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New Look at Ancient Nubia

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Long-term excavations at the ancient cities of Kerma and Dukki Gel in northern Sudan have shown that the people of Nubia and other regions south of Egypt were members of sophisticated cultures centuries before the pharaohs extended their rule south. To read in-depth about these twin capitals, go to “A Nubian Kingdom Rises.” All images in the slideshow are courtesy of Matt Stirn.   

  • The ruins of Kerma are centered on the Deffufa, a massive mudbrick temple that now looms 65 feet above the site, but which in antiquity probably was even taller.
  • Sunrise over the Nile River, which now flows a mile to the west of Kerma. When the city was first established around 2500 B.C., it was located on an island in the great river.
  • The ruins of a New Kingdom Egyptian columned hall at Dukki Gel are one example of the complicated mix of architectural styles found in the city. Dukki Gel was occupied by a coalition of African rulers from the south around 1700 B.C., as well as by later Egyptian and Nubian officials.
  • Seven statues of Nubian kings that were unearthed at Dukki Gel in 2003 have been restored and are now on display at the Kerma Museum.
  • Public water stations in modern-day Sudan are outfitted with large ceramic vessels similar to water jars that have been unearthed at Kerma.

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