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Secondary Civilizations - Hebrews, Phoenicians, Nubians, and Lydians

The Nubians

the discovery of sandstone rams at the temple of King Amanikhareqerem in el-Hassa, Sudan
Sandstone rams found at the temple of King Amanikhareqerem in el-Hassa, Sudan.

About three hundred years after the Sumerians first appeared in the Fertile Crescent, the Nubian civilization began to build cities in Northern Africa around 3,000 B.C. (B.C.E.), just south of Egypt, in modern-day Sudan. Here, the Nile River supplied the Nubians with abundant resources. In the city of Qustul, the Nubian kings, noblemen, and merchants grew wealthy through trade with other people in the region, including the Egyptians and possibly the Sumerians.

Although you may recall the physical and geographical changes Sumerians experienced in the city of Ur, the Nubians went through a different kind of change - one specifically related to political change. After about a thousand years, Nubia's power evolved, and its name was ultimately changed to the Kingdom of Kush.

One of Kush's natural resources included iron ore, which was used to make iron weapons and tools. To produce iron from ore, Kushites deforested the surrounding area for wood to burn in the production. When the supply of wood started to deplete, they began trading goods to survive. At its height, the wealthy city of Kush greatly influenced trade in the region. For example, they were at the center of the iron and gold trade, and also traded ivory, ebony and other treasures from southern Africa with people who lived further north.

The ancient Egyptians got most of their gold from the Kingdom of Kush. Even though trade and its position on the Nile River made Kush a strong civilization, around 1,500 B.C. (B.C.E.), the Egyptians overpowered them, ultimately ruling Kush for five hundred years. Finally, in 1,000 B.C. (B.C.E.), Kush regained its independence. In fact, the kingdom dominated Egypt in 724 B.C. (B.C.E.).

eMediaVA iconThe Nubians were a sophisticated civilization in many ways. In the video, Introduction to the Black Pharaohs of the Kush Empire: Rise of the Black Pharaohs, from eMediaVASM, you will journey through the ruins of a deffufa, an ancient sun temple from 2,500 B.C. (B.C.E.). This temple from the Kingdom of Kush is located in Kerma, Sudan. As you watch the video, think about how Nubian life compared to other ancient river valley civilizations you already learned about in this module.

The Hebrews

The Hebrews Interactivity

Jewish faith is rooted in the history of the Hebrews, a population living in the Fertile Crescent between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. While most other groups from ancient river valley civilizations at the time were polytheistic, Jews were monotheistic, and believed only in one God. Mesopotamian religion influenced Hebrew monotheism, however, that influence lessened over time. Judaism provided the foundation for other religions like Christianity and Islam. In this interactivity, you will learn more about the Hebrews and Judaism. Click the player button to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

eMediaVA iconThe origin of monotheism is central to the understanding of many present-day religions. In the video, The Emergence of Monotheism, from eMediaVASM, you will join host Simon Schama and archaeologist Yossi Gerfinkel as they travel to the Valley of Elah in modern-day Israel. As you watch the video, take note of how the bible is put into a religious and historical context. How does this compare to your own beliefs about religion?

The Phoenicians

The Phoenicians Interactivity

Around 3,000 B.C. (B.C.E.), a group of individuals migrated from the Arabian Peninsula into the land of Canaan, which was located in modern-day Lebanon. Here, the Phoenicians built cities and villages along the Mediterranean coast in part of the Fertile Crescent in Southwest Asia. These cities and villages were bound together by a common language and culture, but ruled by independent city-states. The civilization reached its height in 1,200 B.C. (B.C.E.). In this interactivity, you will discover more information about the Phoenicians. Click the player button to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

The Lydians

Lydian coin
Lydian coin from the 6th Century B.C. (B.C.E.)

The Lydians were a civilization located along the northeastern Mediterranean coast in what is modern-day Turkey. Similar to the people in Mesopotamia, the Lydians built mud-brick buildings. They mainly raised sheep and goats, but also farmed. The Lydians were polytheistic, and many historians believe that their gods and goddesses provided a foundation for Greek mythology. They also had a system of written language, but did not write to the extent of other ancient river valley civilizations. Many historians also believe that the Lydians instituted the first coinage system, and began the concept of trading goods for money rather than bartering. The height of the Lydian civilization occurred in the 6th and 7th centuries B.C. (B.C.E.). The Persians conquered the Lydians.

 

Secondary Civilizations Review

Secondary Civilizations Review Interactivity

review iconNow that you have learned about the Nubians, Hebrews, Phoenicians, and Lydians, review your knowledge in this interactivity. Click the player button to get started.