Hot on the heels of the release of the fourth Imaro novel, Charles R. Saunders has revisited a non-fiction essay on the historical kingdom of Kush, specifically, its short time as ruler of Ancient Egypt. Saunders was inspired to excavate this gem by the February 2008 issue of National Geographic, with the cover story dedicated to the Kushite kings of Egypt’s twenty-third dynasty. In the thirty years since his original essay, much more is known about Kush, particularly the further reaches of its influence on Egypt: still, “The Epoch of Kush” remains a valuable and fascinating read on a turbulent time in Egyptian history.

Readers will know that Howard’s kingdom was doubtless inspired by the historical Kush, as was Saunders’ own Cush, using the alternate spelling to differentiate the Nyumbani realm from its Hyborian Age counterpart. Interestingly, Howard used this alternate spelling in some Conan stories, most notably “Queen of the Black Coast.” Still, Saunders’ Cush is distinct from Howard’s Kush: Cush is more powerful and influential in Nyumbani politics, and has a rich and sophisticated civilized culture, not to mention impressive sorcery and science. I know what horse I’d be betting on in a war between the two.

Still, Hyborian Age Kush wasn’t a pushover by any means: it was the strongest and most prominent of all the black kingdoms, and towards the end of the epoch, it grew strong enough to assault Stygia herself. Kush was not successful in conquering her old rival–indeed, nobody succeeded in such an endeavor, except the mighty Vanir–but it’s heartening to know that the heirs of Shumballah succeeded in a later age. Rather poetic, in a way.

Saunders also wrote an essay appearing in The Savage Sword of Conan #56 entitled “To Kush and Beyond: The Black Kingdoms of the Hyborian Age;” I can think of no-one more qualified to write such an essay. Charles previously revisited “The Gods of Africa” and “Blackelven,” both excellent insights into African mythology. I hope this blast from the past encourages him to put more past essays up on his site.