Welcome
What? This is a place on the web for people who love the Sudan to come together and discuss their interests and/or professional work.
Who? Many of us are studying the northern Sudan’s ancient cultures, remains of which can be found along the Nile and in some areas in the neighboring desert. However, you don’t have to be a researcher or archaeologist to use and enjoy this site.
When? Evidence of urban occupation begins here before 2500 BC, and the city of Kerma, which we refer to as the earliest capital, appears clearly in the archaeological record around that time. Kerma is probably the first large urban area in Africa, although we cannot be sure until a lot more excavation takes place. Kerma is the major site of the First Kingdom. The Second Kingdom centers around Napata. This is the period of rule over Egypt and somewhat after, i.e., from about 750-332 BC. Meroe is the capital of the Third Kingdom, and it flourishes from 332 BC to 361 AD. Later, there are post-Meroitic kingdoms and finally, with the beginning of the early Christian periods in Nubia, antiquity ends.
Where? The map below shows the northern Sudan, and the presumed extension of Kush to the area south of Khartoum. (Photo coming soon.)
Kush is the ancient name for the cultures of antiquity. A later name, still in use, is Nubia, which can also refer specifically to an area along the Nile which includes part of Egypt and is partially inundated by Lake Aswan. I plan to post a list of definitions in a couple of days, so that the chronology is clearer for those who are not specialists (yet!).
Ancient Kush, Ancient Nubia 
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