Lesson 4: Summary
| Aspect | Ancient Egypt | Kush/Meroe |
| Geographical Location | Along the Nile River in northeastern Africa | Along the Nile River in Nubia, extending from southern Egypt to Sudan |
| Climate | Predominantly arid with desert landscapes beyond the river’s reach. | Had a more humid climate in southern regions, |
| Agriculture | Dependent on the annual flooding of the Nile for fertile soil | Nile valley and beyond the Nile valley |
| Centralized capital | Shifting capitals from Memphis (Old Kingdom) to Thebes (Middle and New Kingdoms) | Capitals shifted from Napata to Meroe in 590BC |
| Economic Basis | Dependent on agriculture supported by the Nile’s fertility; extensive trade along the Nile and across the Mediterranean; traded commodities like gold, ivory, and luxury goods. | Exporting ivory, gold, slaves, and other commodities through red sea. Meroe became known for its iron smelting and production capabilities. |
| Religious and Cultural Developments | Worshipped own pantheon of gods; pharaohs revered as divine rulers; developed elaborate funerary practices (pyramids); significant contributions in art, science, and architecture. | Developed unique art, architecture, and language (Meroitic script); worshipped indigenous gods; cultural peak in the Meroitic period with distinctive cultural and religious practices. |
| Decline and End | Declined after successive invasions (Assyrians, Persians); fell under foreign rule (Greek and Roman periods). | Conquered by Aksumites in the 4th century A.D., leading to the destruction of Meroe and the end of Kushite civilization. |
| Language and Writing System | Used hieroglyphs, hieratic, and demotic scripts; advanced writing system. | Initially adopted Egyptian hieroglyphs; developed Meroitic script (undeciphered); influenced by Egyptian culture in writing and art. |