Кіріспе
Куш патшалары – ежелгі Куш патшалығының (б.з.д. 8 ғасыр – б.з. 4 ғасыр) билеушілері, ежелгі Нубиядағы маңызды өркениет (шамамен қазіргі Судан аумағына сәйкес келеді). Кушиттік билік Мысырдың Жаңа Патшалығының шамамен б.з.д. 1069 жылы құлауынан кейін ғасырлар бойы орталықтандырылып, біріктірілді, бұл Алара басқаруымен Куш патшалығының шамамен б.з.д. 780 жылы құрылуына әкелді. Куш өзінің билігінің шыңына шамамен б.з.д. 739–656 жылдары жетті, осы кезде Куш патшалары Мысырдың жиырма бесінші династиясы ретінде де билік етті. Мысырдағы Кушиттік билік тоқтатылғаннан кейін патшалық өз орталық аймағында қуатты мемлекет болып қала берді және шамамен б.з. 350 жылы құлауына дейін тағы бір мың жылдай сақталды. Мысыр мәдениеті Кушқа патшалық және монументалды бейнелеу өнері жағынан зор әсер етті, бірақ жергілікті элементтер де қолданылды және Мероиттік кезеңде (шамамен б.з.д. 270–350 жылдар) олардың маңыздылығы артты. Кушиттік билеушілердің тізімдері сақталмаған, сондықтан билік ету реті негізінен патшалық жазулар мен жерлеулер сияқты мәліметтерге сүйеніп жазылған. Қалған көздер кейде жеткіліксіз, сондықтан хронология мен реттіліктің бір бөлігі шамамен және нақты емес болуы мүмкін. Жаңа патша есімдері мен жерлеу орындары табылуы мүмкін болғандықтан, билеушілердің тізімі де толық емес болуы мүмкін.
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The monarchs of Kush were the rulers of the ancient Kingdom of Kush (8th century BCE – 4th century CE), a major civilization in ancient Nubia (roughly corresponding to modern day Sudan). Kushite power was centralised and unified over the course of the centuries following the collapse of the New Kingdom of Egypt c. 1069 BCE, leading to the eventual establishment of the Kingdom of Kush under Alara c. 780 BCE. Kush reached the apex of its power c. 739–656 BCE, when the Kushite kings also ruled as the Twenty fifth Dynasty of Egypt. The kingdom remained a powerful state in its heartland after Kushite rule in Egypt was terminated and it survived for another millennium until its collapse c. 350 CE. Egyptian culture heavily influenced Kush in terms of its royal and monumental iconography, though indigenous elements were also used and became increasingly prominent in the Meroitic period (c. 270 BCE–350 CE). There are no preserved Kushite lists of rulers and the regnal sequence is instead largely reconstructed based on evidence such as royal inscriptions and burials. Surviving sources are at several points scant, meaning that parts of the chronology and sequence are approximate and tentative. The list of rulers might also be incomplete given that future discoveries of additional royal names and burials are possible.
The monarchs of Kush were the rulers of the ancient Kingdom of Kush (8th century BCE – 4th century CE), a major civilization in ancient Nubia (roughly corresponding to modern day Sudan). Kushite power was centralised and unified over the course of the centuries following the collapse of the New Kingdom of Egypt c. 1069 BCE, leading to the eventual establishment of the Kingdom of Kush under Alara c. 780 BCE. Kush reached the apex of its power c. 739–656 BCE, when the Kushite kings also ruled as the Twenty fifth Dynasty of Egypt. The kingdom remained a powerful state in its heartland after Kushite rule in Egypt was terminated and it survived for another millennium until its collapse c. 350 CE. Egyptian culture heavily influenced Kush in terms of its royal and monumental iconography, though indigenous elements were also used and became increasingly prominent in the Meroitic period (c. 270 BCE–350 CE). There are no preserved Kushite lists of rulers and the regnal sequence is instead largely reconstructed based on evidence such as royal inscriptions and burials. Surviving sources are at several points scant, meaning that parts of the chronology and sequence are approximate and tentative. The list of rulers might also be incomplete given that future discoveries of additional royal names and burials are possible.
Куш патшалығының мұрагерлік кезеңі
Куш патшалығында патшалық мұрагерлік жүйесі толыққанды түсініксіз. Кушиттердің өзі жазған әкімшілік құжаттары немесе тарихтары жоқ; патшалық шежірелердің өте аз бөлігі сенімді түрде қайта құрылуы мүмкін болғандықтан, жүйенің теорияда қалай жұмыс істегенін және оның бұзылған кездерін анықтау мүмкін емес. Патшалық әйелдер Кушит қоғамында, әсіресе Мероиттік кезеңде (б.з.д. 270–350 жж.) маңызды рөл атқарды. Осы себепті Кушит мұрагерлігі негізінен аталық (ерлер арқылы мұрагерлік) немесе аналық (әйелдер арқылы мұрагерлік) болғаны ұзақ уақыт бойы даулы мәселе болып келді. Екі жүйеде де қосымша белгісіздіктер болуы мүмкін; мысалы, аталық жүйе негізінен әкеден ұлға немесе ағадан ініге мұрагерлікке негізделуі мүмкін. Мероиттік кезеңге дейінгі Кушит патшайымдары туралы мәліметтер жоқ, бұл олардың бұрынғы кезеңдерде билікке ие болуына рұқсат етілмегенін көрсетеді. Дегенмен, Мероиттік патшаларға дейінгі көптеген патшалық жазулар бар, мысалы, Аспельта, олар тек олардың әйел ата-бабаларына баса назар аударады. Бұл өздігінен таза аналық мұрагерлік үшін жеткілікті дәлел саналмайды және билеушілер арасындағы аталық қатынастар дәлелдермен расталмаған жағдайда да жиі болжалады. Мысалы, Алара мен Кашта патшалары ағайынды болған деп есептеледі, ал Пие Каштаның ұлы деп саналады, бірақ ешқайсысы тікелей дәлелдермен расталмаған. Жаңа Патшалық (б.з.д. 1550–1069 жж.) және Үшінші аралық (б.з.д. 1069–664 жж.) кезеңдеріндегі Мысырдағы мұрагерлікке сүйене отырып, әйелдер тарапынан келген ұрпақтар да заңдылықты орнату үшін ерлермен бірдей маңызды болған болуы мүмкін. Археолог Роберт Моркоттың пікірінше, таққа талапкер болуға лайықты мұрагер жай ғана ең күшті патшалық ұрпақ болуы мүмкін, яғни нақты мұрагерлік жүйе болмаған. Тахаркадан Тантаманиге, содан кейін Атланерсаға дейінгі (б.з.д. VII ғасыр) мұрагерліктерді таза аталық немесе таза аналық шежіре арқылы түсіндіру қиын. Куш туралы бұрынғы зерттеулерде барлық монархтар бұрынғы монархтардың тікелей ұрпақтары деп есептелді. Мероиттік кезеңнің үлкен бөлігі үшін қол жетімді материалдың шектеулі болуына байланысты, кей жағдайларда билік басындағы монархтың әкесі ретінде аталған кез келген тұлға, тіпті олар сол рөлде ешқашан расталмаса немесе басқа жерде есімдері кездеспесе де, патша болған деген болжамға келді. Мұндай монархтардың әкелеріне мысал ретінде Пизакар, Адекетали, Теритнид, Аротнид және Териттатахетей жатады, олар кейде қазіргі заманғы қайта құрылған патшалық тізімдерінде кездеседі (бірақ көптеген қайта құрулар оларды алып тастайды). Бұлардан өзге, бұл тұлғалардың есімдері Кушит патшалық есімдерінің белгілі үлгісіне сәйкес келмейді, және оларды патшалар деп санау тікелей және/немесе әйелдер желілері арқылы мұрагерлік мүмкіндігін елемеуге әкеледі, ал екеуі де орын алған болуы мүмкін. Мероиттік кезеңде билік жүргізбеген әкелері болған Куш билеушілері де болды.
The system of royal succession in the Kingdom of Kush is not well understood. There are no known administrative documents or histories written by the Kushites themselves; because very little of the royal genealogy can be reliably reconstructed, it is impossible to determine how the system functioned in theory and when or if it was ever broken. Royal women were prominent in Kushite society, especially in the Meroitic period ( 270 BCE–350 CE). As a consequence it has long been disputed whether the Kushite succession was mainly patrilineal (inherited through male lines) or matrilineal (inherited through female lines). Further uncertainties would exist within either system; a patrilineal system can for instance be based around successions that are mainly father→son or mainly brother→brother. No ruling Kushite queens are known from before the Meroitic period, suggesting that they may have been excluded from holding office during earlier periods. Despite this, there are numerous royal inscriptions from pre Meroitic kings, for instance Aspelta, that place emphasis only on their female ancestors. This is on its own generally not considered sufficient evidence for purely matrilineal succession and patrilineal relations are often assumed between rulers even when unsupported by evidence. As examples, kings Alara and Kashta are often assumed to have been brothers and Piye is often assumed to have been Kashta's son, though neither relation is supported by any direct evidence. Based on succession in Egypt during the New Kingdom ( 1550–1069 BCE) and Third Intermediate (c. 1069–664 BCE) periods, it is conceivable that female lines of descent were just as important as male ones for establishing legitimacy. According to the archaeologist Robert Morkot, the heir who succeeded in claiming the throne might simply have been the strongest eligible royal descendant, instead of there being a clear succession system. Some successions, such as Taharqa to Tantamani to Atlanersa (seventh century BCE), are difficult to explain under either pure patrilineality or pure matrilineality. It was in older scholarship on Kush assumed that all monarchs were direct descendants of earlier monarchs. In the case of the especially limited material available for large parts of the Meroitic period, this in cases led to the assumption that any figure mentioned as the father of a ruling monarch must also have been a king, even if they are never attested in that role or mentioned elsewhere. Examples of such fathers of monarchs include Pisakar, Adeqetali, Teritnide, Arotnide, and Teritedakhetey, who sometimes still figure in modern reconstructed regnal lists (though most reconstructions omit them). In addition to not being directly attested as monarchs themselves, the names of these individuals do not fit with the known type of Kushite royal names, and counting them as kings ignores the prospect of succession through indirect and/or female lines, both of which are believed to have transpired. There were Kushite rulers in the Meroitic period who can be confidently established to have had non ruling fathers.
Тізімнің пішімі мен мазмұны
Кушиттік тарихты жалпыға бірдей қолданылатын кезеңдеу жоқ. Бұл тізімде Эмберлинг (2023) ұсынған хронологиялық схема қолданылады, ол Куши тарихын келесі төрт кезеңге бөледі: Ерте Напатан (Куши саяси билігінің Напатада қалыптасуы), Орта Напатан (Аларадан бастап Кушидің Мысырдағы үстемдігінің соңына дейін), Соңғы Напатан (Мысырды жоғалтқаннан кейін патшалық жерлеулер Напатада жалғасты), және Мероит (Мероедегі патшалық жерлеулер) кезеңдері. Мысырдағы Куши үстемдігінің аяқталуынан кейін Куши монархтарының билік мерзімі туралы нақты мәліметтер белгісіз. Сондықтан, бұл тізімде тек қазіргі заманғы дереккөздерге сілтеме жасалып, шамамен мерзімдер ғана көрсетілген. Кейбір ескі дереккөздерде әрбір билеушінің билік жылдары нақты көрсетілген. Бұл даталар көбінесе Джордж Эндрю Рейснердің 1923 жылғы болжамды хронологиясына негізделген, ол даталарды Мысыр тарихымен бірнеше синхронизмдерге, толығымен гипотетикалық 15 жылдық орташа билік мерзіміне және жерлеулердің көлемі мен байлығына байланысты ұзақ немесе қысқа билік мерзімін тағайындауға негіздеме еткен. Бұл тізімде әрбір монархтың қабірі («жерлеу» бағанасында) және олардың есімдері аббревиатуралармен берілген. Аббревиатуралар – Кушидің әртүрлі қабірлік пирамида кешендерінің қысқартылған атаулары, ал сандар нақты пирамиданы немесе ғибадатхананы көрсетеді. "Кур." – Курру (яғни Эль-Курру), "Ну." – Нури, "Бар." – Джебель-Баркал, ал "Бег." – Бегравия (Мерое) дегенді білдіреді. "Бег. N" және "Бег. S" – Мероенің солтүстік және оңтүстік зираттары. Эль-Курру, Нури және Джебель-Баркалдың барлығы ежелгі Напата қаласының жанында орналасқан, ал Мерое – оңтүстікке қарай орналасқан басқа қала.
There is no universally used periodisation of Kushite history. This list uses the chronological scheme proposed by Emberling (2023), which divides Kushite history into the following four periods: Early Napatan (coalescence of Kushite political authority in Napata), Middle Napatan (from Alara to the end of Kushite dominion over Egypt), Late Napatan (after the loss of Egypt while royal burials continued at Napata), and Meroitic (royal burials at Meroë) periods. Precise regnal dates are not known for any Kushite monarchs after the end of Kushite dominion over Egypt. This list thus only includes approximate timeframes, cited to modern sources. Some older sources provide precise dates for each ruler. These dates usually derive from a speculative 1923 chronology by George Andrew Reisner, who based the dates on a handful of synchronisms with Egyptian history, used a wholly hypothetical average reign length of 15 years, and assigned longer reigns and shorter reigns based on the size and richness of burials. This list includes the tomb of each monarch (in the 'burial' column) and names them using abbreviations. The abbreviations are shorthands for the different Kushite burial pyramid complexes, with the numbers indicating a particular pyramid or temple. "Kur." stands for Kurru (i. e. El Kurru) ,"Nu." stands for Nuri, "Bar." stands for Jebel Barkal, and "Beg." stands for Begrawiyah (Meroë). "Beg. N" and "Beg. S" refer to the northern and southern cemeteries of Meroë, respectively. El Kurru, Nuri, and Jebel Barkal are all located by the ancient city of Napata; Meroë was a different city further south.
Ерте Напатан кезеңі (1069780 б.з.д.)
Ерте Напатан кезеңі 1069 ж.б.д. Ежелгі Египеттің Жаңа Патшалығының құлауынан кейін Куш дербес немесе тәуелсіз болуымен басталды. Осы кезеңде Куштан табылған материалдық деректер өте сирек. Кейінгі Орта Напатан кезеңінің басына дейін біртұтас патшалыққа біріктірілмеген бірнеше жергілікті кушит саяси бірліктері болған болуы мүмкін. Ерте Напатан кезеңінде аймақтағы саяси билік Напата төңірегінде бірте-бірте нығайды. Напатаның (Эль-Курру) алғашқы патшалық зиратында кейінгі Орта Напатан кезеңінен бұрынғы, атаусыз бірнеше жерлеулер бар, бұл, мүмкін, жергілікті басшылардың жерленген жерлері. Бұл жерлер кейде Алара, кушиттердің атымен белгілі ең алғашқы патшасынан бұрынғы бес ұрпақтың патшаларының жерленген жерлері деп түсіндіріледі. Дегенмен, тарихшылар Алараны Куш мемлекетінің негізін қалаушы деп есептейді, себебі ол кейінгі монархтардың жазбаларында династияның негізін салушы ретінде айтылады, бұл оның патшалықты құрғанын көрсетеді.
The Early Napatan period began with Kush becoming autonomous or independent in the wake of the collapse of the New Kingdom of Egypt, 1069 BCE. The material from Kush during this time is extremely scant. There may have been several local Kushite political units, not properly unified into a single kingdom until the beginning of the later Middle Napatan period. During the Early Napatan period, political authority in the region slowly coalesced around Napata. The original royal cemetery of Napata (El Kurru) contains several (unnamed) burials that are earlier in age than the later Middle Napatan period, perhaps the burials of local chieftains. These have sometimes been interpreted as the burials of around five generations of kings earlier than Alara, the earliest Kushite king known by name. Alara is however generally considered the founder of Kush by historians since he was referenced in the writings of later monarchs as a dynastic founder, in contexts suggesting that he also established the kingdom.
Орта Напатан кезеңі (780656 б.з.д.)
Орта Напатан кезеңі Кушит монархы Алараның билігімен басталып, Кушит үкімшілігінің Египеттегі кейінгі кезеңін қамтыды (Ежелгі Египеттің 25-ші династиясы ретінде). Бұл тізімде кейбір билеушілер арасындағы әке шешелік байланыстар келтірілген; олардың барлығы ғалымдар тарапынан қабылданбаған, ал патшалықтың алғашқы кезеңдерінде үш некелік байланысқа түскен отбасының қатысқан болуы мүмкін. Портрет атыБилік мерзіміМұрагерлік және ескертулерҚұмбезАлара 780–760 ж.б.д. (дәстүрлі даталар) Кушиттердің ең ерте белгілі билеушісі; кейіннен династияның негізін қалаушы деп есептелді. Алараның билік кезеңінен заманауи дәлелдер жоқ, бірақ ол қызы Табиридің (Пиенің әйелі) жерлеу жазбасында және оның ізбасарлары оны атаған. Пиенің тікелей алдыңғысы Кашта болғандықтан, Алара Каштаның тікелей алдыңғысы болған. Кур. 9Кашта760–747 ж.б.д. Алараның інісі (?). 760 ж. Жоғарғы Египетке Кушит үстемдігін орнатып, өзін фараон деп жариялады, солтүстіктегі египеттік билеушілердің талаптарына қарсы шықты. Өзінің қызы Аменирдисті Амонның әйелі етіп тағайындады. Кур. 8 (болжамды)Пие747–716 ж.б.д. Каштаның ұлы (?) және Алараның күйеу баласы. 739 ж. кең ауқымды әскери науқанда Египетті жаулап алды, Каштаның фараондық талабын саяси шындыққа айналдырды және «Кушит империясын» (Египеттің жиырма бесінші династиясы) құрды. Кур. 17Шебитку716–702 ж.б.д. Пие мен Пексатер патшайымының ұлы немесе Пиенің інісі болуы мүмкін. Астананы Напатадан Мемфиске көшірді. Ассирия патшасы Саргон II-мен сауда және дипломатиялық қарым-қатынас жасады. Кур. 18Шабака702–690 ж.б.д. Шебиткудың ұлы (?). Нил дельтасына толық бақылау орнатты; дельтадағы қарсыласы перғауын Бакенранефті жеңді. 701 ж. Ассирия патшасы Сеннахиримнің Ежелгі Исраилге жасаған жорығына араласты. Кур. 15Тахарқа690–664 ж.б.д. Пие мен Абар патшайымының ұлы. Египет пен Куштегі бірнеше құрылыс жобаларын басқарды. 671 ж. Египетті Ассирия империясына жоғалтып, астананы Напатаға қайтарды. Египетті қайта басып алды, бірақ 667 ж.б.д. тағы жеңілді. Нұриде жаңа патшалық зиратты құрды, оны кейінгі патшалар шамамен 300 жыл бойы пайдаланды. Ну. 1Тантамани664–656 ж.б.д. соңШабака мен Калхата патшайымының ұлы. 664 ж. Египетті ассириялықтардан қайтарып алды, бірақ келесі жылы жеңіліп, қуылды. 656 ж.б.д. дейін Жоғарғы Египетте мойындалды, содан кейін Кушиттер Египетке деген бақылауын толығымен жоғалтты. Эл-Куррудағы ата-бабалық Кушит патшалық зиратында соңғы рет жерленген билеуші. Кур. 16
The Middle Napatan period began with the rule of the earliest known named Kushite monarch, Alara, and encompassed the later period of Kushite rule over Egypt (as Ancient Egypt's 25th dynasty). This list includes the conventional speculative patrilineal relationships between some of the rulers; these are not accepted by all scholars and it is possible that as many as three intermarrying families were involved in the early stages of the kingdom. PortraitNameReignSuccession and notesBurialAlara 780–760 BCE(traditional dates)The earliest known Kushite ruler; in later times considered a dynastic founder. There is no contemporary evidence from Alara's reign but he is named in the funerary inscription of his daughter Tabiry (wife of Piye) and was also named as an ancestor by his successors. Piye's direct predecessor was Kashta, so Alara was likely Kashta's direct predecessor. Kur. 9(assumed)Kashtac. 760–747 BCEBrother of Alara (?). Established Kushite control over Upper Egypt 760 BCE and proclaimed himself as pharaoh, challenging the claims of Egyptian rulers further north. Secured his daughter Amenirdis I's appointment as God's Wife of Amun. Kur. 8(assumed)Piyec. 747–716 BCESon of Kashta (?) and son in law of Alara. Conquered Egypt in an extensive 739 BCE military campaign, making Kashta's pharaonic claim a political reality and establishing the 'Kushite Empire' (Twenty fifth Dynasty of Egypt). Kur. 17Shebitkuc. 716–702 BCEPossibly son of Piye and Queen Peksater or maybe a brother of Piye. Moved the capital from Napata to Memphis. Entered into trade and diplomacy with the Assyrian king Sargon II. Kur. 18Shabakac. 702–690 BCESon of Shebitku (?). Established full control over the Nile Delta; defeated the delta based rival Pharaoh Bakenranef. Intervened in the Assyrian king Sennacherib's campaign in the Levant in 701 BCE, on the side of the Kingdom of Judah. Kur. 15Taharqa690–664 BCESon of Piye and Queen Abar. Had a largely peaceful and prosperous reign, overseeing several building projects in Egypt and Kush. Lost Egypt to the Assyrian Empire in 671 BCE and transferred the capital back to Napata. Recaptured Egypt but defeated again in 667 BCE. Founded a new royal cemetery in Nuri, used by later kings for c. 300 years. Nu. 1Tantamani664–after 656 BCESon of Shabaka and Queen Qalhata. Recaptured Egypt from the Assyrians in 664 BCE, though was defeated and driven away the next year. Remained recognised in Upper Egypt until 656 BCE, whereafter the Kushites completely lost control over Egypt. Last ruler to be buried at the ancestral Kushite royal cemetery in El Kurru. Kur. 16
Напатан кезеңінің соңы (б.з.д. 656270 ж.)
Кейінгі Напатан кезеңі Мысырдың жоғалуынан кейінгі Куш тарихын қамтиды, Напата патшалардың жерлену орны болып қала бергенге дейін. Атауы Патшалық мерзімі Солтүстік-шығыс және шығыс аймақтары Алғашқы төрт патшасы жақсы куәландырылған және бұрынғы Куш патшалық дәстүрлерінің көп бөлігін сақтаған. Атланрса VII ғасырдың екінші жартысы Тахарқа (?) мен патшайым Салқа (?) ұлы. Куш, мүмкін, Атланрса немесе оның ізбасары тұсында Перғауын Псамтик I басқарған шапқыншылыққа тап болған, бірақ дәлелдер жеткіліксіз. Джебель Баркалдегі B700 ғибадатханасын салуды бастады. № 20 Сенкаманискен VII ғасырдың екінші жартысы Атланрса (?) мен патшайым Малетараль ұлы. B700 ғибадатханасының құрылысын аяқтады. № 3 Анламани VII ғасырдың соңы Сенкаманискен (?) мен патшайым Насалса ұлы. Дәстүрлі Куш таж кигізу сапарына қатысқан ең ерте билеуші, Мероэ, Напата және Кавада таж киді. № 6 Аспельта VI ғасырдың басы Сенкаманискен (?) мен патшайым Насалса ұлы. Анламанидің кіші інісі. 593 ж.б.з. Перғауын Псамтик II-нің Кушқа қарсы соғысы кезінде патша болған болуы мүмкін. Оның ескерткіштерінің саны мен сапасы өркендеген билігін көрсетеді. Аспельтаның аты кейбір жерлерде өшіріліп тасталғаны белгілі бір ішкі саяси дауға тап болғанын көрсетеді. № 8 II кезең: Аспельтадан кейінгі патшалардың билік ету кезеңінде Куш туралы аз мәлімет жазылған. Хронология шамамен алынған және есімдер мен жерленген жерлерінен басқа ештеңе белгісіз. Арамтелек VI ғасырдың екінші ширегі Аспельтаның ұлы (?) және патшайым Кхеб (?), Анламанидің қызы. Оның қабірі, мүсіні және Мероэдегі жазулары белгілі. № 9 Малонакен VI ғасырдың бірінші жартысы Арматлеқ (?) мен патшайым Аманитакайе (?) ұлы. Оның қабірі, құрылыс жұмыстары және әр түрлі жазулары арқылы белгілі. № 5 Аналмая VI ғасырдың ортасы Тегі белгісіз. Қабірінен белгілі. № 18 Аманнаталибете VI ғасырдың екінші жартысы Тегі белгісіз. Оның қабірі, құрылыс жұмыстары және әр түрлі жазулары арқылы белгілі. № 10 Пянхаритен VI ғасырдың екінші жартысы (? ) Тегі белгісіз. Нудегі заттардың патрондарынан анықталды. 25 (патша жұбайының жерлеуі). Белгісіз Каркамани VI ғасырдың екінші жартысы Оның қабірі мен Мероэдегі жазуларынан белгілі. № 7 Аманиастабарқа VI ғасырдың соңы Қабірінен белгілі. № 2 Сиаспиқа V ғасырдың басы Оның қабірі мен Мероэдегі жазуларынан белгілі. № 4 Насахма V ғасырдың бірінші жартысы Тегі белгісіз. Қабірінен белгілі. № 19 Малавиебамани V ғасырдың ортасы Насахма (?) мен патшайым Сака'ае (?) ұлы. Қабірінен белгілі. № 11 Талахамани V ғасырдың екінші жартысы Малевиебаманидің (?) кіші інісі. Оның қабірінен және оның ізбасарының жазуларынан белгілі. № 16 III кезең: Аманнетейеркеден басталатын Куш билеушілері кейбір бұрынғы дәстүрлерді қайта жаңғыртты. Олардың патшалық титулдары саяси амбициялардың күшейген кезеңін көрсетеді. Аманнетейеріке V ғасырдың екінші жартысы Малевиебаманидің ұлы. Оның қабірі мен бірнеше жазуларынан белгілі. Аманинетейерике патшалық атақтары Мысырдағы билікпен тығыз байланысты, бұл Куш билігін қалпына келтіру үмітін білдіреді. № 12 Баскакерен V ғасырдың соңы Оның қабірінен белгілі, оның кішкентай мөлшері қысқа және маңызды емес билікті білдіруі мүмкін. № 17 Харсиотеф IV ғасырдың басы (б.з.д. 400–360 ж.б.) Өзінің алдыңғыларының бірі және патшайым Атасамалдың ұлы. Құпиялы түрде кем дегенде 35 жыл билік жүргізген, бұл Куш билеушілерінің ішіндегі ең ұзақ билік еткені. Харсиотфтың жазған соғыстарының үлкен саяси және географиялық ауқымы империя құру мен экспансионизм уақытын көрсетеді. № 13 Белгісіз патша IV ғасырдың ортасы (? ) Осы уақытқа дейінгі белгісіз билеуші пирамида Курмен байланысты болуы мүмкін. 1. Жасырын Бұл пирамида ешқашан жерлеу үшін пайдаланылмаған, бірақ оның орнын өзгерту саяси тәртіпсіздікті және, мүмкін, бәсекелес ұрпақтың патшалық дәулетіне ие болуды білдіруі мүмкін. Кур. 1 ((қолданылмаған) АхратІV ғасырдың екінші жартысы (б.з.д. 340 ж.б.) Харсиотефтың ұлы (?). Оның қабірі мен гранит мүсіні белгілі. Оның мүсіні мен пирамидасының үлкендігі оның билігінің табысты әрі маңызды болғанын көрсетеді. № 14 Аманибахи IV ғасырдың екінші жартысы (? ) Тегі белгісіз. Нуриден табылған стела мен құрбандық үстелінен белгілі. Белгісіз Настасен IV ғасырдың соңғы үштен бірі (б.з.д. 325 ж.б.) Харсиотефтың ұлы (?) және Пелха патшайым. Оның қабірі, стеласы және бірнеше жазулары белгілі. Харсиотфтың империясын құру және әскери саясатын жалғастырды. № 15 IV кезең: Настасен билігінің аяқталуы қайта жаңғыру кезеңін аяқтады. Бұл уақыт Куш тарихында ең аз белгілі кезеңдердің бірі; билеушілер көбінесе жазу фрагменттерінде ғана белгілі және хронология гипотетикалық және мәселелі. Актисанес IV ғасырдың соңы Тегі белгісіз. Бірнеше жазулардан белгілі. Грек тарихшысы Гекатаей Абдерскийдің еңбектерінде айтылған. Бар. 14 (гипотетикалық) Арьямани IV ғасырдың соңы/III ғасырдың басы Тегі белгісіз. Кавадан табылған стеладан белгілі. Бар. 11 (гипотетикалық) Каш( )амани IV ғасырдың соңы/III ғасырдың басы Тегі белгісіз. Алтын жапыраққа басылған фрагменттік патроннан белгілі. Аты Актисанес пен Сабракамани арасындағы билікке сәйкес келеді. Белгісіз Арикепианхико IV ғасырдың соңы/III ғасырдың басы Тегі белгісіз. Тек оның ізбасарының жазуларынан белгілі. Белгісіз Сабракамани III ғасырдың бірінші жартысы Тегі белгісіз. Тек Кавадағы жазудан белгілі, ол Арикепианхиконы өзінің тікелей алдын ала белгілегенін анықтайды. Белгісіз
The Late Napatan period encompasses Kushite history after the loss of Egypt, for as long as Napata remained the site used for royal burials. PortraitNameReignSuccession and notesBurialPhase I: The first four kings of the Late Napatan period are well attested and maintained much of the earlier Kushite royal practices. AtlanersaSecond half of the 7th century BCESon of Taharqa (?) and Queen ( )salka (?). Kush may have faced an invasion led by Pharaoh Psamtik I under either Atlanersa or his successor, though the evidence is lacking. Began building Temple B700 in Jebel Barkal. Nu. 20SenkamaniskenSecond half of the 7th century BCESon of Atlanersa (?) and Queen Maletaral. Finished building Temple B700. Nu. 3AnlamaniLate 7th century BCESon of Senkamanisken (?) and Queen Nasalsa. Earliest ruler documented to have undertaken the traditional Kushite coronation journey, being crowned in Meroë, Napata, and Kawa. Nu. 6AspeltaEarly 6th century BCESon of Senkamanisken (?) and Queen Nasalsa. Younger brother of Anlamani. Likely king at the time of Pharaoh Psamtik II's 593 BCE war against Kush. The amount and quality of his monuments indicates a prosperous reign. Aspelta's name being erased in some places also suggests that he faced some unknown internal political controversy. Nu. 8Phase II: Little information is recorded from Kush during the reigns of the kings immediately following Aspelta. The chronology is approximate and not much is known other than names and places of burial. AramatleqoSecond quarter of the 6th century BCESon of Aspelta (?) and Queen Kheb (? ), a daughter of Anlamani. Known from his tomb, a statue, and inscriptions in Meroë. Nu. 9MalonaqenFirst half of the 6th century BCESon of Armatleqo (?) and Queen Amanitakaye (?). Known from his tomb, building activity, and various inscriptions. Nu. 5AnalmayeMiddle of the 6th century BCEUnknown descent. Known from his tomb. Nu. 18AmaninatakilebteSecond half of the 6th century BCEUnknown descent. Known from his tomb, building activity, and various inscriptions. Nu. 10PiankharitenSecond half of the 6th century BCE (? )Unknown descent. Known from cartouches on objects in Nu. 25 (burial of a queen consort). UnidentifiedKarkamaniSecond half of the 6th century BCEUnknown descent. Known from his tomb and inscriptions in Meroë. Nu. 7AmaniastabarqaLate 6th century BCEUnknown descent. Known from his tomb. Nu. 2SiaspiqaEarly 5th century BCEUnknown descent. Known from his tomb and inscriptions in Meroë. Nu. 4NasakhmaFirst half of the 5th century BCEUnknown descent. Known from his tomb. Nu. 19MalewiebamaniMiddle 5th century BCESon of Nasakhma (?) and Queen Saka'aye (?). Known from his tomb. Nu. 11TalakhamaniSecond half of the 5th century BCEYounger brother of Malewiebamani (?). Known from his tomb and inscriptions by his successor. Nu. 16Phase III: Kushite rulers beginning with Amanineteyerike revive some earlier practices. Their royal titularies suggest a period of greater political ambition. AmanineteyerikeSecond half of the 5th century BCESon of Malewiebamani. Known from his tomb and several inscriptions. Amanineteyerike's royal titles are strongly associated with rule in Egypt, suggesting (unrealised) hopes of restoring Kushite rule there. Nu. 12BaskakerenLate 5th century BCEUnknown descent. Known from his tomb, the small size of which could indicate a short and insignificant reign. Nu. 17HarsiotefEarly 4th century BCE(c. 400–360 BCE)Son of one of his predecessors and Queen Atasamale. Had a documented reign of at least 35 years, the longest recorded reign of any Kushite ruler. The great political and geographical range of Harsiotef's recorded wars indicate a time of empire building and expansionism. Nu. 13Unknown kingMiddle 4th century BCE (? )An unknown ruler from this time is likely associated with the pyramid Kur. 1. This pyramid was never used for burial but the change in location could indicate political unrest and perhaps a royal claimant from a rival lineage. Kur. 1(unused)AkhratenSecond half of the 4th century BCE( c. 340 BCE)Son of Harsiotef (?). Known from his tomb and from a granite statue. The statue and the large size of his pyramid indicates that his reign was prosperous and important. Nu. 14AmanibakhiSecond half of the 4th century BCE (? )Unknown descent. Known from a stela and an offering table found in Nuri. UnidentifiedNastasenLast third of the 4th century BCE(fl. c. 325 BCE)Son of Harsiotef (?) and Queen Pelkha. Known from his tomb, a stela, and several inscriptions. Continued the empire building and militant policies of Harsiotef. Nu. 15Phase IV: The end of Nastasen's reign concludes the period of revival. This time is one of the least known in Kushite history; rulers are mostly attested only in inscription fragments and the chronology is hypothetical and problematic. AktisanesLate 4th century BCEUnknown descent. Known from a handful of inscriptions. Mentioned in the works of the Greek historian Hecataeus of Abdera. Bar. 14(hypothetical)AryamaniLate 4th/early 3rd century BCEUnknown descent. Known from a stela found in Kawa. Bar. 11(hypothetical)Kash( )amaniLate 4th/early 3rd century BCEUnknown descent. Known from a fragmentary cartouche impressed on a gold leaf. Name type suggests reign sometime between Aktisanes and Sabrakamani. UnidentifiedArikepiankhiqoLate 4th/early 3rd century BCEUnknown descent. Known only from an inscription by his successor. UnidentifiedSabrakamaniFirst half of the 3rd century BCEUnknown descent. Known only from an inscription in Kawa which also identifies Arikepiankhiqo as his direct predecessor. Unidentified
Мероиттік кезең (270 BCE350 CE)
Б.з.д. III ғасырда патшалық қабір Нэпатадан Мероеге Аракаманиді жерлеу үшін көшірілді. Бұл саяси билік пен байлықты Мероеге біртіндеп берудің соңғы қадамы болды және Мероит кезеңінің басталуы ретінде қарастырылады. Елорданың өзгеруін тарихи немесе мәдени сабақтастықтың үзілуін білдіретін деп қате түсінбеу керек; Напата маңызды діни орталық ретінде жұмыс істей берді және дәлелдер Мерое ерте кезден маңызды болғандығын көрсетеді. Мерое б.з.д. V ғасырдан бастап Куш патшаларының резиденциясы болған болуы мүмкін. Б.з.д. II ғасырдан бастап Куш көптеген патшайымдармен ерекшеленді (өздерінің билік ету құқығына ие болған патшайымдар). Билік басындағы патшайымдар билеуші болған кезде бұрынғы стилін (көбінесе кандаке) сақтады, бірақ олар жаңа билікті көрсету үшін корольдік титулды қоре деп қабылдады. Мероит кезеңінде билік жүргізген патшайымдардың саны көп болғандықтан, әр монархтың жынысы мұнда жыныстық символмен (♀ немесе ♂) көрсетіледі. Жынысы белгісіз болған жағдайда, символ енгізілмейді. Куш билеушілерінің патшалық кезеңі, реті және хронологиясы, әсіресе Мероит кезеңінде белгісіз. Қажеттілік бойынша бұл тізімде тек бір ғана түсіндіру көрсетілген, бірақ назарға қонымды баламалы идеялар төменгі жазбаларда көрсетілген. Тақтың еркек, әйел және жанама желілер арқылы өтетінін ескерсек, бұл тізімде тек әр монархтың ата-аналары (егер белгілі болса) «туыстық» бағанында жазылады, олардың жалпы туыстары туралы болжам жасалмайды. Бұл бағанда ♔ символының қолданылуы монархтың ата-анасы да монарх болғанын көрсетеді.
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Аракамани (♂) (Эргамен I) б.з.д. 270 ж. шамасы – III ғасырдың ортасы Ата-анасы белгісіз Куштің тек қабірінен белгілі. Грек тарихшысы Агатархидтің еңбегінде кездесетін «Эргаменмен» бірдейленеді. Мысырдағы Птолемей II-нің замандасы. S 6
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Аманисло (♂) III ғасырдың ортасы Аракамани (әкесі ♔) (?), Сартинь (анасы) (?) Оның қабірінен және арыстан мүсіндеріне жазылған жазулардан белгілі. Напатадағы B1200 сарайының қалпына келтірілуі. S 5
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Амантеха (♂) III ғасырдың екінші жартысы Ата-анасы белгісіз Оның қабірінен белгілі. Амантеханың қабірі салыстырмалы түрде кішкентай, бірақ Мероэдің солтүстік зиратындағы ең ертегі жерлеу ретінде маңызды. N 4
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Белгісіз патша (♂) III ғасырдың екінші жартысы Ата-анасы белгісіз Мероэнің солтүстік зиратындағы адасқан блокқа жазылған жазулардан белгілі. Мысырдағы Птолемей III-нің замандасы. Белгісіз
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Арнехамани (♂) III ғасырдың екінші жартысы (б.з.д. 240–215 ж. шамасы) Ата-анасы белгісіз Куш тарихындағы ең әсерлі ғимараттардан белгілі. Мысырдағы Птолемей III және Птолемей IV-тің замандасы. N 53
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Арқмани (♂) (Эргамен II) III ғасырдың соңы – II ғасырдың басы Арнехамани (әкесі ♔) (?), Анасы белгісіз Оның қабірінен және Фила, Дакка және Калабшадағы жазулардан белгілі. Мысырдан Триаконтасхойносты қайта басып алды. Мысырдағы Птолемей IV және Птолемей V-тің замандасы. N 7
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Адихаламани (♂) II ғасырдың бірінші жартысы Ата-анасы белгісіз Филадагы жазулардан белгілі. Мысырдағы Птолемей V-тің замандасы. N 8
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Табирқо (♂) II ғасырдың бірінші жартысы Ата-анасы белгісіз Оның қабірінен белгілі. N 9
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Белгісіз патша (♂) II ғасыр N 10 - топ. Бұл пирамида оның есімін сақтамайды және оны жерлеу үшін ешқашан қолданған емес. N 10 (қолданылмаған)
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Нахирко (♀) II ғасырдың ортасы Ата-анасы белгісіз Таңбадан және ата-анасы туралы мәліметтерге сүйеніп белгілі. Ең ерте кездегі әйел билеуші. Адихаламанидің бұрынғы әйелі. N 11
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Танидамани (♂) II ғасырдың екінші жартысы Адихаламани (әкесі ♔) (?), Нахирко (анасы ♔) (?) Жэбель Баркал мен Мероедегі көптеген жазулардан белгілі. Мероит тілінде жазылған ең көне монументальді жазулар Танидамани билігінің кезінде жазылған. N 12
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Пахедатеқо (♂) II ғасырдың соңы – I ғасырдың бірінші жартысы Ата-анасы белгісіз Белгісіз патшайым (♀) II ғасырдың соңы – I ғасырдың бірінші жартысы Ата-анасы белгісіз Бар. 8
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Нақиринсан (♂) I ғасырдың бірінші жартысы Ата-анасы белгісіз Бег пирамидасынан табылған құрбандық үстеліндегі жазудан белгілі. No 13, оның қабірі деп болжауға болады. N 13
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Теритеқас (♂) I ғасырдың соңы Ата-анасы белгісіз Мероит жазуларынан Даккадан белгілі. Аманиренаның тікелей алдындағысы. Мысырдағы Клеопатра VII және Римдегі Августтың замандасы. N 20
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Аманирена (♀) I ғасырдың соңы – I ғасырдың басы Ата-анасы белгісіз Төрт жазудан белгілі. Теритеқастың (мүмкін, оның күйеуі) кезінде кандаке ретінде және кейін қоре ретінде куәландырылған. Римдегі Августтың замандасы; Куштың римдік кеңеюінен сәтті қорғады. Бар. 4
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Аманишахето (♀) I ғасырдың басы Әкесі белгісіз Ар( )тхвит (анасы) Өте жақсы құжатталған. Ықтимал Аманиренаның тікелей ізбасары, бірақ олардың арасындағы қатынас белгісіз. Гүлденген билікке ие болды және көптеген құрылыс жобаларын және әкімшілік реорганизациясын жүзеге асырды. N 6
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Шанакдахете (♀) I ғасырдың бірінші жартысы Ата-анасы белгісіз Нақадағы храмда салған жазулардан белгілі. Жазуларының қате түсіндірілуіне байланысты үш ғасыр бұрын қате орналастырылған. N 21
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Белгісіз патша (♂) I ғасырдың бірінші жартысы Ата-анасы белгісіз Навидемак (♀) I ғасырдың бірінші жартысы (?) Ата-анасы белгісіз Статуэткадан және оның қабірінен белгілі, онда ол патшайым ретінде бейнеленген және таңбаланған. Бар. 6
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Аманихабале (♂) I ғасырдың бірінші жартысы (?) Әкесі белгісіз Навидемак (анасы ♔) (?) Кава, Баса және Нақадан алынған жазулардан, сондай-ақ Мероэден алынған сынған стеладан белгілі. Ескерткіштер мен олардың таралуы гүлденген билікті көрсетеді. N 2
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Натакамани (♂) I ғасырдың ортасы Әкесі белгісіз Аманиторе (анасы ♔) Өте жақсы құжатталған. Аманиторе Натакаманидің анасы болды және олар бірлесіп биледі. Тек Натакамани қоре деп аталды (Аманиторе кандаке болды), бірақ екеуі де монументтерде патшалардың регалиясымен тұрақты түрде бейнеленді және ешқайсысы жеке билеуші ретінде куәландырылмады. Олардың билігі өте гүлденген кезең болды. Римдегі Неронның замандасы (?). N 22
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Аманиторе (♀) I ғасырдың ортасы Ата-анасы белгісіз N 1
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Шоркарор (♂) I ғасырдың екінші жартысы Ата-анасы белгісіз Амарадағы екі жазудан және Гебель Кейлидегі үлкен тас мүсінінен белгілі. Натакамани мен Аманиторенің кезінде де ханзада ретінде куәландырылған. Белгісіз
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Аманихареқерем (♂) I ғасырдың соңы Ата-анасы белгісіз Ескерткіштердегі жазулардан белгілі. Мүмкін Шоркарордың тікелей ізбасары. N 16
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Аманитенмемиде (♂) I ғасырдың соңы – II ғасырдың бірінші жартысы Ата-анасы белгісіз Оның қабірінен және Мероэдегі жазудан белгілі. 30 жасқа дейін өлді деген болжам бар. N 17
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Аманихаташан (♀) II ғасырдың ортасы (?) Ата-анасы белгісіз Оның қабірінен белгілі. N 18
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Тарекенивал (♂) II ғасырдың екінші жартысы Ата-анасы белгісіз Ұсыныс үстеліндегі жазудан және оның қабірінен белгілі. Тарекенивалдың қабіріндегі суреттер оны жеңімпаз жауынгер ретінде «күшті баса назар аударады». N 19
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Аманихалика (♀) II ғасырдың екінші жартысы (?) Ата-анасы белгісіз Тарекенивалдың бұрынғы әйелі (?). Оның ұлы Аритениесбокхенің құрбандық үстеліндегі жазудан белгілі. N 32 (болжамды)
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Аритениесбокхе (♂) II ғасырдың екінші жартысы Тарекенивал (әкесі...)
In third century BCE, the royal burial ground was moved from Napata to Meroë for the burial of Arakamani. This marked the final step in a more gradual transfer of political authority and wealth to Meroë and is regarded as the beginning of the Meroitic period. The change in capital should not be misinterpreted as indicating a break in historical or cultural continuity; Napata continued to function as an important religious centre and evidence suggests that Meroë had been important from very early on. It is possible that Meroë served as the residence of the Kushite kings from as early as the fifth century BCE. From the 2nd century BCE onwards, Kush is noteworthy for a large number of queens regnant (queens ruling in their own right). Queens regnant retained their earlier style (often kandake) when becoming rulers, though they also adopted the kingly title of qore to indicate their new authority. Due to the high number of ruling queens in the Meroitic period, absent in earlier times, the gender of each monarch is here indicated by a gender symbol (♀ or ♂). In cases where the gender is unknown, no symbol is included. The royal succession, sequence, and chronology of Kushite rulers is especially uncertain in the Meroitic period. By necessity this list shows only one interpretation, though noteworthy alternate ideas are featured in footnotes. Given that the throne appears to have been able to pass through male, female, and indirect lines, this list simply records the parents (if known) of each monarch in the 'filiation' column, without speculation on their overall relations. The use of the ♔ symbol in this column indicates that the parent of a monarch was also a monarch. PortraitName (gender)ReignFiliationNotesBurialArakamani (♂)(Ergamenes I)c. 270–middle 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown in Kush only from his tomb. Identified with 'Ergamenes', who appears in the work of the Greek historian Agatharchides. Contemporary of Ptolemy II in Egypt. Beg. S 6Amanislo (♂)Middle 3rd century BCEArakamani (father ♔) (? )Sar( )tiñ (mother) (? )Known from his tomb and from cartouches inscribed on lion statues. Restored Palace B1200 in Napata. Beg. S 5Amantekha (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Amantekha's tomb is relatively small though also important as the earliest burial in Meroë's northern cemetery. Beg. N 4Unknown king (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCEParents unknownKnown from fragmentry inscriptions on a stray block in Meroë's northern cemetery. Contemporary of Ptolemy III in Egypt. UnidentifiedArnekhamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century BCE(c. 240–215 BCE)Parents unknownKnown from monumental buildings, some of the most impressive in Kushite history. Contemporary of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV in Egypt. Beg. N 53(assumed)Arqamani (♂)(Ergamenes II)Late 3rd–early 2nd century BCEArnekhamani (father ♔) (? )Mother unknownKnown from his tomb and inscriptions at Philae, Dakka, and Kalabsha. Reconquered Triakontaschoinos from Egypt. Contemporary of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 7Adikhalamani (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions at Philae. Contemporary of Ptolemy V in Egypt. Beg. N 8(assumed)Tabirqo (♂)First half of the 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his tomb. Beg. N 9Unknown king (♂)2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from his planned tomb, Beg. N 10. This pyramid does not preserve his name and was never used for burial. Beg. N 10(unused)Nahirqo (♀)Middle 2nd century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription and attributed objects. Earliest known female ruler. Former wife of Adikhalamani. Beg. N 11(assumed)Tanyidamani (♂)Second half of the 2nd century BCEAdikhalamani (father ♔) (? )Nahirqo (mother ♔) (? )Known from numerous inscriptions in Jebel Barkal and Meroë. The earliest known monumental inscriptions written in Meroitic are from Tanyidamani's reign. Beg. N 12(assumed)Pakhedateqo (♂)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown only from an inscription on a rock, dated using palaeography to around Tanyidamani's time. UnidentifiedUnknown queen (♀)End of the 2nd–first half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 8Naqyrinsan (♂)First half of the 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table found in pyramid Beg. N 13, presumably his tomb. Beg. N 13(assumed)Teriteqas (♂)Late 1st century BCEParents unknownKnown from Meroitic inscriptions at Dakka. The direct predecessor of Amanirenas. Contemporary of Cleopatra VII in Egypt and Augustus in Rome. Beg. N 20(assumed)Amanirenas (♀)End of the 1st century BCE–beginning of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from four inscriptions. Attested as kandake under Teriteqas (perhaps her husband) and then as qore. Contemporary of Augustus in Rome; successfully defended Kush against Roman expansion. Bar. 4(assumed)Amanishakheto (♀)Early 1st century CEFather unknownAr( )tḫwit (mother)Very well documented. Likely the direct successor of Amanirenas, though the relation between them is unclear. Had a prosperous reign and oversaw considerable building projects and administrative reorganisation. Beg. N 6Shanakdakhete (♀)First half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on a temple she built in Naqa. Previously misplaced in the chronology three centuries earlier due to a misinterpretation of her inscriptions. Beg. N 21(hypothetical)Unknown king (♂)First half of the first century CEParents unknownKnown from a tomb dated to this time, which does not preserve a name. Bar. 2Nawidemak (♀)First half of the first century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from a statuette and from her tomb, which depicts and titles her as a queen regnant. Bar. 6Amanikhabale (♂)First half of the first century CE (? )Father unknownNawidemak (mother ♔) (? )Known from inscriptions from Kawa, Basa, and Naqa, as well as a broken stela from Meroë. The monuments and their distribution indicate a prosperous reign. Beg. N 2(assumed)Natakamani (♂)Middle 1st century CEFather unknownAmanitore (mother ♔)Very well documented. Amanitore was Natakamani's mother and they ruled together as co regents. Only Natakamani was titled as qore (Amanitore being kandake), though both were consistently depicted together in monuments with the regalia of kings and neither is ever attested as sole ruler. Their reign appears to have been a very prosperous period. Contemporaries of Nero in Rome (?). Beg. N 22Amanitore (♀)Middle 1st century CEParents unknownBeg. N 1Shorkaror (♂)Second half of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from two inscriptions in Amara and a large rock carving at Gebel Qeili. Also attested as a prince in the time of Natakamani and Amanitore. UnidentifiedAmanikhareqerem (♂)End of the 1st century CEParents unknownKnown from inscriptions on monuments. Possibly the direct successor of Shorkaror. Beg. N 16(hypothetical)Amanitenmemide (♂)End of the 1st century–first half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from his tomb and from an inscription in Meroë. Likely the direct successor of Amanikhareqerem. A skull believed to be Amanitenmemide's was found in his tomb and indicates that he died aged c. 30. Beg. N 17Amanikhatashan (♀)Middle 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from her tomb. Beg. N 18Tarekeniwal (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CEParents unknownKnown from an inscription on an offering table and his tomb. Imagery in Tarekeniwal's tomb places "unusually strong emphasis" on him as a triumphant warrior. Beg. N 19Amanikhalika (♀)Second half of the 2nd century CE (? )Parents unknownFormer wife of Tarekeniwal (?). Known from an inscription on her son Aritenyesbokhe's offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 32. Beg. N 32(tentative)Aritenyesbokhe (♂)Second half of the 2nd century CETarekeniwal (father ♔? )Amanikhalika (mother ♔)Known from an inscription on an offering table and inscriptions on loose blocks in Meroë. Beg. N 34(assumed)Amanitaraqide (♂)End of the 2nd century CE (? )Pisakar (father)Amankhadoke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 36(tentative)Amanikhedolo (♂)First half of the 3rd century CE (? )Akedḫetiwl (father)Amanipiteke (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Might have had royal descent through his mother. Chronological position uncertain and speculatively identified as the ruler buried in Beg. N 43. Beg. N 43(hypothetical)Takideamani (♂)First half of the 3rd century CEAdeqetli (father)Nptdḫeto (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Names of his parents suggest lack of direct royal descent. Rough chronological position can be established by the objects found in his tomb. Beg. N 29MashadakhelFirst half of the 3rd century CE (? )A( )ble (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on an offering table. Likely dates to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, though precise chronological position and burial site unknown. UnidentifiedTeqorideamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CETeritni(d)e (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Known from his tomb, a graffito at Philae, and three inscriptions in Meroë. The graffito establishes that he became king in 249 CE. Contemporary of Trebonianus Gallus, and perhaps also Valerian and Gallienus, in Rome. His pyramid is the youngest securely attributed Kushite pyramid. Beg. N 28Tamelerdeamani (♂)Second half of the 3rd century CEArotnide (father)Arqtñmaks (mother)Younger half brother of Teqorideamani. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Hypothetically identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 27. Beg. N 27(hypothetical)Talakhidamani (♂? )End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownOnce known only from an enigmatic inscription at Philae. Securely identified as a ruler in 2017 through another inscription in Meroë. Perhaps initially regent for the prince Maloqorebar, who is not attested to have ever ruled in his own right. UnidentifiedAryesbokhe (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Teritebḫtey (father)Wlamni( )ptide (mother)Assumed to have had royal descent through his mother. Known from an inscription on an offering table. Chronological position and burial site debated. Beg. N 16(tentative)Yesebokheamani (♂)End of the 3rd/first half of the 4th century CE (? )Parents unknownKnown from inscriptions. One of these is a dedication text at Philae which might place Yesebokheamani after 298 CE, when the Romans withdrew from that region. Contemporary (?) of Diocletian in Rome. Beg. N 51(hypothetical)( )k( ) (♂)First half of the 4th century CEParents unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 38. Beg. N 38(hypothetical)(. )p( )niñFirst half of the 4th century CEArḫrli (father)Mother unknownKnown from a partial inscription on a fragmentary offering table. Speculatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 37. Beg. N 37(hypothetical)Patrapeamani (♀)First half of 4th century CEDelitey (father)( )tli (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 26. Beg. N 26(tentative)Amanipilade (♀)Middle 4th century CETehye (father)Mkeḫñye (mother)Known from an inscription on an offering table. Tentatively identified as the ruler buried in pyramid Beg. N 25. Beg. N 25(tentative)
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Beg. N 25 is the last known royal burial in Meroë and is assumed to mark the end of the dynasty ruling from that city. Circumstantial and indirect evidence also dates the end of Meroitic political authority to the middle decades of the fourth century CE.
Куштың мұрагер мемлекеттері
Ласло Тьёрк біріккен (Нубиялық?) "Постмероиттік мұрагер мемлекет" мероиттік кезең аяқталғаннан кейін бірнеше онжылдық бойы Кушит патшалығына жуық аумақты басқарды деген гипотеза айтты. Мұндай мемлекетті Ферке, Гемай, Кустул және Эль-Хобагидегі элиталардың кейінгі жерлеулері көрсетуі мүмкін. Тьёрк бұл элиталардың оңтүстікте тұратын монархтың патшалық емес өкілдері болғанын болжады. Баллананың оңтүстік зираты, Куштан кейінгі, бірақ христиандыққа дейінгі жеті ұрпақтың жерленген жері, кейде Куштың мұрагер мемлекетіне жататындығы айтылады, бірақ жерлеулер Кушит билеушілерімен идеологиялық тұрғыдан көп ұқсастықтарын көрсетпейді, тек сондай-ақ стильдегі күміс тәждердің болуымен ғана. Біріккен постмероиттік мемлекеттің болуы баршаға қабылданбаған. Мысалы, Жозефина Кукерц патшалықтың ыдырауын біздің заманымыздың IV ғасырының ортасына, мероиттік әулеттің құлауымен бір уақытта болды деп санайды. Шамамен 420 жылы жоғарыда аталған элиталар немесе өкілдер өздерінің патшалық белгілерін қабылдауға кірісіп, егер мұндай мемлекет болған болса, болжамды мұрагер мемлекет Нобатия (солтүстік), Макурия (орталық) және Алодия (оңтүстік) сияқты кейінгі патшалықтарға бөлінді. Осы үш патшалықтың ішінде Нобатия әсіресе Куштың императорлық кезеңнен кейінгі шағын қалдығы болып саналады, Кушит мәдениетінің кейбір аспектілерін сақтай отырып, сонымен қатар грек және рим әсерлерін де көрсетеді. Нобатияның алғашқы кезеңі дәстүрлі түрде Баллана зиратымен байланысты.
László Török hypothesised that a unified (Nubian?) 'Post Meroitic successor state' ruled a territory roughly corresponding to the Kushite kingdom for several decades after the end of the Meroitic period. Such a realm may be indicated by later burials of elites at Ferkeh, Gemai, Qustul and El Hobagi. Török suggested that these elites were non royal deputies of a monarch residing in the south. The southern cemetery of Ballana, where seven generations of post Kushite but pre Christian rulers are buried, has sometimes been suggested to belong to a successor state of Kush, though the burials share few ideological similarities with those of the Kushite rulers beyond the presence of silver crowns in a similar style. The existence of a unified post Meroitic state is not universally accepted. Josefine Kuckertz, for instance, instead dates the disintegration of the kingdom to already in the middle fourth century CE, at the same time as the fall of the Meroitic dynasty. Around 420 CE, the aforementioned elites or deputies began assuming royal insignia of their own, resulting in the disintegration of the supposed successor state (if one existed) into the later kingdoms of Nobatia (north), Makuria (center), and Alodia (south). Out of these three, Nobatia is in particular sometimes considered a small post imperial remnant of Kush, maintaining some aspects of Kushite culture but also exhibiting Hellenistic and Roman influences. The early stage of Nobatia is conventionally associated with the Ballana cemetery.
Патшалық жерлеуі
Жоғарыда аталғандарға қоса, Куш пирамидалары көп, олар жұбайлар, ханзадалар және жоғары лауазымды шенеуніктер үшін салынған. Пирамидалардың мөлшері мен камераларының санына байланысты, есімдері сақталмаған кейбір пирамидалар монархтарға тиесілі болған деген болжам бар. Зерттеушілердің болжамды және гипотетикалық атрибуцияларымен жоғарыдағы тізімде мұндай пирамидалардың кейбіреуі келтірілген. Басқа пирамидалар, кейде билеушілерге тиесілі деп айтылады, төменде тізімделген. Эл-Курру мен Нуриде белгісіз патшалық жерлеу орындары жоқ. Бұл пирамидалардың монархтарға тиесілігі жиі дау тудырады. Монархтарға тиесілі деп есептелген пирамидалар кейде қайта қарастырылды: Beg. S 10 бір кезде «Бартаре (Калкай)» патшасына тиесілі деп есептелген, бірақ қазір билік етпеген патшайымның қабірі ретінде танылған. Бұл қосымша қабірлерді Куш монархтарының болуын өздігінен көрсететін дәлел деп түсіндіруге болмайды. Мүмкін қате түсіндірулерден басқа, кейбір қабірлер жоғарыдағы тізімде «белгісіз» жерлеу орындары бар монархтарға сәйкес келуі мүмкін, ал жоғарыдағы кейбір болжамдық атрибуциялар дұрыс болмауы мүмкін.
There are many Kushite pyramids in addition to those listed above, built for individuals such as consorts, princes, and high officials. Because of the size and the number of chambers, some pyramids without preserved names have been suggested to have belonged to monarchs. Some such pyramids are included in the list above, with tentative and hypothetical attributions put forth by researchers. Other pyramids sometimes identified as belonging to rulers are listed below. There are no unattributed royal burials from El Kurru or Nuri. Whether these pyramids belong to monarchs is often disputed. Pyramids thought to belong to rulers have sometimes been reinterpreted: Beg. S 10 was once attributed to King "Bartare (Kalkai)" but is now recognised as the tomb of a non ruling queen consort. These additional tombs should not be interpreted as on their own indicating additional Kushite rulers. In addition to possible misinterpretation, some tombs could match rulers whose burials are 'unidentified' in the list above and some of the tentative and hypothetical attributions listed above could be wrong. SiteBurialDatingNotesJebel BarkalBar. 18Late 4th/early 3rd century BCEA smaller king's pyramid (?) from Phase IV of the Late Napatan periodBar. 19Late 4th/early 3rd century BCEA smaller king's pyramid (?) from Phase IV of the Late Napatan periodMeroëBeg. N 141st century CEBurial of a king (?). Destroyed by E. A. Wallis Budge. Beg. N 15Second half of the 2nd century CEBurial of a ruler (?). Destroyed by E. A. Wallis Budge. Beg. N 24After the middle 3rd century CEPyramid of a ruler (?) post dating TeqorideamaniBeg. N 30Late 2nd century/early 3rd century CE (? )Burial of a king (?)Beg. N 353rd century CE (? )Burial of a king (?)Beg. N 40Late 2nd century/early 3rd century CE (? )Burial of a king (?)Beg. N 41Late 3rd century CE (? )Burial of a king (?)
Орын: Жәбіл Баркал
Bar. 18 Б.з.б. 4-ші ғасырдың соңы / 3-ші ғасырдың басы Кішкентай патша пирамидасы (?) Соңғы Напата кезеңінің IV фазасы.
Bar. 19 Б.з.б. 4-ші ғасырдың соңы / 3-ші ғасырдың басы Кішкентай патша пирамидасы (?) Соңғы Напата кезеңінің IV фазасы.
Мерое
Beg. N 14 1-ші ғасыр Патшаның жерлеуі (?) E. A. Wallis Budge бұзған.
Beg. N 15 2-ші ғасырдың екінші жартысы Билеушінің жерлеуі (?) E. A. Wallis Budge бұзған.
Beg. N 24 3-ші ғасырдың ортасынан кейін Текоридеаманидан кейінгі билеушінің пирамидасы (?).
Beg. N 30 2-ші ғасырдың соңы / 3-ші ғасырдың басы (?) Патшаның жерлеуі (?)
Beg. N 35 3-ші ғасыр (?) Патшаның жерлеуі (?)
Beg. N 40 2-ші ғасырдың соңы / 3-ші ғасырдың басы (?) Патшаның жерлеуі (?)
Beg. N 41 3-ші ғасырдың соңы (?) Патшаның жерлеуі (?)
There are many Kushite pyramids in addition to those listed above, built for individuals such as consorts, princes, and high officials. Because of the size and the number of chambers, some pyramids without preserved names have been suggested to have belonged to monarchs. Some such pyramids are included in the list above, with tentative and hypothetical attributions put forth by researchers. Other pyramids sometimes identified as belonging to rulers are listed below. There are no unattributed royal burials from El Kurru or Nuri. Whether these pyramids belong to monarchs is often disputed. Pyramids thought to belong to rulers have sometimes been reinterpreted: Beg. S 10 was once attributed to King "Bartare (Kalkai)" but is now recognised as the tomb of a non ruling queen consort. These additional tombs should not be interpreted as on their own indicating additional Kushite rulers. In addition to possible misinterpretation, some tombs could match rulers whose burials are 'unidentified' in the list above and some of the tentative and hypothetical attributions listed above could be wrong. SiteBurialDatingNotesJebel BarkalBar. 18Late 4th/early 3rd century BCEA smaller king's pyramid (?) from Phase IV of the Late Napatan periodBar. 19Late 4th/early 3rd century BCEA smaller king's pyramid (?) from Phase IV of the Late Napatan periodMeroëBeg. N 141st century CEBurial of a king (?). Destroyed by E. A. Wallis Budge. Beg. N 15Second half of the 2nd century CEBurial of a ruler (?). Destroyed by E. A. Wallis Budge. Beg. N 24After the middle 3rd century CEPyramid of a ruler (?) post dating TeqorideamaniBeg. N 30Late 2nd century/early 3rd century CE (? )Burial of a king (?)Beg. N 353rd century CE (? )Burial of a king (?)Beg. N 40Late 2nd century/early 3rd century CE (? )Burial of a king (?)Beg. N 41Late 3rd century CE (? )Burial of a king (?)