Taharqa was the last Black pharaoh to rule Egypt. His thriving kingdom was one of the most beautiful and architecturally advanced in history. So why did it come to such a bitter, violent end?
The Pharaoh’s enemies, the Assyrians, were desperate to conquer his kingdom. They tried every trick in the book to get it, too. Unfortunately, however, it was Taharqa’s own desire to extend his reach that did him in!
His kingdom grew too large for his own people to rule the entire territory, so he allowed outsiders to rule some areas. Even his main adviser was an outsider – and, it turned out, not loyal to him politically! Now the Assyrians had another way in.
They infiltrated the kingdom through bribes and assassinations of any of the outsiders loyal to Taharqa. Of course, facing this, the remaining outsiders betrayed him! The only ones who remained loyal under the threat of death were his own people. Taharqa lost his kingdom, and with it the power to protect his people.
Taharqa built a strong Black community as part of his vision to see his people thrive – but those outside his community betrayed him. We must never forget that no one can care for us like us. Only when we commit to relying on and supporting each other can we truly flourish!