Egypt in Nubia

Model of the 11th dynasty Nubian archers of the Egyptian army, from a tomb at Asyut (c. 2130–1991
BC).

In 2300 BC, Nubia was first mentioned in Old Kingdom Egyptian accounts of trade missions. The
Egyptians called Lower Nubia Wawat, Irtjet and Setju, while they called Upper Nubia Yam. Some authors
believe that Irtjet and Setju may also have been in Upper Nubia. imported gold, frankincense, ebony,
copper, ivory and exotic animals from tropical Africa via Nubia. Relations between Egyptians and
Nubians showed peaceful cultural exchange, cooperation, and intermarriage. Nubian archers who
settled in Gebelein during the First Intermediate Period married Egyptian women, were buried in
Egyptian fashion, and ultimately could not be distinguished from Egyptians. the 11th Dynasty "was most
likely of Nubian descent" and Amenemhet I, founder of the 12th Dynasty, "may have had a Nubian
mother".[50][51][52] However, according to F. J. Yurco, "Egyptian rulers of Nubian ancestry had become
culturally Egyptian; as pharaohs they exhibited typical Egyptian attitudes and adopted typical Egyptian
policies". Nubian characteristics, due to the origin of the dynasty in the region of Aswan in southern
Egypt. It also identifies the Seventeenth Dynasty Pharaoh Sequenre Tao as having Nubian features.[53]

After a period of withdrawal, the Middle Kingdom of Egypt conquered Lower Nubia from 2000 to 1700
BC and drawbridges. [15]: 19  Sesotris III relentlessly expanded his kingdom in Nubia (1866-1863 BC) and
erected huge river forts including Buhen, Semna, Shalfak and Toshka at Uronarti to better control the
roads trade in Lower Nubia. They also provided direct access to trade with Upper Nubia, which was
independent and increasingly powerful at this time. These Egyptian garrisons seemed to coexist
peacefully with the local Nubian people, although they did not interact much with them.[54]

Medjay was the name given by ancient Egypt to the nomadic inhabitants of the desert east of the Nile.
The term has been used in various ways to describe a place, the Medjay people, or their role/work in the
kingdom. They became part of the Egyptian army as scouts and minor laborers before being drafted into
the Egyptian army. 55] or elite paramilitary police force,[56] to prevent their fellow Medjay tribesmen
from further attacking Egyptian assets in the region.[56] Medjays were often used to protect valuable
areas, especially royal and religious compounds. Although most notable for their protection of royal
palaces and tombs in and around Thebes, the Medjay were deployed throughout Upper and Lower
Egypt; they were even used during Kamose's campaign against the Hyksos and were instrumental in
transforming the Egyptian state into a military power.[57][58] After Egypt's First Intermediate Period,
the district of Medjay was no longer mentioned in written records.[59]