El-Kurru chiefdom

El-Kurru chiefdom was a state in Nubia and Sudan (North and West Africa) that lasted from c. 1000 to 785 BCE, about 215 years. Its people spoke Nilo-Saharan languages (Kanuri, Songhai, Nubian, Luo, Maasai).

Local rulers buried at El-Kurru near Napata, whose tombs move from Nubian tumuli to Egyptian-style pyramids. They were the ancestors of the Kushite kings.

See El-Kurru chiefdom on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: c. 1000 to 785 BCE
Duration: 215 years
Type: State
Region: Nubia and Sudan, North and West Africa
Language family: Nilo-Saharan
Capital: El-Kurru

Came from

Egyptian Nubia (Viceroyalty of Kush) c. 1500 to 1070 BCE

Became

Kingdom of Kush (Napatan period) c. 785 to 300 BCE

Events in North and West Africa during its time

814 BCE Founding of Carthage

Neighbours in North and West Africa

Carthage c. 814 to 146 BCE
Kingdom of Kush (Napatan period) c. 785 to 300 BCE
Land of Punt c. 2500 to 980 BCE
D'mt c. 980 to 400 BCE
Third Intermediate Period c. 1069 to 664 BCE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Greek city-states c. 800 to 338 BCE, Europe
Neo-Assyrian Empire 911 to 609 BCE, Middle East

Questions

When did El-Kurru chiefdom exist?

c. 1000 to 785 BCE, about 215 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.

Where was El-Kurru chiefdom?

Nubia and Sudan, in North and West Africa. Its capital was El-Kurru.

What language did El-Kurru chiefdom speak?

Nilo-Saharan. This family includes Kanuri, Songhai, Nubian, Luo, Maasai.

What came before El-Kurru chiefdom?

Egyptian Nubia (Viceroyalty of Kush).

What came after El-Kurru chiefdom?

Kingdom of Kush (Napatan period).