Kashta Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Kashta

Kushite King of Napata

Bronze situla with the names of Kashta and Amenirdis I. Walters Art Museum.

Predecessor

Alara

Successor

Piye

Burial

el-Kurru

Spouse

Pebatjma

Issue

Piye, Shabaka (sons); Khensa, Peksater, Amenirdis I, Neferukakashta (daughters)

prenomen

M3ˁ-Rˁ - Maa-Ra - Ra is just

nomen

k3š-t3 - Kashta

Kashta was a powerful king from the 8th century BC. He ruled the Kushite Dynasty in ancient Nubia. His name, Kashta, means "The Kushite."

Kashta was an important ruler because he began to expand the influence of his kingdom into ancient Egypt. His son, Piye, later became famous for conquering all of Egypt and starting the Twenty-Fifth Dynasty.

Kashta's Family and Royal Connections
- Kashta's Children
Kushite Influence in Upper Egypt
- The Role of God's Wife of Amun
- Evidence of Kashta's Rule
Kashta's Burial Place
Images for kids
See also

Kashta's Family and Royal Connections

Kashta's only known wife was Pebatjma. Together, they had several children who played important roles in the Kushite kingdom.

Kashta's Children

King Piye: He was a son of Kashta and likely Pebatjma. Piye later became a great king who conquered Egypt.
King Shabaka: He was another son of Kashta and Pebatjma. He also became a king after Piye.
Queen Khensa: She was a daughter of Kashta and possibly Pebatjma. Khensa married her brother, King Piye.
Queen Peksater: Also known as Pekareslo, she was married to King Piye. She was buried in Abydos, an ancient city in Egypt.
God's Wife of Amun Amenirdis I: She was a very important daughter of Kashta and Pebatjma. Her role helped the Kushites gain power in Egypt.
Neferukakashta: She is thought to be another daughter of Kashta and possibly Pebatjma.

Kushite Influence in Upper Egypt

Kashta ruled Nubia from his capital city, Napata. This city was located about 400 kilometers north of modern-day Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.

During his reign, Kashta greatly increased Kushite power in Upper Egypt. He did this by arranging for his daughter, Amenirdis I, to become the "God's Wife of Amun" in Thebes.

The Role of God's Wife of Amun

The "God's Wife of Amun" was a very powerful religious and political position in ancient Egypt. By placing his daughter in this role, Kashta officially gained control over the Thebes region. This was a key step in the Kushite expansion into Egyptian lands.

Historians believe that Kashta likely had Kushite soldiers stationed in Thebes. These soldiers helped protect his authority and prevent any attacks from Lower Egypt.

Evidence of Kashta's Rule

A special stone tablet, called a stela, was found in Elephantine (modern-day Aswan). This stela has Kashta's royal name on it, showing that he controlled this area.

Some experts believe that Kashta was the first Kushite king to truly expand his kingdom's influence into Upper Egypt. Because of this, some consider him the founder of the 25th dynasty. During Kashta's time, the people of Kush quickly adopted many Egyptian traditions, including their religion and culture.

Kashta's Burial Place

Kashta was buried in a special cemetery called el-Kurru. This site contains the tombs of Kashta and several kings who came after him.

His tomb is a pyramid, and his wife Pebatjma is also believed to be buried nearby. Other important kings, like Piye and Shabaka, were also buried in pyramids at el-Kurru.

Images for kids

Sitting statue of the Divine Adoratrice of Amun, Amenardis I, daughter of pharaoh Kashta and queen Pebatjma. Cairo Museum (CG 42198)
Egyptian - Situla Bearing the names of Kashta and Amenirdis
Scarab Inscribed With the Cartouches of Kashta and Amenirdis MET EG124