3 – The Rise of the Kushites (1070 – 727? BC)
Egypt’s Third Intermediate Period began with the death of Ramses XI in the 1070s BC and is known as an era of decline and instability in the region. Not a great deal is known about the Kingdom of Kush during this timeframe although it was almost certainly growing in power while its former conqueror was beginning to languish. Heri-Hor was the first in a long line of Viceroys of Kush who were, in fact, independent kings of the region.
There are few mentions of these viceroys although historians have uncovered three names. Akheperre ruled the region during the reign of Menkheperre (1045 – 992 BC) according to the el-Hibeh archive. Neskhons assumed the role when Siamun was Pharaoh (986 – 967 BC) while Pamiu I was the Viceroy of Kush during the reign of Osorkon III (790? – 762? BC).
Meanwhile, Egypt was losing historical allies such as the Semitic Canaanites. In 945 BC, Sheshonq I took control of the Ancient Egyptian delta with the aid of Libyan princes and founded the Bubastite Dynasty which would last for around 200 years. He also assumed control of southern Egypt by placing family members in prominent religious positions. The Nubians took full advantage of the instability in Egypt beginning in the eighth century BC.
It was at that time when Alara of Nubia founded the Napatan Royal Dynasty; he was the first recorded Nubian prince. He unified all of Upper Nubia and established Napata as its capital. Alara was succeeded by Kashta, and during his reign, the native Kushites adopted Egyptian traditions, culture, and religion. However, it was Kashta’s successor, Piye, who decided to invade Egypt and establish the relatively short-lived Twenty-Fifth Dynasty.