This is an incomplete list for rulers with the title of Qore (king) or Kandake (queen) of the Kingdom of Kush. Some of the dates are only rough estimates. While the chronological list is well known only a few monarchs have definite dates. These include those leaders who also ruled Ancient Egypt and those who ruled during famous invasions or famous trade expeditions. The others are based on estimates made by Fritz Hintze. The estimates are based on the average length of the reigns, which were then shortened or lengthened based on the size and splendour of the monarch's tomb. The assumption being that monarchs who reigned longer had more time and resources to build their burial sites. An added complication is that in recent years there have been disputes as to which monarch belongs to which tomb.
Contents
- Kushite kings of Kerma
- Napatan Period
- Twenty fifth dynasty of Egypt
- Second Phase
- First Phase
- Third Phase
- Fourth Phase
- References
Dates are definite and accurate for the Kushite rulers of the twenty-fifth dynasty of Egypt, when Egypt was invaded and absorbed by the Kushite Empire. The dates also are certain for kings Aspelta, Arakamani, Nastasen, and for the Kandakes Shanakdakhete, Amanirenas, Amanishakheto, Amanitore, and Amanikhatashan.
The early part of the chronology is incomplete. The graves and pyramid burials in Sudan consist of remains of at least fourteen monarchs of the Kushite Empire preceding Piankhi, the earliest tomb of which dates from about 1020 BCE. Two of these are known: Alara and Kashta, who immediately preceded Piankhi. It also is possible that another of the burials may have been of Aserkamani, who was living in 950 BCE and who carried out expeditions in Egypt and along the Mediterranean coast of North Africa.
Kushite kings of Kerma
Capital moves to Napata
Napatan Period
The period starting with Kashta and ending with Malonaqen is sometimes called the Napatan Period. The Kings ruled over Napata and Meroe. During this period the seat of government and the royal palace are in Napata and Meroe is a provincial city. The kings and queens are buried in Nuri and El-Kurru.
The numbering of the kings is based on László Török's The kingdom of Kush: handbook..Twenty-fifth dynasty of Egypt
King Piye invades Egypt and for seven decades the Nubians rule Egypt.
Second Phase
The Nubians no longer control Egypt. The Kings rule over Napata and Meroe as before the conquest of Egypt.
First Phase
The Kings ruled over Napata and Meroe. The seat of government and the royal palace are in Meroe. The Main temple of Amun is located in Napata, but the temple at Meroe is under construction. Kings and many queens are buried in Nuri, some queens are buried in Meroe, in the West Cemetery.
Second Phase
The seat of government and the royal palace are in Meroe. Kings and many queens are buried in Meroe, in the South Cemetery. Napata's only importance is the Amun Temple.
Third Phase
The seat of government and the royal palace are in Meroe. Kings are buried in Meroe, in the North Cemetery, and Queens in West Cemetery. Napata's only importance is the Amun Temple. Meroe flourishes and many building projects are undertaken.
Crown princes from the time of Natakamani and Amanitore
Fourth Phase
Twilight of the Meroitic Culture. Kings are buried in Meroe, in the North Cemetery, and Queens in West Cemetery. In 350 CE Meroe is destroyed by Axum.
List and dates from The Cambridge history of Africa, by J.D. Fage, and R.A. Oliver and from The kingdom of Kush: the Napatan and Meroitic empires, by Derek A. Welsby. The order in which the kings and queens ruled and dates are not consistent between authors. Approximate dates have been given.(Unknown sequence thereafter)