Kush, Meroe and Nubia

[Lucasiewicz]

Playing as the Ptolemaioi, one of the first things I wanted to do, was conquer Meroe and thus secure most of my southern backland (upon re-taking lands that once were bonded together with Ancient Egypt - especially during the New Kingdom -, but don't know whether the Ptolemaioi once had that desire too). I must say I was quite surprised.

From what I've heard, the Kushite/Nubian kingdom actually followed mostly a very common tradition that they shared with the Ancient Egyptians. They considered themselves to be Egyptian and thus also proper inheritors of the pharoanic titles and traditions. They organized their society along Egyptian lines, assumed all the Egyptian royal titles, and their architecture and art was based on Egyptian architectural and artistic models. Their pyramids were smaller and steeper and they introduced other innovations as well, but their culture does not on the surface appear much different than Egyptian culture (though there offcourse are differences). They even infiltrated Egypt and formed the 25th pharaonic dynasty, ruling from Thebe (aprox 8th century BC).

Later events drove them more southwards (Assyrian and Persian domination over Egypt), on which their capital became Meroe (their former most important city had been Napata), and they got quite isolated from the satrapy Egypt. One that point their view started expanding to sub-Saharan cultures (which is noticeable on sidelines in their religion). They played an important economical role as middle term in the trade of African goods to Northern Africa. Furthermore they would have had an impact from the Hellenic culture, but rather through the Arabs than directly - I've read this - (offcourse via the Red Sea, where they even traded with Hindu-traders).

But in the game I saw the rebels in Meroe depicted as pretty much the same to the Ptolemaioi (they even had a Ptolemaic Allied State-gov building present, like in Kyrene and Ammonion). After what I've heard about the Kush I doubt this should be the case. I rather hope that depicting the Kush-rebels are still a WIP (can't help there actually, as I'm unaware of their ethnic/social characteristics and warfare-tactics). Also, it's still possible that I'm offcourse making a mistake, if so, again, please help me uncover the truth about them.

PS: I assume that the same story goes for Axum, the city eastwards of Meroe

[Teleklos Archelaou]

The problem is that there are a couple of provinces down there that don't have units that would be shared by anyone else, even the faction that is closest to them if they conquer them. So the priority on our list of units would naturally be really low. I think there will be a more accurate representation in later builds, but I don't know for sure what units will be created for them at this point. We have to focus first on getting the factions completed - though some mercs that are common enough rate high on the list too.

Maybe qwerty can reply on this or urnamma. I just am not sure about it - but I'll see if I can get an answer.

[Stormy]

I know for a fact ,we will have a few unique rebels in that region.
As for the units, I think an archer unit and an elephant is planned, not sure.

[Lucasiewicz]

Glad to hear that there are going to be some specific rebel-units. Though I'd be even more glad to know that upon conquering that province (and building the right gov-building), some sort of local units would be available (if this proves somewhat historically correct offcourse) or even some local mercenaries (again, if historically correct). I can't historically state it myself that such should be the case, because my sources don't seem to mention any warfare-related characteristics of those people. But thanks for the quick responses allready!

[QwertyMIDX]

Most regionals will be available with the use of a type4 gov't. Some by certain factions with other gov'ts.