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Nubia was home to some of Africa’s earliest kingdoms. Known for rich deposits of gold, Nubia was also the gateway through which luxury products like incense, ivory, and ebony traveled from their source in sub-Saharan Africa to the civilizations of Egypt and the Mediterranean. Archers of exceptional skill provided the military strength for Nubian rulers. Kings of Nubia ultimately conquered and ruled Egypt for about a century. Monuments still stand—in modern Egypt and Sudan—at the sites where Nubian rulers built cities, temples, and royal pyramids.
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African people from what is now the Sahara began to move toward the Nile in Nubia by around 5000 BC. They brought with them the art of making pottery. Originally herdsmen and hunters of large animals, they eventually became fishermen and farmers. Over time, new people moved into the region from the south, so that Nubia’s population was often a diverse mix of African peoples.
Rulers
At times Egypt ruled Nubia; at other times, various Nubian kingdoms flourished. The great kingdom of Kush (or Cush) was located in south Nubia. The ancient Greeks called it Ethiopia. In the 8th century BC, Kush -- led by King Piankhi (or Piye) and later his brother and successor King Shabaka -- conquered Egypt.
Major Events
There were many historical events happening in ancient Nubia. Starting when Nubia was called ancient Kush. In neolithic era Nubians were beggening to make pottery and art around 4200 BC. Moving up in the world Nubia began to trade with Egypt around 3000 BC. Kerma became the capitol of the Kushite empire in 2000 BC. In the time of the new kingdom Nubian kings Conquered Egypt. The great city of Meroe later began to trade with Rome and Greece by sea in 200 BC. In 500 AD Nubians began to convert to Christianity. Soon in 1000 BC Nubians were introduce to the great religion of Islam. So over time you can really see Nubia grow from nomadic tribes, to the kingdom of Kush, to Nubia, and later to the country of Sudan.