Kush/Nubia:
The Kush were founded in about 2,400 B.C.E, in what is modern day Sudan along the upper Nile River Valley in the Nubia region. This location, as did other civilizations along the Nile, provided irrigation during the flood season; trading was essential to the civilization’s wellbeing, and could be done along the river, or the nearby Red Sea. They were also home to many valuable resources, like gold and silver. At certain times, the egyptians were in control of the Kush kingdom. At other times, the Kushites were in control of Egypt. The Kushites were known for having more female leaders than almost all other ancient African civilizations, and had several influential female rulers over their reign.
The civilization was famous not only for its progressive views but also for its powerful military, who benefited greatly from the introduction of the bow and arrow: the weapon’s success and unique design earned the region the title of ‘Land of the Bow’ (Nubian Archers, 2019). Although the conflict was often hostile and ongoing between Kush and Egypt, the two powers also famously joined forces to battle the Assyrians.
By Kush’s golden age, it had become the ultimate trade center for most of the region. A surplus of iron and other important resources made Kush an easy-accessible hotspot for trade down the Nile and across the Red Sea (The Kush Empire, 2008). During that time of thriving, every Kushite was encouraged to read/write (The Ancient Kingdom of Kush, 2017), a multitude of temples were built, and a vast agricultural and hunting industry allowed for cultural growth.
Ancient Kush was broken down into three major cities: Kerma, Napata, and Meroe. Kerma is famous for its large temple(s) which still stands today. They became wealthy by harvest gold, bronze, and ivory, and were the trade center between central and northern Africa. The city of Napata was equally if not more famous for its grand temples, where Kushites and Egyptians both built religious centers. Meroe was known for its popular resource iron ore, and for producing some of the finest pottery in the world (The Ancient Kingdom of Kush, 2017). Also in Meroe, over 200 pyramids were built -- likely a tradition passed on from the Egyptians -- to honor rulers of the kingdom.
With great power comes great foes however, and a close proximity to Egypt provided for invaders from Aksum. A struggle for power ensued, ending with a defeat for the Kush around 350 B.C. In addition to these ongoing battles, an abundance of cattle in Kush began to ruin the farmland (and the economy), and a dry spell prohibited smiths from wide scale trading.
Today, tourism is fairly common in the region, but the only other direct/large current contribution is the impact of Kush metalworking on modern architecture.
The Kush were founded in about 2,400 B.C.E, in what is modern day Sudan along the upper Nile River Valley in the Nubia region. This location, as did other civilizations along the Nile, provided irrigation during the flood season; trading was essential to the civilization’s wellbeing, and could be done along the river, or the nearby Red Sea. They were also home to many valuable resources, like gold and silver. At certain times, the egyptians were in control of the Kush kingdom. At other times, the Kushites were in control of Egypt. The Kushites were known for having more female leaders than almost all other ancient African civilizations, and had several influential female rulers over their reign.
The civilization was famous not only for its progressive views but also for its powerful military, who benefited greatly from the introduction of the bow and arrow: the weapon’s success and unique design earned the region the title of ‘Land of the Bow’ (Nubian Archers, 2019). Although the conflict was often hostile and ongoing between Kush and Egypt, the two powers also famously joined forces to battle the Assyrians.
By Kush’s golden age, it had become the ultimate trade center for most of the region. A surplus of iron and other important resources made Kush an easy-accessible hotspot for trade down the Nile and across the Red Sea (The Kush Empire, 2008). During that time of thriving, every Kushite was encouraged to read/write (The Ancient Kingdom of Kush, 2017), a multitude of temples were built, and a vast agricultural and hunting industry allowed for cultural growth.
Ancient Kush was broken down into three major cities: Kerma, Napata, and Meroe. Kerma is famous for its large temple(s) which still stands today. They became wealthy by harvest gold, bronze, and ivory, and were the trade center between central and northern Africa. The city of Napata was equally if not more famous for its grand temples, where Kushites and Egyptians both built religious centers. Meroe was known for its popular resource iron ore, and for producing some of the finest pottery in the world (The Ancient Kingdom of Kush, 2017). Also in Meroe, over 200 pyramids were built -- likely a tradition passed on from the Egyptians -- to honor rulers of the kingdom.
With great power comes great foes however, and a close proximity to Egypt provided for invaders from Aksum. A struggle for power ensued, ending with a defeat for the Kush around 350 B.C. In addition to these ongoing battles, an abundance of cattle in Kush began to ruin the farmland (and the economy), and a dry spell prohibited smiths from wide scale trading.
Today, tourism is fairly common in the region, but the only other direct/large current contribution is the impact of Kush metalworking on modern architecture.
Aksum:
Ancient Aksum was originally located in Southern Ethiopia where the is thought to begin as early as 1000 B.C. Arabs crossed the Red Sea and married Kushites, creating Aksum. They also created their own language, and both people were able to share their previous skills, from which a powerful kingdom was soon born. Aksum eventually conquered the Kush; this is considered their ultimate rise to power. The busy location allowed them to expand quickly as their trade with the Egyptians grew. They also had access to the Mediterranean Sea, and the Indian Ocean; this allowed them to even trade internationally. They mainly traded salt, rhinoceros horns, tortoise shells, ivory, emeralds, and gold. In return, they mostly collected imported cloth, glass, olive oil, wine, brass, iron, and copper.
The height of Aksum was from 325 to 360 A.D, when Ezana ruled. His biggest accomplishment was conquering the ever-declining Kush. Ezana gained control of the throne as an infant, but his mother handled it until he was old enough. Adulis was Aksum’s major trading port, which was vital to their success. This port attracted people from Egypt, Greece, Arabia, Rome, Persia, and India. They originally believed in one god, known as Mahrem; they believed their king was directly descended from him. As times changed though, so did their beliefs: eventually, Aksum became a Christian society. A Syrian Christian man who had been captured, educated Enzana as a child. When he became ruler he made it their official religion, and slowly the religion began to spread.
Some of their major inventions included the creation of their own written and verbal language, minting their own coins, and creating their own method of farming, called “terrace farming,” with barrels to collect rainwater for irrigation.
The fall of Aksum started when Islam began to influence the land. Aksum raaised many eyebrows by protecting Muhammad's family and Islamic followers during their rise, and so the two groups were allied. However, in 710 A.D, muslims destroyed Aksum’s major city Adulis, breaking the trust that there had once been between them. Aksum moved their kingdom to Northern Ethiopia, and there it stayed all the way until about 1970! That being said, it was not ever as close to as powerful or successful as it was when the kingdom had control over Adulis. They were located in the mountains, and had managed to survive until their final fall.
Ancient Aksum was originally located in Southern Ethiopia where the is thought to begin as early as 1000 B.C. Arabs crossed the Red Sea and married Kushites, creating Aksum. They also created their own language, and both people were able to share their previous skills, from which a powerful kingdom was soon born. Aksum eventually conquered the Kush; this is considered their ultimate rise to power. The busy location allowed them to expand quickly as their trade with the Egyptians grew. They also had access to the Mediterranean Sea, and the Indian Ocean; this allowed them to even trade internationally. They mainly traded salt, rhinoceros horns, tortoise shells, ivory, emeralds, and gold. In return, they mostly collected imported cloth, glass, olive oil, wine, brass, iron, and copper.
The height of Aksum was from 325 to 360 A.D, when Ezana ruled. His biggest accomplishment was conquering the ever-declining Kush. Ezana gained control of the throne as an infant, but his mother handled it until he was old enough. Adulis was Aksum’s major trading port, which was vital to their success. This port attracted people from Egypt, Greece, Arabia, Rome, Persia, and India. They originally believed in one god, known as Mahrem; they believed their king was directly descended from him. As times changed though, so did their beliefs: eventually, Aksum became a Christian society. A Syrian Christian man who had been captured, educated Enzana as a child. When he became ruler he made it their official religion, and slowly the religion began to spread.
Some of their major inventions included the creation of their own written and verbal language, minting their own coins, and creating their own method of farming, called “terrace farming,” with barrels to collect rainwater for irrigation.
The fall of Aksum started when Islam began to influence the land. Aksum raaised many eyebrows by protecting Muhammad's family and Islamic followers during their rise, and so the two groups were allied. However, in 710 A.D, muslims destroyed Aksum’s major city Adulis, breaking the trust that there had once been between them. Aksum moved their kingdom to Northern Ethiopia, and there it stayed all the way until about 1970! That being said, it was not ever as close to as powerful or successful as it was when the kingdom had control over Adulis. They were located in the mountains, and had managed to survive until their final fall.
Great Zimbabwe:
Two-hundred acres of stone ruins lay across modern-day Zimbabwe and Mozambique (Britannica). About 19 miles southeast of Masvingo is where Great Zimbabwe used to be. At its peak, this settlement was home to more than 20,000 Shona people (IBID). They likely first settled in the area around 400 A.D, but by 1,000 A.D. the population was divided into ranks (Great Zimbabwe Ushistory.com). This offered great opportunities for trading, with fertile and mineral-rich land. It was also a trade center for South Africa, located between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, which connect to the Indian Ocean (Great Zimbabwe Ruins). Great Zimbabwe’s economy was heavily dependent on trading gold and cattle -- depletion of these goods was one of the reasons the settlement ended up abandoning the area (Zimbabwe).
Great Zimbabwe was a monarchy of Shona elite. The king was helped by family members, and appointed governors for regions that were far away. The history and ancestry of the monarchy is unknown, but the first recorded leader was Chikura Wa Dyambeu. His son Nyatsimba Mutota ruled the area from around 1420 A.D. to 1450 A.D. He was part of an expansion of the area that gathered a large portion of Mozambique into the Great Zimbabwe rule. At the end of his rule, Mutota decided to relocate the capital to a city closer to gold deposits called Khami. The center of the government in the ruins consisted of the large stone complex which is referred to as the Great Enclosure. It is the “largest single ancient structure in sub Saharan Africa!” There are two walls located around the main stone buildings (IBID). The 36 feet tall walls created passes that total at around 180 feet in length (Britannica). They lead to the Conical Tower of the site. It is part of three main areas of the stone ruins, the other two being the Hill Complex and the Valley Ruins. The Hill Complex -- previously called the “Acropolis” -- was the religious center of the city. It is the oldest part of the site, estimated to have been built around 900 AD. Located between the Great Enclosure and Hill Complex is the Valley Ruins. The land include remnants of daga buildings, which were made of earthen and mud-brick (IBID).
Along with the famous stone ruins, Great Zimbabwe was also known for its music, pottery, and ironwork. These goods were traded as well as millet, sorghum, corn, rice, beans, peanuts, and sweet potatoes which farmers grew. The culture and daily lives of the people were dependent on the status of the person. The king would have been in charge of relations with foreign affairs like trading, whereas farmers and cooks would have gathered goods and made meals for the royals. After almost 1,000 years of farming and mining at this site, a draught came over the area of not only water and farming land, but as gold. As the population was growing quickly, the loss of minerals and farming land lead to the fall of Great Zimbabwe: by 1,500 A.D, the site was fully abandoned. Everyone had either moved north to establish the Mutapa, or south to the Torwa state.
The ruins of Great Zimbabwe were first discovered in the late 16th century by Europeans who believed it was the city Ophir (Britannica). The civilization did not only have an affect on South Africa then, but it has one on the area now: In 1986, the land of Great Zimbabwe became a national monument, and World Heritage site. In the late 1800’s, architects stumbled upon soapstone sculptures of birds at the site. This Zimbabwe bird is currently the national symbol of the country, and is also included in the flag of Zimbabwe. Perhaps the largest effect on the area is that the country was named after this civilization (IBID).
Two-hundred acres of stone ruins lay across modern-day Zimbabwe and Mozambique (Britannica). About 19 miles southeast of Masvingo is where Great Zimbabwe used to be. At its peak, this settlement was home to more than 20,000 Shona people (IBID). They likely first settled in the area around 400 A.D, but by 1,000 A.D. the population was divided into ranks (Great Zimbabwe Ushistory.com). This offered great opportunities for trading, with fertile and mineral-rich land. It was also a trade center for South Africa, located between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, which connect to the Indian Ocean (Great Zimbabwe Ruins). Great Zimbabwe’s economy was heavily dependent on trading gold and cattle -- depletion of these goods was one of the reasons the settlement ended up abandoning the area (Zimbabwe).
Great Zimbabwe was a monarchy of Shona elite. The king was helped by family members, and appointed governors for regions that were far away. The history and ancestry of the monarchy is unknown, but the first recorded leader was Chikura Wa Dyambeu. His son Nyatsimba Mutota ruled the area from around 1420 A.D. to 1450 A.D. He was part of an expansion of the area that gathered a large portion of Mozambique into the Great Zimbabwe rule. At the end of his rule, Mutota decided to relocate the capital to a city closer to gold deposits called Khami. The center of the government in the ruins consisted of the large stone complex which is referred to as the Great Enclosure. It is the “largest single ancient structure in sub Saharan Africa!” There are two walls located around the main stone buildings (IBID). The 36 feet tall walls created passes that total at around 180 feet in length (Britannica). They lead to the Conical Tower of the site. It is part of three main areas of the stone ruins, the other two being the Hill Complex and the Valley Ruins. The Hill Complex -- previously called the “Acropolis” -- was the religious center of the city. It is the oldest part of the site, estimated to have been built around 900 AD. Located between the Great Enclosure and Hill Complex is the Valley Ruins. The land include remnants of daga buildings, which were made of earthen and mud-brick (IBID).
Along with the famous stone ruins, Great Zimbabwe was also known for its music, pottery, and ironwork. These goods were traded as well as millet, sorghum, corn, rice, beans, peanuts, and sweet potatoes which farmers grew. The culture and daily lives of the people were dependent on the status of the person. The king would have been in charge of relations with foreign affairs like trading, whereas farmers and cooks would have gathered goods and made meals for the royals. After almost 1,000 years of farming and mining at this site, a draught came over the area of not only water and farming land, but as gold. As the population was growing quickly, the loss of minerals and farming land lead to the fall of Great Zimbabwe: by 1,500 A.D, the site was fully abandoned. Everyone had either moved north to establish the Mutapa, or south to the Torwa state.
The ruins of Great Zimbabwe were first discovered in the late 16th century by Europeans who believed it was the city Ophir (Britannica). The civilization did not only have an affect on South Africa then, but it has one on the area now: In 1986, the land of Great Zimbabwe became a national monument, and World Heritage site. In the late 1800’s, architects stumbled upon soapstone sculptures of birds at the site. This Zimbabwe bird is currently the national symbol of the country, and is also included in the flag of Zimbabwe. Perhaps the largest effect on the area is that the country was named after this civilization (IBID).
Kilwa:
Kilwa was founded in the late 10th century by settlers from arabia and Iran. The city's prosperity peaked in the 13th and 14th centuries (Kilwa, 2017). Next, it was occupied by the Portuguese from 1505-1512, leading to Kilwa’s decline.
The Kilwa had direct access to the Indian ocean, which facilitated trade with Arabia, China, and India (Kilwa, 2017). The group also extended to island in the ocean, where fishing and trading (mainly gold and ivory for silver, carnelians, perfumes, Persian faience and Chinese porcelain) could occur. Because of this location and trading, the language of Kilwa was Swahili, a mix of Bantu and Arabic. Kilwa was a collection of city states along the coast of East Africa, each had its own sultan. By the mid 14th century, the sultan of Kilwa had asserted his power over the region, which gave him control of the gold trade -- a major export. This control grew Kilwa’s economy massively. This prosperity lead to sultan Al-Hasan bin Sulaiman’s building of the elaborate Great Palace, which had a popular area for commercial activities. Little to no enemies early provided for no militaristic experience (Kilwa Kisiwani) for any Kilwins, be it farmers, seafarers, or merchants. The city had an Islamic culture, but pieces of cultures were inherited from regions all around the Indian Ocean.
The beginning of the end for Kilwa came in 1905, when the Portuguese established a garrison on the land. Soon, they built a fortress on the coast of the island, tearing down a number of houses and using the materials for the fort. The Omani empire soon kicked out portuguese (Tanzania).
Today, the people of Kilwa remain only on the islands, and live simplistic lives. The only reminiscence we have from the ancient civilization are the ruins that remain.
Kilwa was founded in the late 10th century by settlers from arabia and Iran. The city's prosperity peaked in the 13th and 14th centuries (Kilwa, 2017). Next, it was occupied by the Portuguese from 1505-1512, leading to Kilwa’s decline.
The Kilwa had direct access to the Indian ocean, which facilitated trade with Arabia, China, and India (Kilwa, 2017). The group also extended to island in the ocean, where fishing and trading (mainly gold and ivory for silver, carnelians, perfumes, Persian faience and Chinese porcelain) could occur. Because of this location and trading, the language of Kilwa was Swahili, a mix of Bantu and Arabic. Kilwa was a collection of city states along the coast of East Africa, each had its own sultan. By the mid 14th century, the sultan of Kilwa had asserted his power over the region, which gave him control of the gold trade -- a major export. This control grew Kilwa’s economy massively. This prosperity lead to sultan Al-Hasan bin Sulaiman’s building of the elaborate Great Palace, which had a popular area for commercial activities. Little to no enemies early provided for no militaristic experience (Kilwa Kisiwani) for any Kilwins, be it farmers, seafarers, or merchants. The city had an Islamic culture, but pieces of cultures were inherited from regions all around the Indian Ocean.
The beginning of the end for Kilwa came in 1905, when the Portuguese established a garrison on the land. Soon, they built a fortress on the coast of the island, tearing down a number of houses and using the materials for the fort. The Omani empire soon kicked out portuguese (Tanzania).
Today, the people of Kilwa remain only on the islands, and live simplistic lives. The only reminiscence we have from the ancient civilization are the ruins that remain.
Mutapa:
The Kingdom of Mutapa existed from 1450 A.D to 1630 A.D, and then again from 1803 to 1902. It was between Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, in what is now modern day Zimbabwe and Mozambique; the founders of Mutapa were related to those of Great Zimbabwe, and the capital was located just 350 km north of Great Zimbabwe -- some of Great Zimbabwe’s leaders even kept noblemen there!
Mutapa’s government was very stable, regulating trade with weights and measures to ensure fairness, and building up the economy through commerce. The king was called “mwene,” which means “lord” in bantu. The first mwene was Nyatsimba Mutota, from a Shona kingdom in the south. Mutota was looking to find new sources of salt for trade. His first move was to conquer the salt-rich Tavara tribe, making it the capital. Natope was his successor, and largely expanded the area of the kingdom; when the Portuguese arrived, the Mutapa had taken over some of the coastal kingdoms and was the main Shona state in the region.
Mutapa sued their surroundings to their benefit, exporting and trading copper and ivory as far east as India. Craftsman produced high-quality artifacts from gold and silver, and imported luxury goods like silk, ceramics, and glassware; of these goods was Machira, cloth made from cotton and was draped over the ruler’s throne as a symbol of his kingly rule. The kings also gifted the officials and regional governors to ensure loyals.
Mutapans believed in a ritual consultation of spirits and a cult of royal ancestors, who ancestors advised the kings through mediums appointed by the court. They were known as “mhondoros,” and served as oral historians recording the names and deeds of the past kings.
The empire soon began to corrupt however, with factions to fighting with each other as a new kingdom called Barwe was rising nearby. The Mutapan government asked the Portuguese for military aid to end the fights, but Portugal’s presence on the coast and in the capital did not help, and they colonized the area in the late 1600’s (New World Encyclopedia).
The Kingdom of Mutapa existed from 1450 A.D to 1630 A.D, and then again from 1803 to 1902. It was between Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, in what is now modern day Zimbabwe and Mozambique; the founders of Mutapa were related to those of Great Zimbabwe, and the capital was located just 350 km north of Great Zimbabwe -- some of Great Zimbabwe’s leaders even kept noblemen there!
Mutapa’s government was very stable, regulating trade with weights and measures to ensure fairness, and building up the economy through commerce. The king was called “mwene,” which means “lord” in bantu. The first mwene was Nyatsimba Mutota, from a Shona kingdom in the south. Mutota was looking to find new sources of salt for trade. His first move was to conquer the salt-rich Tavara tribe, making it the capital. Natope was his successor, and largely expanded the area of the kingdom; when the Portuguese arrived, the Mutapa had taken over some of the coastal kingdoms and was the main Shona state in the region.
Mutapa sued their surroundings to their benefit, exporting and trading copper and ivory as far east as India. Craftsman produced high-quality artifacts from gold and silver, and imported luxury goods like silk, ceramics, and glassware; of these goods was Machira, cloth made from cotton and was draped over the ruler’s throne as a symbol of his kingly rule. The kings also gifted the officials and regional governors to ensure loyals.
Mutapans believed in a ritual consultation of spirits and a cult of royal ancestors, who ancestors advised the kings through mediums appointed by the court. They were known as “mhondoros,” and served as oral historians recording the names and deeds of the past kings.
The empire soon began to corrupt however, with factions to fighting with each other as a new kingdom called Barwe was rising nearby. The Mutapan government asked the Portuguese for military aid to end the fights, but Portugal’s presence on the coast and in the capital did not help, and they colonized the area in the late 1600’s (New World Encyclopedia).