"The Forgotten Kings: Unveiling the Reign of Africa's Ancient Pharaohs"

 Netflix's Queen Cleopatra docuseries has sparked a significant amount of controversy due to its portrayal of Cleopatra VII Philopator as a black woman. While Cleopatra herself was not black, it is important to note that there were indeed black pharaohs who ruled over Egypt during the 8th and 7th centuries BC. These pharaohs belonged to the 25th Dynasty, also known as the Nubian Dynasty or Black Pharaohs, which governed Egypt from 744 BC to 656 BC.

The 25th Dynasty originated from the city-state of Napata in Nubia, present-day Sudan. The Nubian Kushite civilization, from which this dynasty sprang, boasted impressive achievements in architecture, art, and culture, much like their Egyptian counterparts. Unfortunately, this enigmatic civilization has often been overshadowed by more well-known ancient civilizations and does not receive the recognition it deserves in mainstream discussions.

The rise to power of the 25th Dynasty began with King Piye, who launched a military campaign into Egypt and successfully captured Memphis, the capital, in 727 BC. Piye declared himself pharaoh and established the rule of the Kushite Dynasty over Egypt. It was Piye's successor, Shebitku, who solidified Kushite control over Egypt by defeating King Bakenranef of the rival 24th Dynasty at the Battle of Sais.

Following the initial conquest, subsequent kings of the dynasty, such as Shabaka, Shebitku, Taharqa, and Tanutamun, continued to consolidate their power and assert their authority over Egypt. They implemented policies aimed at restoring traditional Egyptian religious practices, reviving old cults and temples, and emphasizing their legitimacy by aligning themselves with Egyptian traditions. The Kushite rulers presented themselves as champions of Ma’at, the principle of order and justice.

One of the significant contributions of the Black Pharaohs was their architectural legacy. They undertook ambitious construction projects, with Taharqa being hailed as the greatest builder among the Kushite rulers. Taharqa's commitment to the revitalization of Egyptian religious sites is evident in his expansion of the Temple of Amun at Karnak in Thebes.

The Kushite kings also sought to revive pyramid building in Egypt, marking a resurgence of monumental tombs in the Egyptian landscape, approximately 1,000 years after the evolution of Egyptian burial practices away from pyramid construction. The Nubian pyramids, constructed during the 25th Dynasty, showcased the cultural and political connection between Nubia and Egypt.

Kushite pyramids

The construction of Nubian pyramids began at El Kurru in 751 BC, serving as the final resting place for Piye, the inaugural ruler of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty. Subsequently, more pyramids were erected at the Nuri site. These Nubian pyramids were modeled after a distinct form of Egyptian private elite family pyramids that were prevalent during the New Kingdom era.

What is remarkable is that a greater number of Nubian pyramids have survived to this day compared to their Egyptian counterparts. This fact highlights the enduring nature of Nubian pyramid structures, which have withstood the test of time. The revival of pyramid construction during the Twenty-fifth Dynasty not only revived ancient Egyptian burial practices but also showcased the cultural exchange and historical ties between Nubia and Egypt.

In conclusion, the Black Pharaohs of the 25th Dynasty played a significant role in the history of Egypt. Their rule brought about a renaissance of Egyptian religious practices, impressive architectural achievements, and the revival of pyramid construction. The Nubian pyramids stand as enduring testaments to the artistry, engineering prowess, and cultural interplay between Nubia and Egypt. It is important to recognize and appreciate the contributions of the Nubian Kushite civilization and the Black Pharaohs within the broader historical narrative of ancient Egypt.