Amanipilade facts for kids
Amanipilade was an important queen who ruled the ancient kingdom of Kush. She was one of the last queens to rule the city of Meroë, which was a very important capital city. She likely ruled sometime between 308 and 320 AD.
Contents
Who Was Queen Amanipilade?
Amanipilade was a powerful woman who held the title of "queen regnant." This means she was a queen who ruled in her own right, not just because she was married to a king. She was the final queen to rule from the city of Meroë, a major center of the Kushite kingdom.
How Do We Know About Her?
We know about Queen Amanipilade from a special ancient writing called a Meroitic inscription. This inscription was found on a funerary monument (a type of tombstone) belonging to someone named Shiye in Meroë. This old writing tells us her name and also the names of her parents: her father, Tekye, and her mother, Makehanye.
Her Name and the God Amun
Like many rulers in Kush, Amanipilade's name included a part of the name of the god Amun. Amun was a very important god in ancient Egypt and Kush, often seen as a god of air and creation. This shows how important religion was in the lives of the Kushite people and their rulers.
The Ancient Kingdom of Kush
The Kingdom of Kush was a powerful and ancient civilization located south of Egypt, in what is now Sudan. It was known for its rich culture, its strong armies, and its valuable resources like gold. Kush had a long history, sometimes ruling over Egypt itself, and at other times being influenced by it.
Meroë: A Capital City
Meroë was one of the most important capital cities of the Kingdom of Kush. It was a thriving center for trade, crafts, and culture. The city is famous for its unique pyramids, temples, and palaces. Meroë was also known for its iron production, which was very advanced for its time.
The End of an Era
Queen Amanipilade likely died around 350 AD. Her reign marked a significant time in the history of Meroë, as it was one of the last periods when a queen ruled directly from this famous city. The decline of Meroë and the Kingdom of Kush followed not long after her time.
