Egypt’s relationship with its southern neighbour, Nubia, was a complex one. Egypt wanted the wealth of Nubia’s gold mines and control of the African trade that passed through it. For long periods, Nubia was occupied by Egypt and governed by a viceroy on behalf of the Egyptian king. However, a family of Nubian rulers eventually turned the tables and took control of Egypt, ruling as the 25th Dynasty (about 747 – 656 BC). This selection of objects illustrates those relationships.

Plaque made from Nubian gold

The plaque was found at Byblos in Lebanon.

See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/gold-openwork-plaque-showing-amenemhat-iv/rQFNmZSojpctAA

Stool

This stool is made of ebony and ivory imported from Nubia.

See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=116515&partId=1&searchText=ebony+stool&images=true&page=1

Amulet

Made of jasper imported from Nubia.

See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=129615&partId=1&searchText=red+jasper+amulet&images=true&page=1

Sandstone stela of Amenhotep III

The stela commemorates a military campaign in Nubia led by Merymose, the viceroy of Nubia.

See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/sandstone-stela-of-amenhotep-iii/cwEIEH1KAmvNhA

Sphinx of Taharqo

The last Nubian ruler of Egypt: BBC History of the world in 100 objects – listen to the programme or read the transcript.

See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/sphinx-of-taharqo/WQF4PEPuQjlvHg

Shabti of Taharqo

See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/granite-shabti-of-king-taharqa/LwHOYfCm8IxD4Q