Introduction: A Dominant Race in Early Egypt

Before we begin, let me clarify my personal stance: I am not a religious person. I do not believe in the Bible as a literal account of history, nor do I subscribe to the miracles and narratives it presents. However, I respect those who have faith in the stories the Bible tells and acknowledge that these stories have shaped the beliefs and identities of many people across the world.

With that said, let’s turn to the history of ancient Egypt, a civilization where black people held powerful positions. The majority of Egypt’s population, especially in Upper Egypt (southern Egypt), were dark-skinned Africans, and this is reflected in the artwork, statues, and written records of the time. Egypt was a center of advanced knowledge in fields such as architecture, astronomy, medicine, and agriculture, and it stood as a beacon of power and influence in the ancient world.

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The Power of Black Pharaohs in Ancient Egypt

For centuries, the rulers of ancient Egypt were predominantly black Africans, especially during the early dynasties and periods like the New Kingdom and Kushite Dynasty (25th Dynasty). This is supported by the depictions of Pharaohs in statues and murals, which often show them with dark skin, broad features, and African hairstyles.

However, over time, the power of black rulers in Egypt declined. The reasons are complex, but several key factors stand out:

The Shift in Power: Conquests, Technology, and Global Change

1. Foreign Conquests: Egypt, like many ancient civilizations, became vulnerable to outside forces. The rise of militarily advanced empires such as the Assyrians, Persians, Greeks (under Alexander the Great), and eventually the Romans, brought new rulers and different cultural influences into Egypt. These invading powers often had superior weapons and larger armies, which overwhelmed local forces.
2. Changing Power Structures: As Egypt became part of larger empires, the role of the Pharaoh diminished. The traditional power of black African rulers weakened as Egypt’s political and cultural landscape changed.
3. The Human Reality of Slavery: It’s important to understand that slavery was not invented by Europeans, nor was it always based on skin color. Throughout history, many peoples—regardless of race—were enslaved when they were on the losing side of wars. This happened in Africa, in Europe, and across the ancient world.

The Broader Context of Slavery: Not Just a Color Thing

• Black Africans were certainly enslaved—both by other Africans during tribal conflicts and later by Arab and European powers.
• White Europeans were also enslaved at various times in history, such as during the Viking raids and the Barbary slave trade.
• Native Americans were enslaved during the colonization of the Americas, forced to work in mines, plantations, and settlements. This is well-documented in sources like “American Holocaust” by David Stannard and “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” by Bartolomé de las Casas.
• The Hebrews, as described in the Bible, were likely not the pyramid builders, as those monuments were built over a thousand years before the biblical story of Moses. However, it is possible that Hebrews and other groups were used for forced labor during later periods of Egyptian history.

The point is: Slavery was about power, not just race. It was about who could be conquered, who could be controlled, and who could be exploited.

The Decline of Black Power in Egypt

The decline of black power in Egypt can be seen as part of a broader pattern in world history. As weapons technology, military strategies, and political alliances evolved, different groups rose to power. The black rulers of ancient Egypt eventually lost influence as other civilizations developed stronger militaries and more advanced economies.

This decline wasn’t because of an inherent weakness, but because of the brutal realities of history—where the strongest military powers often dictated the rules. Unfortunately, as history unfolded, black populations became easy targets for exploitation. This wasn’t purely because of skin color, but because of vulnerability, disunity, and the global demand for forced labor, especially in the transatlantic slave trade.

A Call for Honest, Unbiased History

History should be told in an unbiased, unpartisan way. We should recognize that many aspects of the past remain uncertain, and it’s important to say, “We don’t know for sure” when evidence is lacking. Too often, history is written from the perspective of the victors, with emotion and bias rather than objective truth.

By understanding the full picture—that slavery has affected all races, and that power shifts in history were driven by military might, technology, and human nature, not just race—we can teach our children a more balanced, truthful version of history.