Reading Response- Kingdom of Kush

The 'Kingdom of Kush' is Nubia which basically adopted the Egyptian religion and culture.  The nubians took advantage of living near the Nile River, as well as the city of Meroe.  They were lucky to have several natural resources, especially gold.

map of Nubia

Once Kush broke free of their tie to the Egyptian army, they were able to assert their own authority and develop their own city and ways.  However, they were always greatly influenced by Egypt.  They worshiped the same Egyptian gods and also built pyramids where they could entomb their rulers.

 

King Piye- <nobility-association.com>

 Due to Iron, the Kushites eventually moved toward Meroe, where the slag heaps are.  Interestingly, instead of making their own temples, the focused on restoring temples.

 

slag heaps

The Nubians focal point was a flat-topped sacred mountain of Jebel Barkel that 'stands like a natural alter in the landscape."  The fact that it is on a mountain shows its power by being high up.

Jebel Barkel- flat top

Ramesses II had already built temples, especially one known as Temple of Amun.

Temple of Amun

In the above picture, both groups and people are obvious.  The columns represent groups but the incredible engravings on the columns are based off of people and their bodies.




ORDER OF THE TOMBS:
round mastabas:  round mastabas were the original type of pyramid the Nubians focused on.

Pyramids with Porches:  The round mastabas gave way to pyramids that were mounted on high bases (stacks) and had distinctive porches.

Nubian porches

They later simplified this design to JUST  a pyramid and porch, rather than the high bases.


Clusters:  The Nubian pyramids form a cluster, and the larger ones are lined in a row.

Clusters <blackpresence.co.uk>

What I find the most interesting about the "Kingdom of Kush" is that they started from following the Egyptian trends but eventually made their own mark.  The porches seem different then all of the previous pyramids we have studied.  They almost look as though they do not even belong next to the perfect and simple pyramid.  It is also interesting how they are all located together and form a cluster of pyramids.  The only difference seems to be their size.