of Egypt.

 The Kushites established their capital in the city of Meroe, which became a prosperous cultural and commercial center.

 The Kushites were polytheists and worshiped a pantheon of gods and goddesses that included Amun, Horus, Isis, and Thoth. They also developed their own writing system, called the Meroitic script, which has not yet been completely deciphered by modern scholars.

 The decline of the kingdom of Kush began in the 4th century AD, as the kingdom was weakened by external attacks and internal divisions. In 350 AD, the kingdom was invaded and conquered by the Kingdom of Axum, an Ethiopian kingdom to the south.

 Despite their disappearance, the people of Kush left behind a rich legacy that is still visible today in the form of their monumental architecture, including the pyramids of Meroe, and their cultural achievements, including their art, literature, and religion.