Oxford Handbook of Ancient Nubia

The cultures of Nubia built the earliest cities, states, and empires of inner Africa, but they remain relatively unknown outside their modern descendants and the community of archaeologists, historians, and art historians researching them. The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Nubia brings together chapters by an international group of scholars on a wide variety of topics that relate to the history and archaeology of the region, focusing on the sequence of cultures that lead almost to the present day and cross-cutting themes such as desert cultures and Nubians in Egypt.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 1200 pages
\n Publication date: 31 March 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
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The rich and complex cultures of Nubia, located in the heart of inner Africa, have left an indelible mark on the history of the region. Despite their significant contributions to the development of cities, states, and empires, these cultures remain relatively unknown to the broader world outside their modern descendants and the dedicated community of archaeologists, historians, and art historians who study them.

The earliest archaeological work in Nubia was driven by the region's strategic importance as a neighbor, trade partner, and rival of ancient Egypt. However, as our understanding of Nubian history has evolved, it has become clear that these ancient Nile-based cultures deserve recognition as the earliest complex societies in inner Africa.

Nubian societies, characterized by their agro-pastoral way of life, exhibited distinct characteristics from the urban, bureaucratic, and predominantly agricultural states of Egypt and the ancient Near East. Their settlement patterns, economic systems, political organizations, and religious ideologies were shaped by their unique environmental and cultural factors.

The study of Nubian societies holds immense value in comparative analysis, shedding light on the development of complex societies in the ancient world. Moreover, these cultures have had a profound impact on the histories of the eastern Mediterranean and the Near East, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be explored and unraveled by scholars today.

To provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of Nubian history and archaeology, the Oxford Handbook of Ancient Nubia brings together chapters written by an international group of scholars. The handbook spans a wide range of topics, from the history of research in Nubia to its climate and physical environment. It then delves into the chronological sequence of cultures that have shaped the region, highlighting the contributions of various empires, kingdoms, and dynasties.

Throughout the handbook, cross-cutting themes are woven into the chapters, providing a deeper understanding of Nubian society and culture. These themes include essays on desert cultures, the interaction between Nubians and Egyptians, the role of women and the body, economic and trade practices, landscape archaeology, iron working, and stone quarrying.

Eleven final chapters synthesize subjects across all historical phases, offering a comprehensive overview of Nubian history and culture. These chapters cover topics such as gender roles, social hierarch
dynamics, economic systems, political institutions, religious practices, and artistic expressions.

In conclusion, the cultures of Nubia have left an indelible mark on the history of inner Africa, and their legacy continues to be explored and celebrated by scholars worldwide. The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Nubia serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating region and its rich cultural heritage. By providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of Nubia, this handbook contributes to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted history of the ancient world.

\n Weight: 2670g\n
Dimension: 184 x 255 x 60 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780190496272\n \n