The Medieval Kingdoms of Nubia: Pagans, Christians and Muslims along the Middle Nile - Hardcover

Derek A. Welsby

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0714119474 ISBN 13: 9780714119472

Publisher: British Museum Press, 2002

Synopsis

The period that followed the collapse of the Kushite Empire in the 4th century AD has traditionally been perceived as `a barbarous dark age'. Welsby, who has directed excavations in Sudan for the last twenty years and is an authority on the most southerly medieval Nubian kingdom of Alwa, argues that this view is largely the result of neglect and uses a wealth of archaeological, epigraphic and documentary evidence to highlight the cultural achievements of communities of all religions. Well-illustrated sections examine the distinct cultures of the region, developments in architecture, art, language and literacy, the impact of Christianity, notably wealthy churches and monastic buildings, and the economy of the Nubian kingdoms until their collapse in the 15th century. This is an authoritative yet accessible study which will be of interest to academic and general readers.

About this title

Synopsis:

"The Mediaeval Kingdoms of Nubia" is offers a study of the rise and fall of the Nubian kingdoms on the middle Nile. Nubia had a rich pagan heritage, stretching back thousands of years and heavily influenced by Egyptian theology. During probably the 6th century AD various factors - perhaps more political than religious - led to the adoption of Christianity. Derek Welsby charts this huge cultural transition using not only literary evidence, with its inevitable bias, but also extensive evidence from achaeological finds such as churches, graves and monuments. From the 6th century onwards, the threat from the Arabs was constant, though it was not until the 13th century that the kingdoms became increasingly surrounded and infiltrated by their Muslim neighbours. As well as discussing the turbulent political and religious history, Derek Welsby devotes much of his study to an examination of Nubian culture and society, and the impact of Christianity on every aspect of Nubian life. He examines in detail Nubian architecture, one of the most enduring legacies of the mediaeval kingdoms; Nubian art, literature and language; and finally, the economy and the importance of agriculture and trade.

Broad-ranging and meticulously researched, "The Mediaeval Kingdoms of Nubia" is a fully comprehensive study of this intriguing subject.

About the Author:

Derek A. Welsby is an Assistant Keeper in the Department of Ancient Egypt and Sudan at The British Museum, with special responsibility for the Sudanese collections.

About this edition

• Publisher: British Museum Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0714119474
• ISBN 13: 9780714119472
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 304