Upriver in Nubia

The first settlers in the Nile Valley came from the region upriver from the Egyptian civilization. The history of Egypt is filled with African societies, especially the Nubians, who provided soldiers, another thing to Egypt.

When Nubians broke out of Egyptian rule, they soon established capital cities including Kerma, Napata, and Meroe.

The Egyptians call Nubia Ta-seti (meaning “land of the bow” referring to the bow and arrow). The king was divided into two large regions, Lower Nubia, and Upper Nubia. Lower Nubia is in the south of modern Egypt and northern Sudan.

Kerma

The first capital of Nubia was Kerma. This city rose to become a powerful trading post. Egypt was suspicious of Kerma’s success because they were fearful that the Nubians might someday conquer the Egyptian kingdom.

The Kerma capital lasted for 1,000 years. Kerma blossomed into a forceful unique culture.

Kerma saw the growth of architecture, government centers, and religious rituals. The citizens built walls and ditches that protected the town and grew larger as it developed. 

During the Napatan period, the capital and the royal burial grounds of the kush were located in the city of Napata. These Kushites considered themselves to be Egyptians.