Introduction
In the heart of Africa, where the White Nile meets the Blue Nile, a great
civilization arose that produced kings who changed the course of world history.
Among these kings, one stood above all — Taharqa, the Black Pharaoh of Nubia,
who ruled Egypt, led armies across the Middle East, and saved Jerusalem from
destruction. His story is one of courage, faith, and the enduring spirit of the
Kushite people.
?Who Was King Taharqa
Taharqa, son of King Piye (Baanakhi), was born in Napata, the spiritual center
of the Kingdom of Kush, in what is now northern Sudan. He ascended to the
throne around 690 BCE, becoming one of the most powerful rulers of Egypt’s 25th
Dynasty — the dynasty of the Black Pharaohs. Known for his wisdom and piety,
Taharqa was not just a warrior but also a builder, a protector of faith, and a
defender of his people’s dignity.
Taharqa and the Rescue of Jerusalem
Around 701 BCE, the Assyrian king Sennacherib launched a massive invasion of
the Levant, threatening to destroy Jerusalem. According to the Bible (2 Kings
19:9, Isaiah 37:9), King Hezekiah of Judah prayed for deliverance — and
Taharqa, then the king of Egypt and Kush, marched north to confront the
Assyrians. Ancient records tell of a mysterious disaster that struck
Sennacherib’s army, forcing them to retreat. Many historians believe that
Taharqa’s intervention saved Jerusalem from annihilation, changing the fate of
the region.
Achievements and Legacy
Taharqa’s reign was marked by monumental construction and economic prosperity.
He built temples, pyramids, and cities along the Nile — from Thebes in Egypt to
Napata in Nubia. Among his greatest achievements was the restoration of the
Temple of Amun at Karnak, and the expansion of Kushite influence deep into
Africa and the Near East. He is celebrated in inscriptions and reliefs as “The
Beloved of Amun” and “The Savior of His People.”
Death and the Eternal Legacy
Taharqa died around 664 BCE and was buried in a magnificent pyramid at Nuri,
near modern-day Karima in Sudan. His burial site, one of the most beautiful in
Nubia, stands as a testament to the glory of the Kushite civilization. Today,
historians regard Taharqa as a symbol of African power and resilience — a king
who united Egypt and Nubia and whose name lives on in both sacred scripture and
stone.