Nubia, located along the Nile in what is today southern Egypt and northern Sudan, was one of Africa’s earliest civilizations. Bordered by Egypt to the north and sub-Saharan Africa to the south, its wealth and international contacts were based on its control of rich gold resources as well as extensive trade in ivory and other commodities from sub-Saharan Africa. Developing as both a trade partner and military opponent of Egypt, and in later times its Greek and Roman rulers, Nubia’s cultural contacts also extended into the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

This course provides a detailed overview of ancient Nubia from the first settlement of the Nubian Nile Valley as early as 10,000 BCE, through the rise of the Kingdom of Kush by 2000 BCE and extending to the final collapse of the capital city of Meroe around 350 CE. Topics considered include the first villages and food production, formation of states and empires, relations with northeast Africa and the Middle East, and the distinctive nature of local political and economic development of Nubia itself. We will examine material culture as well as cultural practices such as burial. We will also read key ancient texts in translation and examine monuments and key objects in detail.

Course Requirements:

Two quizzes, two in-class presentations, research paper, and participation in class discussions

Intended Audience:

This course may be of particular interest to upper level undergraduates and graduate students in Middle East Studies, African Studies, Anthropology, Museum Studies, and History of Art.

Class Format:

One 3-hour lecture (incorporating discussion) weekly