Bruce Williams and Nubia

Bruce Williams of the University of Chicago excavated areas of Nubia and in his published reports claimed that Nubia had a powerful monarchy--probably the first Pharaohs--and this is how the Egyptian pharaonic empire came to be. Furthermore, he claimed that these Nubian kings attacked Egypt, won, and for this reason, the First dynasty--and the dynasty before it--were actually Nubian.

Later graves have now been discovered in Egypt that are older than the royal graves of Qustel, but the findings of Williams is still strong proof that development around 3,100 BC occurred in both Nubia and Egypt. In fact, according to Robert G. Morkot, author of The Black Pharaohs, the "development of powerful states...[shows} that there was a mutual influence."

Nubian Prehistory--and more proof why the University of Missouri needs to credit Nubia for its pot in its Exhibit

Pottery making in Nubia began 7,000 BC. Pottery and rock art has been found dating back that far. A common material culture began in force in Nubia as early as 7,000 BC.

As pottery making became more common, a style developed. The pots are reddish colored with a black band around their top.

Among the cultures that took root in Nubia: the Shabeinhab Culture-, the Abkan and Khartoun Culture and the Abkan Culture--the culture that designed their pottery. these coutures came to be between 4,000 BC and 3,))) BC--perhaps contemporary with the A group.

Nubia: the Land of the Bow

"For many centuries, the Egyptians seemed to think that the people south of Elephantine (Nubia) was a potential danger. It was the king from the south that united the two countries so the dangerous potential of the south has always existed. Historically, the 'Land of the bow' was the ancient name...to what we now call Nubia.The fighting prowess of the Nubians and their skill with the bow has won them the name of 'pupil-smiters.'They have long fought in the army of the Egyptians as mercenaries. Their handiness with the spear and the javelin is also known. (p. 58)"

Artwork shows Nubians with bows as early as 7,000 BC. They had a lot to defend and they defended their land for thousands of years. Nubia was full of human, animal and natural resources--including gold and building materials not found in Egypt.

Source for the above two paragraphs: Necia Desiree Harkless, Nubian Pharaohs and Meroitic Kings

Egypt and Nubia--More Influences

According to Necia Desiree Harkless, the author of Nubian Pharaohs and Meroitic Kings, ancient Egypt was known as Kemet, but the "formal name seems to have been Tawy (The Two Lands) that means the black lands along the banks of the Nile River. The people called themselves the Kemites (The Black Ones). (p. 5)"

Egyptologists are now beginning to realize with the new evidence that "...the ancient Egyptiasn civilization is rooted in Africa... (p.8)"

The A group of Nubians lasted for about a thousand years. Through its vast trade, it had contacts to the south and to the north into Egypt. A major factor in their success is that control of the trade route.

Furthermore, there is now a lot of evidence that they developed into city states with leadership and other indicators of a structured society.

They probably came from the B group that preceded them--but not much is known about this group. (Remember: Nubians inhabited that area long before 10,000 BC.)

Lastly, a study on common genes between Egyptians and Nubians show they share genetic material. Click here to read the full article.

3,000 BC--The Development of an Empire in Nubia

3,000 BC and a settlement grew from a loose group of villages into a town. Within a few hundred more years, this town would develop into a large and successful settlement. Kerma, as the town is now known, became a major settlement at time Egypt was unifying into one nation.

It's location helped with the trade routes to the north and it became known for the trade of luxury products.

Nubia's Influence on Egypt

Pedrals, a French archeologist, states in Cheikh Anta Diop's book, The African Origin of Civilization, that the objects and traditions of religion in ancient Egypt are Nubian.

Many individuals who study Nubian religion believe the worship of Amon began in Nubia, not Egypt. In fact, many scholars state the cult of Amon was well established in Nubia. (Necia Desiree Harkless, Nubian Pharaohs and Meroitic Kings)

And then Diop himself writes: "Egyptians themselves...recognize without ambiguity that their ancestors came from Nubia and the heart of Africa. (150)"

Memes--the First Egyptian Pharaoh and He's Nubian

Memes is also known as Narmer and he was th first Pharaoh of Egypt.

Memes is the King from the South who unified upper and lower Egypt.

Nubia was south of ancient Egypt. More proof that Nubia developed and influenced Egypt.