Nubia, << NOO bee uh, >> was an ancient African region that covered part of what is now Sudan. Nubia extended along the Nile River. It reached from the southern boundary of ancient Egypt almost to present-day Khartoum, Sudan. Although Egypt periodically controlled Nubia, powerful independent states also emerged in the region. The earliest of these states was Kerma. Kerma lasted from about 2400 to 1500 B.C. The kingdom of Kush developed in Nubia after 1000 B.C. Kush became a center of agriculture and trade. From 750 to 660 B.C., Kushites conquered and ruled Egypt. Kush itself lasted until about A.D. 350. See Kush .
The Egyptians regarded Nubia as a source of gold, cattle, and soldiers. Nubia also served as a trading center for goods from the African interior. Egyptian influence in Nubia increased over time. But Nubians maintained their own cultures. They worshiped their own gods. They also had their own forms of architecture.
During the A.D. 500’s, most Nubians converted to Christianity. Much of Nubia remained Christian until the 1300’s. At that time, Arab Muslim invaders conquered the region. They established Islam as the dominant religion.
See also Sudan (Early days) .
