Kerma (Karmah an Nuzul)
Kerma was the capital city of the Kerma culture, which was located in present-day Sudan at least 5,500 years ago. Kerma is one of the largest archaeological sites in ancient Nubia. It has produced decades of extensive excavations and research, including thousands of graves and tombs and the residential quarters of the main city surrounding the Western/Lower Deffufa.
The locale that is now Kerma was first settled around 8350 BC, during the Mesolithic. Between 5550 BC and 5150 BC, the site was mostly abandoned, possibly due to decreased Nile flow during this time interval. A second hiatus in occupation occurred between 4050 BC and 3450 BC, likely as a result of minimal flow from the White Nile. Around 3000 BC, a cultural tradition began around Kerma. It was a large urban center that was built around a large adobe temple known as the Western Deffufa. A state society formed between 2550 BC and 1550 BC, with a significant decrease in cattle breeding being evidenced by the archaeological record around 1750 BC.
As a capital city and location of royal burials, it sheds light on the complex social structure present in this society.
* Pre-Kerma (c. 3500–2500 BC) No C-Group culture Phase
* Early Kerma (c. 2500–2050 BC) C-Group Phase Ia–Ib
* Middle Kerma (c. 2050–1750 BC) C-Group Phase Ib–IIa
* Classic Kerma (c. 1750–1580 BC) C-Group Phase IIb–III
* Final Kerma (c. 1580–1500 BC) C-Group Phase IIb–III
* Late Kerma – 'New Kingdom' (c.1500–1100? BC) 'New Kingdom'
The locale that is now Kerma was first settled around 8350 BC, during the Mesolithic. Between 5550 BC and 5150 BC, the site was mostly abandoned, possibly due to decreased Nile flow during this time interval. A second hiatus in occupation occurred between 4050 BC and 3450 BC, likely as a result of minimal flow from the White Nile. Around 3000 BC, a cultural tradition began around Kerma. It was a large urban center that was built around a large adobe temple known as the Western Deffufa. A state society formed between 2550 BC and 1550 BC, with a significant decrease in cattle breeding being evidenced by the archaeological record around 1750 BC.
As a capital city and location of royal burials, it sheds light on the complex social structure present in this society.
* Pre-Kerma (c. 3500–2500 BC) No C-Group culture Phase
* Early Kerma (c. 2500–2050 BC) C-Group Phase Ia–Ib
* Middle Kerma (c. 2050–1750 BC) C-Group Phase Ib–IIa
* Classic Kerma (c. 1750–1580 BC) C-Group Phase IIb–III
* Final Kerma (c. 1580–1500 BC) C-Group Phase IIb–III
* Late Kerma – 'New Kingdom' (c.1500–1100? BC) 'New Kingdom'
Map - Kerma (Karmah an Nuzul)
Map
Country - Sudan
Flag of Sudan |
Sudan's history goes back to the Pharaonic period, witnessing the Kingdom of Kerma (c. 2500–1500 BC), the subsequent rule of the Egyptian New Kingdom (c. 1500 BC–1070 BC) and the rise of the Kingdom of Kush (c. 785 BC–350 AD), which would in turn control Egypt itself for nearly a century. After the fall of Kush, the Nubians formed the three Christian kingdoms of Nobatia, Makuria, and Alodia, with the latter two lasting until around 1500. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, most of Sudan was gradually settled by Arab nomads. From the 16th to the 19th centuries, central and eastern Sudan were dominated by the Funj sultanate, while Darfur ruled the west and the Ottomans the east.
Currency / Language
ISO | Currency | Symbol | Significant figures |
---|---|---|---|
SDG | Sudanese pound | جس. | 2 |
ISO | Language |
---|---|
AR | Arabic language |
EN | English language |