Kush was an ancient Kingdom found to the south of Egypt in modern day Sudan. It already existed during Egypt’s old and middle kingdoms (2686 B.C. to 1650 B.C.). The Kushite king Piye was able to conquer Egypt in about 727 B.C. and establish what was called the 25th dynasty. The Kushite rule of Egypt ended in about 654 B.C. following Egypt’s invasion by the Assyrians.
Differences between Kush and Egypt
The two kingdoms used different languages. The Kushites used the Meroitic language that was written in two forms: Meroitic cursive and Meroitic hieroglyphic. The Egyptians used the Egyptian language that was a form of the Afro-Asiatic languages. In its written form, the Egyptian language made use of hieroglyphs.
They also traded in different things. Egypt was Kush’s main trading partner. Kush traded in brass, silver, gold and other precious metals. Meroe, Kush’s capital city, had significant natural resources, especially iron and gold mines. Egypt, on the other hand, traded in linen, papyrus, gold, and grains. It lacked wood and other precious metals needed in jewelry making and ornamentation. These they mostly got from Kush.
Similarities between Kush and Egypt
Both kingdoms built pyramids. However, Kush’s pyramids were smaller and did not have a pointed capstone. The two kingdoms also worshipped similar gods, with Kush largely borrowing from Egypt the worship of gods Osiris, Thoth, and Isis. Also, the two kingdoms both had female rulers at some point in their history. Kush had queens such as Shanakdakhete and Amanirenas, while Egypt had queens such as Hatshepsut and Cleopatra. However, female rulers were quite uncommon in Egypt.
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