Nubia

ancient Africa · Nile River · Kerma culture

Ancient African Power. Nubia was home to the Kerma culture, one of the earliest great civilizations in Africa that lasted from around 2500 BC until about 1500 BC. It was a thriving kingdom with its own rulers, cities, and culture long before many other civilizations developed.

Nile River Home. Nubia sat along the Nile River in the region between where the Blue and White Niles meet and an area called the First Cataract. The Nile's waters made it possible for people to farm, fish, and build thriving communities in this part of Africa.

Conquered by Egypt. Around 1500 BC, the powerful Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose I conquered Nubia and brought it under Egyptian rule. After that, Egypt controlled much of Nubia for about four hundred years, though the people of Nubia kept their own distinct identity and culture.

Its Own Rulers. Before Egypt took over, Nubia had powerful kings and queens who ruled their own kingdom with cities, treasures, and armies. The Nubian civilization was strong and important enough to be noticed and conquered by one of the world's greatest ancient empires.