History of African & Egyptian connectives through the ages
Egypt geographically lies in the north-eastern of the black continent. consequently. Egypt affected and was affected by countless African civilizations & cultures throughout ancient history, extending to modern liberation movements since the 1900s.
At the Dawn of History:
Egypt controlled Kush until the 11th century BC. As Egypt weakened, a new Kushite dynasty emerged in Napata, claiming to be the legitimate heirs of Egypt. The 25th Nubian Dynasty, or “Black Pharaohs,” ruled Egypt and Sudan, rivaling Rome and Persia.
List of Nubian Twenty-fifth Dynasty pharos:
For the very 1st time for our clients, we offer exclusive visits and explanation about the Nubian kings of African ancestry.
| Names | Dates |
|---|---|
| Alara of Nubia | 685 – 680 BC |
| Kashta | 707 – 680 BC |
| Piye (Piye) | c. 752 – 721 BC |
| Shabaka | 721 – 707 BC |
| Shebitku | 700s – 690 BC |
| Taharqa | 690 – 664 BC |
| Tantamani | 664 – 656 BC (died 653 BC) |
The 25 Nubian dynasty ruled Egypt from 685 B.C to 656 B.C. however the is 2 Pharos that stands out with both their architectural and military achievements which are Shabaka and Taharqa.
King Shabaka
King Shabaka, who ruled from 712 to 698 BC, commissioned numerous religious edifices and monuments across various regions of Egypt, reflecting his extensive residence there. At the Temple of Amun, he constructed the first treasury building of the first millennium at Karnak, specifically designed for this function. Additionally, Shabaka undertook the restoration of the Fourth Pylon, which had originally been erected by Thutmose IV and was in a dilapidated state. He inscribed his accomplishment on the western side of the northern tower of the pylon, noting that he created it as a monument for his father, Amun-Ra, the deity of Thebes. Shabaka also refurbished the grand gate (the principal entrance of the pylon), covering it with a splendid layer of pure gold acquired from his military conquests. He further gilded the columns behind the pylon and plated their bases with silver. Shabaka was meticulous in ensuring that the images and inscriptions of Thutmose remained attributed to their original creator, maintaining and restoring them to their initial appearance.
Moreover, King Shabaka began expanding the Temple of Ptah, which had been established by King Thutmose III. He added gates B and D, increasing the total number of temple entrances from three to five.
On one side of the temple, offerings were made, while on the other side, the wives of the deity Amun, Amenirdis and Shepenwepet, presented their sacrifices. A new temple, dedicated to Osiris Ptah Neb-Ankh, was constructed to the southeast of the Tenth Pylon. In the southwestern section, the Kushite king carried out significant modifications and updates to the Temple of Opet. Discoveries have revealed building stones inscribed with his name, suggesting he was responsible for constructing a grand gateway and a passage in front of the temple. Additionally, he added a southern entrance to the Mut Temple, featuring twenty columns, of which only three remain. These columns were distinguished by their central red or black granite sections and limestone bases.
Taharka refurbished both the Second and Tenth Pylons, added two gates to the Temple of Ptah, and completed other renovations at the Montu and Mut temples. He also restored the sacred lakes at the Temple of Amun-Ra and Mut. During Taharka’s reign, the southern governor and high priest of Amun, Montuemhat, undertook maintenance of the temples following the flood in the sixth year.
King Taharqa
King Taharqa was a notable Kushite king from Napata and the fifth ruler of Egypt’s Twenty-fifth Dynasty. He is famed alongside his father, Piye. Taharqa is mentioned in the Bible as the defender of Jerusalem from the Assyrians, and he reigned from 690 BC to 664 BC. To solidify his authority, he commissioned numerous monuments, the most notable being a series of columns in the great courtyard of the Temple of Amun at Karnak, of which only one column remains today. Additionally, he built a royal ramp in the center of the second pylon at Karnak, dividing the temple into three sections. Taharqa’s reign marked a golden age for his kingdom. Despite not being of Egyptian origin, he upheld the worship of the Egyptian god Amun, and he constructed pyramids and temples in the traditional Egyptian style. His administration used Egyptian hieroglyphs, reflecting a deep respect for Egyptian culture and religious practices.
Historical records highlight the conflict between the Assyrians and King Taharqa.At the Temple of Philae, an inscription of King Taharqa was found on a base thought to belong to the sacred barque. Significant discoveries at the Karnak Temple include Taharqa’s Nile gauge and columned halls. Entering Karnak through the eastern gate and following the main axis leads to Taharqa’s columned hall before reaching the Temple of Ramses II.
The hall features four rows of sandstone columns, adorned with reliefs highlighting muscle details, particularly in the legs, showcasing the artistic style of that era. Taharqa’s renowned columned hall in Karnak’s first courtyard is noted for its large columns, although only one remains standing. Near this column, an inscription listing cities conquered by Taharqa was found on one of his gates, believed to be copied from older lists.
How Egypt Helped the African Liberation movements:
Egypt was the first African country to gain its independence from colonization in 1956. which kickstarted all African liberation movements.
For decades, Egypt has supported African nations in reclaiming their rights and recovering possessions lost to colonial powers. This commitment intensified after the July 23 Revolution in 1952, which ended British colonial rule in Africa. Under President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Egypt played a crucial role in aiding African countries’ independence and confronting colonialism, both politically and militarily.
President Gamal Abdel Nasser: Egypt’s first president since its independence has his name on at least one street in every African City. Highlighting his efforts for All African nations to regain their lands and the right to autonomously rule themselves.
Egypt’s Role in African Independence:
Egypt was instrumental in the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and its “Liberation Committee for Africa.” Prior to the OAU, Egypt had already supported African liberation movements, driven by Nasser’s belief that Egypt’s security was tied to Africa’s independence. The July Revolution marked the beginning of Egypt’s regional influence, leading to significant support for Sudan’s independence in 1956, and subsequent recognition and diplomatic support.
Impact of the July 23 Revolution:
The July 23 Revolution significantly impacted African independence, with thirty countries achieving freedom by 1963. It also facilitated the establishment of the OAU. Egypt supported various African liberation movements, including backing Jomo Kenyatta in Kenya, sending troops to stabilize Congo, and opposing apartheid in South Africa. Egypt played a key role in supporting Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress.
Establishment of a Unified African Entity:
In 1962, Egypt contributed to the creation of the “Liberation Committee for Africa,” providing aid and establishing military training centers for liberation movements across Africa. Cairo also became a political and media hub for these movements, hosting 19 offices before they were closed post-independence. Additionally, Egypt launched radio stations in 33 African languages to support liberation efforts.
Founding the Organization of African Unity:
Egypt was a key founding member of the OAU in 1963, with Nasser leading during its first summit in Cairo in 1964. Egypt advocated for African support for Palestinian and Middle Eastern issues, linking them to the continent. By 1970, 35 African nations were UN members, supporting Egypt’s stance on various issues, including Palestinian observer status in the OAU.
Strengthening Egyptian African Relations:
Recent years, under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, have seen Egypt adopt more practical policies, enhancing cooperation with African countries. Egypt has expanded joint development projects, particularly in the Nile Basin, and reformed African Union mechanisms. It has also improved relations with major international powers and worked to activate the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Support for Security and Stability:
Egypt’s efforts include contributing to security in conflict zones like Mali, Libya, and South Sudan, as well as continental security initiatives like Silencing the Guns. Egypt also employs popular diplomacy, strengthening ties with African youth through various activities, reminiscent of its 1950s role as a hub for liberation movements.