History

Pre-Kerma

The pre-Kerma settlement yielded some of the earliest evidence for the practice of agriculture and animal husbandry in the world. The settlement has undoubtedly been a key factor in facilitating the spread of agriculture to the Near East and other parts of North Africa. Evidence indicates that in the Neolithic phase (from the sixth to the fourth millennia BC), a settled population in Kerma began practicing agriculture and domesticating animals. ¹ Archeological excavations in the settlement uncovered a large number of artifacts such as axes, flints, plates, pottery, and jewelry. ²

From Kerma. Harvard University-MFA Boston Expedition. Source: Wildung, Dietrich. Sudan: Ancient Kingdoms of the Nile .

Sometime around 3000 BC, a considerably large town emerged at the center of the settlement. ³ The settlement was, undoubtedly, highly organized; politically, economically, and socially. Particularly interesting was the layout of the settlement, which indicates an advanced level of planning and an elaborate defense system. A variety of utilitarian and public buildings were found within the settlement. A number of buildings with post holes appear to have functioned as centers of administration. Numerous huts seem to have been residences for privileged individuals. Other structures defined include storage houses, workshops, and cattle enclosures.

A cemetery on the vicinity of the town affirms the foundation of economic classes in the settlement; while some graves are larger and richer with funerary items, others are smaller and poorer. ⁴ Burial findings indicate a great deal of commercial activities. This is farther confirmed by the frequent finding of seals found on the surface of pots. ⁵ The seals are stamped with different designs indicating an advanced system of commerce.

The pre-Kerma society represents one of the oldest civilized societies in the world beside that of Egypt and Mesopotamia.

• ^{1 C. Bonnet, D. Valbelle, J. Leclant, The Nubian Pharaohs: Black Kings on the Nile (American University in Cairo P, 2006) 16, and K. R. Kropelin, "Climate-controlled Holocene occupation in the Sahara: motor of Africa's evolution." 33 Science 145-72 (2006).}
• ^{2 A. Osman, and D. N. Edwards, 'Language, Settlement & Long-term History in Upper Nubia' The Mahas Archaeological Survey, 2000 (University of Khartoum, and the University of Leicester, 2000).}
• ^{3 Honegger, X International Conference of International Society for Nubian Studies, X International Conference of International Society for Nubian Studies, Prehistoric settlements in Nubia from the 8th millennium to the 3rd millennia cal. BC. 2008 < http://rmcisadu.let.uniroma1.it/nubiaconference/ >.}
• ^{4 A. M. Jennings, The Nubians of West Aswan: Village Women in the Midst of Change , (Lynne Rienner Publishers, 1995) 17.}
• ^{5 M. Honegger, "The Pre-Kerma Settlement At Kerma," Sudan Ancient Treasures: An Exhibition Of Recent Discoveries From The Sudan National Museum, D. A. Welsby, and J. R. Anderson, eds. (British Museum P, 2004) 64-6.}