Egyptian and Nubian Empires

Chapter 4.1

Nomadic Invaders Rule Egypt

Hyksos, nomads from Asia, ruled from 1640 – 1570 BC

Israelites migrate to EgyptBecame enslaved when Hyksos were driven out

New Kingdom

Hatshepsut encouraged trade, rather than war

Empire became prosperous

Ceremonial ointments, gold, ivory, plants & animals

Thutmose III, Hatshepsut’s stepson

More warlike, expanded territory into Nubia, Syria

Hittites

Egyptians in Syria came into contact with Hittites, a group in Asia Minor

After several conflicts, Pharaoh Ramses II made a peace treaty with Hittite king

New Kingdom BuildersTo protect pharaohs in the afterlife, N.K. saw tombs move underground, in the “Valley of the Kings”Magnificent temples, palacesRamses II considered greatest builder

Empire Declines

Invasions by land and sea, caused great destruction

The empire broke apart into several small kingdoms

Eventually Libyans crossed the desert and established their own pharaohs in Egypt

Kushites

Egypt dominated Nubia and Nubian kingdom of Kush during N.K.

After the decline of the Egyptian empire, Kush emerged as a regional power

Piankhi, a Kushite prince, overthrew Libyan dynasty

Nubian kingdom of Kush

Nile River cataracts

Kush rule short-lived

Assyrians conquer Egypt, kick out Kushites

Kush move south to MeroeUsed nearby resources to become a center for trade between Africa and Asia

Review

When did the Israelites become enslaved by the Egyptians?

When the Hyksos were kicked out

Where did the New Kingdom pharaohs build their tombs?

Valley of the Kings

What is Nubia?Region of Africa around Upper Nile River

Review

Who invaded Egypt?Libyans

Kushites

What happened to Nubia after their rule of Egypt ended?

Became a center for trade between Africa and Asia