Karmah kingdom of Nubia

During Egypt’s Old Kingdom (2575-2134 BC), the kingdom known as Karmah extended its rule over much of Nubia. Archeologists divide its history into three periods Early Karmah 2400-2000 BC; Middle Karmah 2000-1668 BC; and Classic Karmah 1668-1570 BC. Each period can be distinguished by unique styles of pottery, tomb building and burial particles.

There is evidence that the peoples of Karmah had developed an advanced civilization as early as 8000 B.C.E. The area farmed grain, produced pottery, and traded gold, ivory, and copper, serving as a important stop on trade routes between Egypt and the rest of the world.

 At the beginning of the third millennium, between 3000 and 2400 B.C., a culture known as Pre-Karmah developed between the second and the fourth cataract but these populations must abandon their villages at the rhythm of progression of aridity in order to set closer to the Nile.

By 1700 BC the kingdom’s capital city had about 10,000 residents. This complex society has several economic and social classes, with a king at the top, a priestly class and an aristocracy.

Egypt and Karmah battled over control of Lower Nubia (southern Egypt) from 1570 B.C.E. to 1450 B.C.E., ending with the Egyptians taking control of the capital. Amenhotep I conquered Karmah destroying the kingdom of Cush, Nubia was colonized. At this time the Nubians became assimilated into Egyptian culture.
Karmah kingdom of Nubia