After king Kashta (“the Kushite”) invadedEgypt in the 8th century BC, the Kushite kings ruled as Pharaohs ofthe Twenty-fifth dynasty of Egypt for a century, until they wereexpelled by Psamtik I in 656 BC. During Egypt’s Middle Kingdomperiod (1991 – 1786 B.C.E.), Kush became a vital trading centerbetween Egypt and Central Africa. Kush had a wealth of naturalresources that were unavailable in Egypt, such as gold, iron, andleather. To obtain these goods, Egyptians traded items such asgrain, beer, and linen. Kush also served as a stopping-off pointfor goods sent from Central Africa to Egypt, such as ivory, timber,and slaves. During the New Kingdom period, Egyptian pharaohsconquered Kush several times in order to protect their traderoutes. They also forced Kushites to pay them a tribute of valuableitems each year as a sign of continuing loyalty.

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