Nubia and the Nile River (02:35)

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The kingdom of Kush existed from approximately 800 B.C. to 350 A.D. in the region still known as Nubia. It was an important trading corridor between the ancient worlds. Respect for the Nile is ingrained in the culture of the Kushite's descendants.

Nubian Salvage Campaign (03:15)

By studying the material composition of ancient artifacts, archaeologists collect evidence of Nubian heritage. Prior to the completion of the Aswan Dam, UNESCO funded a convergence of international archaeologists to dig in ancient sites and recover ancient artifacts.

Kushite Pyramid and Chapel Ruins (03:51)

The remains of 40 pyramids and chapels stand in the Kush city of Meroe that flourished from 590 BC to 350 AD. Meroe pyramids are smaller and have steeper sides than Egypt's. A German engineer describes how the Meroetic pyramids were built.

Kushite Carvings (02:34)

Each of the Meroetic pyramids has three main parts: a chapel in front, the pyramid, and an underground chamber for royal burials. Chapel carvings show how the Kushites lived and ruled. They show that women often lead independently.

Kushite Religious Center (04:20)

In an area called Musawwarat Es-Sufra lies a large complex of stone buildings and structures known as the "Great Enclosure." The architectural complex is original and unique to Kush. Archaeologists conclude the complex was a religious center.

Culture and Language (02:32)

An important key to understanding past and present culture is understanding its language. Scholars continue their efforts to decode the language of Meroe. Meroetic is not comparable to any other language and is not yet deciphered.

Ancient Capital of Kush (01:55)

At the former capital of Kush in Napata, the ruins of the great temples have been excavated located at the base of the mountain Jebel Barkal. Kushite warriors pushed into Egypt and reigned for 60 years at Egypt's 25th dynasty.

Technology and Archaeology (02:12)

Computer engineers recreate a temple to the goddess Mut. New technologies help archaeologists visualize historic sites, and also locate objects and buildings. Magnetometry helps them locate items hidden beneath the surface.

Contemporary Nubia and Ancient Kush (02:04)

The descendants of the Kushites are the Nubian people of southern Egypt and northern Sudan. Many customs come down from ancient Kush, including facial scarring. Contemporary customs help scholars reconstruct the past.