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AUC LIBRARIES

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NUBIA
AND
THE NUBIAN PEOPLE
An Annotated Bibliography

July 2003
Table of Contents

Aksum (Ethiopia) -- History 5

Archaeology -- Nubia 6

Architecture -- Sudan 7

Architecture -- Nubia 9

Art -- Nubia 9

Art -- Nubia -- Catalogs 10

Art -- Sudan 11

Art -- Sudan -- Catalogs 11

Aswan High Dam (Egypt) 12

Ballana (Egypt) 13

Christianity -- Nubia -- History 14

Christians -- Nubia 15

Cultural property -- Protection -- Nubia 16

Egypt -- Antiquities 16

Egypt -- Social conditions 18

Egypt -- Social life and customs 19

Egyptian language -- Grammar 21

Egyptian language -- Inscriptions 21

Egyptian language --Writing, Hieratic 22

Epitaphs -- Nubia 23

Family -- Egypt -- Cairo -- Case Studies 23

Figurines -- Egypt -- Cairo 24

2
History -- Egypt -- To 332 B.C. 24

Inscriptions, Greek -- Nubia 25

Islam -- Nubia 25

Islam -- Nubia -- History 26

Land settlement -- Egypt -- Kawm Umbu 28

Migration, internal -- Sudan -- Nubia 29

Monuments -- Nubia -- Bibliography 30

Nile River Valley -- History 31

Nubia 33

Nubia -- Antiquities 34

Nubia -- Antiquities -- Collection and preservation 38

Nubia -- Civilization 39

Nubia -- Congresses 41

Nubia -- Description and travel 41

Nubia -- History 43

Nubia -- Kings and rulers 48

Nubia -- Social life and customs 49

Nubian languages -- Grammar 51

Nubian languages -- Study and teaching 51

Nubian Languages -- Writing 52

Nubians 52

Nubians -- Egypt 54

Nubians -- Egypt -- Cairo -- Case Studies 57

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Nubians -- Egypt -- Religion 57

Nubians -- Sudan 59

Population -- Nubia -- Egypt 61

Qustul -- (Egypt) 61

Salvage archaeology -- Nubia 62

Social Change -- Nubia 63

Social structure -- Egypt -- Aswan 65

Sudan -- Antiquities 65

Sudan -- Civilization 67

Sudan -- Social conditions 69

Sudan -- Social life and customs 69

Temples -- Egypt 70

Temples -- Nubia 70

Textiles fabrics, Ancient -- Nubia 71

Tombs -- Nubia 71

Turkey -- Kings and rulers 72

Women, Nubian -- Egypt -- Aswan -- Social conditions 73

Citations of Scholarly Articles Accessible Through


The AUC Library’s: Article Indexes and Other Databases 74

4
Aksum (Ethiopia) – History
- Burstein, Stanley (ed.). Ancient African Civilization: Kush and Axum.
Princeton: Markus Wiener, 1998.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A 53 1998
This book introduces the historical background of Kush and Axum. The first
chapter includes a description of Kush and its neighbors, and moves on to an
exploration of Nubia and its gold mines

It also describes Meroe, and the history and the customs of the people of Kush.
The second chapter describes the relations between Rome and Kush and the
eventual Roman withdrawal from Kush in 298 (C.E.). In the subsequent
chapters the author deals extensively with the decline of Kush and the rise of
Axum. The book concludes with the ‘end of Antiquity’ and the Christianization
of Nubia.

- Mann, Kenny. African Kingdoms of the Past: Egypt, Kush, Aksum. New
Jersey: Dillon Press, 1997.
Main Library DT 83 M317 1997
This book provides a description of three major kingdoms of northeast Africa:
Egypt, Kush (the Nubian kingdom) and Aksum (the Ethiopian kingdom). The
author begins his chronology starting from the eighteenth dynasty in Egypt,
during the reign of queen Hatshepsut, and traces her conquests, expeditions, and
the mysteries that surrounded her reign as a pharaoh. In the Kingdom of Kush,
particular interest is laid on the reign of King Piye, who succeeded in
conquering Upper Egypt as far as Aswan, when Lower Egypt was ruled by
Osorkon III, a Libyan king, it was around 751 BC. It is believed that probably
the Ethiopian king Ezana is the first Christian king of Aksum. For decades,
historians have debated whether Egypt, Kush and Aksum were in fact African
kingdoms. The overall aim of this work is to bring out the facts that demonstrate
the linkages between Nubia and the rest of Africa.

5
Archaeology – Nubia
- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

- Champollion, Jean-François, 1790-1832. Monuments de l'´Egypte et de la


Nubie. Genève: Centre de Documentation du Monde Orientale. Editions de
Belles-Lettres, 1970-71.
Main Library N 5350 C47 1970 v.1.
The original publication of Monuments d’Egypte et de la Nubie is regarded as a
major work for Egyptologists. The present re-print is designed to be more
accessible than the original. It is especially useful for researchers and students
who need a practical guide to use when researching the Nubian monuments.

- Christophe, Louis-A. Campagne Internationale de l'Unesco pour la


Sauvegarde des Sites et Monuments de Nubie: Bibliography. Paris: UNESCO,
1977.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 C4x 1977
This book is a bibliographical list of sources related to UNESCO’s International
Campaign for the protection of cultural property concerning the pharaonic site
in Nubia. This campaign necessitated the combined effort of the international

6
community, and has succeeded in saving the most important Nubian
monuments.

- Mayer -Thurman, Christa C. and Williams, Bruce. Ancient Textiles from


Nubia: Meroitic, X-group, and Christian Fabrics from Ballana and Qustul:
An Exhibition Organized by the Art Institute of Chicago. Chicago: Art
Institute of Chicago, 1979.
Main Library NK 8987.8 M3X 1979
The exhibit represented in this catalog depicts ancient textile fragments from
Nubia, , that were discovered by the archaeological team of the Oriental
Institute who conducted their excavations between 1962 and 1964. Site maps,
drawings, types of materials used, as well as the historical background, are
discussed in detail.

- Nubie; Par Divers Archeologues et Historiens, Le Caire: Cahiers D'Histoire


Egyptienne 1967.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 N8X
This special edition of Cahiers D’histoire Egyptienne is dedicated to the Nubian
people and their rich history. Sixteen prominent archaeologists have contributed
with articles to this book. The subject areas dealt with are: history, archaeology,
architecture and engineering. The book also deals with Christianity and Islam
and their influences on the Nubian people. The book includes an extensive
description of the transportation of the monuments that were threatened to be
eroded by the flooding waters of the High Dam. The articles are written in
English, French and Italian.

Architecture -- Nubia
- Fahmii, Ibraahiim. al-Nuubah, Arḍ al-‘Iṭr wa-al-Dhahab : Ru’yah min al-
Daakhil. Cairo: Yaafaa lil-Diraasaat wa-al-Nashr,1990.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 F24x 1990
This book essentially criticizes a few newspaper journalists, magazines
reporters and TV program reporters for providing an incorrect account about the
origins of the Nubians. This situation prompted the author to write this book in
order to give a more accurate description of the indigenous people of Nubia
throughout history. The book discusses Nubian weddings, births, deaths, and
other customs and traditions before and after resettlement. He also describes
Nubian houses and their architecture, costumes, occupations and arts. The

7
author concludes the book with a statement imploring the Egyptian authorities
to preserve the Nubian heritage and language.
- Champollion, Jean-François, 1790-1832. Monuments de l'´Egypte et de la
Nubie. Genève: Centre de Documentation du Monde Orientale. Editions de
Belles-Lettres, 1970-71.
Main Library N 5350 C47 1970 v.1.
The original publication of Monuments d’Egypte et de la Nubie is regarded as a
major work for Egyptologists. The present re-print is designed to be more
accessible than the original. It is especially useful for researchers and students
who need a practical guide to use when researching the Nubian monuments.
- Christophe, Louis-A. Campagne Internationale de l'Unesco pour la
Sauvegarde des Sites et Monuments de Nubie: Bibliography. Paris: UNESCO,
1977.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 C4x 1977
This book is a bibliographical list of sources related to UNESCO’s International
Campaign for the protection of cultural property concerning the pharaonic site
in Nubia. This campaign necessitated the combined effort of the international
community, and has succeeded in saving the most important Nubian
monuments.
- Godlewski, Wlodzimierz. Les Baptistères Nubiens, [translation by Zsolt Kiss]
Varsovcie: Editions Scientifiques de Pologne, 1979.
Main Library NA 6084 N8 G6 1979
This study describes ancient Christian baptistery types in Nubia. The author
gives a description of the general characteristics of the baptisteries, their
placement in the churches, their different forms, and their decorative motifs.
He also present a description of the baptism ceremony and the practices of the
rituals. The text includes plans and photographs.
- Nubie; Par Divers Archeologues et Historiens, Le Caire: Cahiers D'Histoire
Egyptienne 1967.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 N8X
This special edition of Cahiers D’histoire Egyptienne is dedicated to the Nubian
people and their rich history. Sixteen prominent archaeologists have contributed
with articles to this book. The subject areas dealt with are: history, archaeology,
architecture and engineering. The book also deals with Christianity and Islam
and their influences on the Nubian people. The book includes an extensive
description of the transportation of the monuments that were threatened to be
eroded by the flooding waters of the High Dam. The articles are written in
English, French and Italian.

8
Architecture – Sudan
- Shinnie, P.L. Debeira West: A Medieval Nubian Town. London:
Warminister, 1978.
Main Library DT 159.6 W 32 S53 1978
This book is written by Shinnie, who was a commissioner for archaeology in the
Government of Sudan. In the introduction he discusses the expedition led by
the University of Ghana to rescue the Nubian monuments in Sudan. Shinnie
describes in Chapter II the architecture of the City of Debeira, its churches and
cemeteries. He also gives a full description of the pottery found there. In
Chapter IV the author lists small objects made out of wood, stone and other
materials that were found in the ruins. The book concludes with some remarks
about the building methods of Debeira and the types of agricultural farming, and
the food they ate at that time.

Art -- Nubia
- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

9
- Champollion, Jean-François, 1790-1832. Monuments de l'´Egypte et de la
Nubie. Genève: Centre de Documentation du Monde Orientale. Editions de
Belles-Lettres, 1970-71.
Main Library N 5350 C47 1970 v.1.
The original publication of Monuments d’Egypte et de la Nubie is regarded as a
major work for Egyptologists. The present re-print is designed to be more
accessible than the original. It is especially useful for researchers and students
who need a practical guide to use when researching the Nubian monuments.

Art -- Nubia -- Catalogs


- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

- Champollion, Jean-François, 1790-1832. Monuments de l'´Egypte et de la


Nubie. Genève: Centre de Documentation du Monde Orientale. Editions de
Belles-Lettres, 1970-71.
Main Library N 5350 C47 1970 v.1.

The original publication of Monuments d’Egypte et de la Nubie is regarded as a


major work for Egyptologists. The present re-print is designed to be more
accessible than the original. It is especially useful for researchers and students
who need a practical guide to use when researching the Nubian monuments.

10
Art – Sudan
- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

Art -- Sudan – Catalogs


- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The

11
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

Aswan High Dam (Egypt)


- Christophe, Louis-A. Campagne Internationale de l'Unesco pour la
Sauvegarde des Sites et Monuments de Nubie: Bibliography. Paris: UNESCO,
1977.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 C4x 1977
This book is a bibliographical list of sources related to UNESCO’s International
Campaign for the protection of cultural property concerning the pharaonic site
in Nubia. This campaign necessitated the combined effort of the international
community, and has succeeded in saving the most important Nubian
monuments.

- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-


Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account

12
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

- Greener, Leslie. High Dam Over Nubia. New York: Viking Press, 1962.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 G7
The book explores Nubia, past and present. The author relates the story of his
visits to Nubia, and gives his own perspective of the High Dam and its
subsequent effects on the environment. Overall, the author is interested in
documenting the changes that have affected Nubia and its population. The book
also includes a survey off the temples and monuments, photographs and maps.

Ballana (Egypt)
- Emery, Walter B. (Walter Bryan). Nubian Treasure : An Account of the
Discoveries at Ballana and Qustul. London: Methuen, 1948.
Main Library DT 135 N8 E513 1948
This book presents in the first chapter the main reasons for building the Aswan
High Dam. The second chapter describes the Nubians and their land before the
area was submerged under the reservoir that was created by the Dam. A
historical background of the Nubians from ancient times through different
periods of rulers is discussed in the third chapter. The discovery of the ancient
tombs of Qustul and Ballana is a subject of interest in the book. The book also
includes illustrations of ancient treasures.

Christianity -- Nubia – History


- Burstein, Stanley (ed.). Ancient African Civilization: Kush and Axum.
Princeton: Markus Wiener, 1998.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A 53 1998

This book introduces the historical background of Kush and Axum. The first
chapter includes a description of Kush and its neighbors, and moves on to an
exploration of Nubia and its gold mines

13
It also describes Meroe, and the history and the customs of the people of Kush.
The second chapter describes the relations between Rome and Kush and the
eventual Roman withdrawal from Kush in 298 (C.E.). In the subsequent
chapters the author deals extensively with the decline of Kush and the rise of
Axum. The book concludes with the ‘end of Antiquity’ and the Christianization
of Nubia.

- Godlewski, Wlodzimierz. Les Baptistères Nubiens, [translation by Zsolt Kiss]


Varsovcie: Editions Scientifiques de Pologne, 1979.
Main Library NA 6084 N8 G6 1979
This study describes ancient Christian baptistery types in Nubia. The author
gives a description of the general characteristics of the baptisteries, their
placement in the churches, their different forms, and their decorative motifs.
He also present a description of the baptism ceremony and the practices of the
rituals. The text includes plans and photographs.

- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

14
Christians – Nubia
- Fritz Hintze, Ursula Hintze. Civilizations of the Old Sudan: Kerma, Kush,
Christian Nubia. Amsterdam:B.R. Gruner, 1968.
Main Library DT 108 H513 1968
This illustrated volume portrays the monuments of the various Sudanese
cultures. It provides evidences of ancient African cultures, and presents a
cultural bridge between ancient Egypt and Africa south of the Sahara. The
author first examines the prehistory of northern Sudan and Egyptian influence in
Nubia. He deals later with the Kingdom of Kush and the Kushite domination in
Egypt. The author concludes by displaying a brief narrative on the Christian
Kingdoms of Nubia. The book contains about 100 pages of illustrative
photographs and a chronological table of Nubian and Egyptian civilization.

- Godlewski, Wlodzimierz. Les Baptistères Nubiens, [translation by Zsolt Kiss]


Varsovcie: Editions Scientifiques de Pologne, 1979.
Main Library NA 6084 N8 G6 1979

This study describes ancient Christian baptistery types in Nubia. The author
gives a description of the general characteristics of the baptisteries, their
placement in the churches, their different forms, and their decorative motifs.
He also present a description of the baptism ceremony and the practices of the
rituals. The text includes plans and photographs.

15
Cultural property -- Protection – Nubia
- Christophe, Louis-A. Campagne Internationale de l'Unesco pour la
Sauvegarde des Sites et Monuments de Nubie: Bibliography. Paris: UNESCO,
1977.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 C4x 1977
This book is a bibliographical list of sources related to UNESCO’s International
Campaign for the protection of cultural property concerning the pharaonic site
in Nubia. This campaign necessitated the combined effort of the international
community, and has succeeded in saving the most important Nubian
monuments.

Egypt – Antiquities
- Champollion, Jean-François, 1790-1832. Monuments de l'´Egypte et de la
Nubie. Genève: Centre de Documentation du Monde Orientale. Editions de
Belles-Lettres, 1970-71.
Main Library N 5350 C47 1970 v.1.
The original publication of Monuments d’Egypte et de la Nubie is regarded as a
major work for Egyptologists. The present re-print is designed to be more
accessible than the original. It is especially useful for researchers and students
who need a practical guide to use when researching the Nubian monuments.

- Noblecourt, Christiane D. La
Grande Nubiade: Le Parcours
d’Une Egyptologue. Pernoud:
Editions Stock, 1992.
Main Library PJ 1064 D47
A3 1992

This book was written by one


of the world’s greatest
Egyptologists. It discusses in
detail the gigantic project that
took place to salvage the great
monuments of ancient Nubia as they were about to be submerged by the rising

16
waters of the Aswan High Dam. Noblecourt discusses her role in this fight, and
of the international cooperation that finally resulted in the project for salvaging
the monuments. The author discusses her work for forty years as the Director of
the Louvre Museum in France. She also highlights the acquisitions and the
various expositions that she has organized, the most famous being that of
Toutankhamon in 1967, and of Ramses II in 1976.

- Posener, Georges. Cinq Figurines d'Envoûtement. Cairo: Institut Français


d'Archéologie Oriental du Caire, 1987.
Main Library PJ 25 B6 Vol. 101
This book gives a detailed description of the ancient Egyptian ‘hieratic’
language based on writings found on figurines and statuettes of Nubian
pharaonic origins. The statuettes have inscriptions on them of the ancient rituals
of ‘Proscription’ (live sacrifice). The figurines represent kings and rulers of
little known areas surrounding ancient Egypt. They also have valuable
information inscribed on them about the inhabitants and the princes who
governed the areas where the figurines were discovered. The author specifically
researched the inscriptions on the alabaster figurines and was able to read most
of them despite their bad condition. He describes the text as being very varied,
and contains a wealth of valuable information.

- Posener, Georges. Princes et Pays d'Asie et de Nubie: Textes Hiératiques sur


des Figurines d'Envoûtement du Moyen Empire Suivis de Remarques
Paléographiques sur les Textes Similaires de Berlin. Bruxelles: Fondation
Egyptologique Rein ´Elisabeth, 1940.
Main Library PJ 1650 P6X 1940
This book gives a detailed description of the ‘hieratic’ writings found on
figurines and statuettes of Nubian, pharaonic, and Turkish origins. The author
believes that the statuettes represented symbolically the practice of live sacrifice
which is called ‘Proscription’, and were the substitutes for the actual live
sacrifice. The statuettes represent the enemies of the pharaoh from the areas
surrounding ancient Egypt, and bear traces of the ritual of “slaying” or afflicting
blows to the head which symbolized the execution of prisoners. The second part
of this book explains the inscriptions that were found on the vases. Apparently
they were used in-lieu of scrolls for archival information about princes and the
countries they ruled in areas around ancient Egypt and Nubia.

17
- Rosellini, Ippolito. Monumenti dell'Egitto e Della Nubia. 3 vols. Geneve:
Editions de
Belleslettres, 1977.
Main Library DT60 R82 1977
This publication contains a collection of illustrated entries in a chronological
sequence on classical Egyptian monuments. It comprises three volumes.

- Shinnie , P. L. Ancient Nubia. London: Kegan Paul International, 1996.


Main Library DT 159.6 N83 S55 1996
This book describes the region of Nubia and the Nubian people whose culture
survived centuries of change and periods of foreign rule. The author gives an
account of Nubia under Egyptian occupation, and the establishment of the
independent Sudanese states of Nepata and Meroe. The book concludes with a
description of Christian Nubia, the advent of Islam, and examines the religious
influences and their affect on the Nubian way of life. It also includes numerous
plates and a list of bibliography.

Egypt -- Social conditions


- Fahmii, Ibraahiim. al-Nuubah, Arḍ al-‘Iṭr wa-al-Dhahab : Ru’yah min al-
Daakhil. Cairo: Yaafaa lil-Diraasaat wa-al-Nashr,1990.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 F24x 1990
This book essentially criticizes a few newspaper journalists, magazines
reporters and TV program reporters for providing an incorrect account about the
origins of the Nubians. This situation prompted the author to write this book in
order to give a more accurate description of the indigenous people of Nubia
throughout history. The book discusses Nubian weddings, births, deaths, and
other customs and traditions before and after resettlement. He also describes
Nubian houses and their architecture, costumes, occupations and arts. The
author concludes the book with a statement imploring the Egyptian authorities
to preserve the Nubian heritage and language.

- Geiser, Peter. The Egyptian Nubian: A Study in Social Symbiosis. Cairo:


The American University in Cairo, 1986.
Main Library DT 135 N8 G4X 1986
This book is primarily a study of the social conditions of the Nubians. In the
first part of the book. The author deals with the historical perspective of Nubia,
the indigenous inhabitants, and the nineteenth-century Nubia, with special
emphasis on its social and economic conditions. In the second part, he

18
describes the contemporary Nubian social life, including sex and gender roles,
life expectancy, marriages, education and religion. In the third part, the author
discusses the population movements in Lower Nubia. Finally, Geiser explores
urban Nubian family life in Cairo, placing particular attention on the family’s
aspirations to procure better economic conditions and stable jobs.

Egypt -- Social life and customs


- Fahmii, Ibraahiim. al-Nuubah, Arḍ al-‘Iṭr wa-al-Dhahab : Ru’yah min al-
Daakhil. Cairo: Yaafaa lil-Diraasaat wa-al-Nashr,1990.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 F24x 1990
This book essentially criticizes a few newspaper journalists, magazines
reporters and TV program reporters for providing an incorrect account about the
origins of the Nubians. This situation prompted the author to write this book in
order to give a more accurate description of the indigenous people of Nubia
throughout history. The book discusses Nubian weddings, births, deaths, and
other customs and traditions before and after resettlement. He also describes
Nubian houses and their architecture, costumes, occupations and arts. The
author concludes the book with a statement imploring the Egyptian authorities
to preserve the Nubian heritage and language.
- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-
Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983
This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of

19
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

- Fernea, Elizabeth Warnock and Fernea, Robert A. Nubian Ethnographies.


Prospect Heights, Illinois: Waveland Press,1995
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 F47 1991
This book is part of a research project conducted by the Nubian Ethnographic
Survey, with the purpose to record the culture and heritage of the 50,000
Egyptian Nubians. The book is divided into two major parts. Part I, is written by
Elizabeth Fernea, and it presents her personal account of the experience and the
process of her fieldwork in Nubia, and her personal interactions with Nubian
people and particularly women. Elizabeth Fernea presents herself in the book as
a wife and mother accompanying her anthropologist husband, and not as an
anthropologist herself. Thus, her account is more of personal experience rather
than as an anthropologist. She gives an account of her daily experience,
particularly her encounter with the social and cultural problems of women and
children. She talks extensively about the hazards of childbearing, high infant
mortality rates, limited supplies of food, water and medical care, and the
absence of husbands and fathers who moved to the urban cities of Cairo in
search of better jobs. Part II, is written by Robert Fernea, and it is an
ethnographic research that provides an overview of Nubian society and culture,
emphasizing the results rather than the experience of fieldwork.

- Ṣāliḥ, Muḥyī al-Dīn . Min A‘laam al-Nuubah fī al-Qarn al-‘Ishriin. Cairo:


al-Nisr al-Dhahabī, 2000.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 S8 2000 Vol. 1

This book is divided into two parts. Part I presents approximately around 45
biographical entries of famous Nubians in the 20th century. “Entries” include
poets, educators, women activists, religious men, social activists, sociologists
and anthropologists. Part II deals with social and economic aspects of Nubia

20
Egyptian language – Grammar
- Khalil, Mokhtar. Studien Zum Altnubishen: Nubisch-Agyptische
Beziehungen. Bern: Peter Lang, 1988.
Main Library PL 8575 K54x 1998
The author of this book is emphasizing the relationship between the Egyptians
and the Nubians. The book is based on three subjects that are dealt with in the
subsequent three chapters: The first chapter is the orthography and the phonetic
structure of the old Nubian language. The second chapter is about the
grammatical, structural and dialectal similarity between the Egyptian and the
Nubian languages. The last chapter of the book deals with the common
lexicography.

Egyptian language – Inscriptions


- Posener, Georges. Princes et Pays d'Asie et de Nubie: Textes Hiératiques sur
des Figurines d'Envoûtement du Moyen Empire Suivis de Remarques
Paléographiques sur les Textes Similaires de Berlin. Bruxelles: Fondation
Egyptologique Rein ´Elisabeth, 1940.
Main Library PJ 1650 P6X 1940
This book gives a detailed description of the ‘hieratic’ writings found on
figurines and statuettes of Nubian, pharaonic, and Turkish origins. The author
believes that the statuettes represented symbolically the practice of live sacrifice
which is called ‘Proscription’, and were the substitutes for the actual live
sacrifice. The statuettes represent the enemies of the pharaoh from the areas
surrounding ancient Egypt, and bear traces of the ritual of “slaying” or afflicting
blows to the head which symbolized the execution of prisoners. The second part
of this book explains the inscriptions that were found on the vases. Apparently
they were used in-lieu of scrolls for archival information about princes and the
countries they ruled in areas around ancient Egypt and Nubia.

21
Egyptian language --Writing, Hieratic
- Posener, Georges. Cinq Figurines d'Envoûtement. Cairo: Institut Français
d'Archéologie Oriental du Caire, 1987.
Main Library PJ 25 B6 Vol. 101
This book gives a detailed description of the ancient Egyptian ‘hieratic’
language based on writings found on figurines and statuettes of Nubian
pharaonic origins. The statuettes have inscriptions on them of the ancient rituals
of ‘Proscription’ (live sacrifice). The figurines represent kings and rulers of
little known areas surrounding ancient Egypt. They also have valuable
information inscribed on them about the inhabitants and the princes who
governed the areas where the figurines were discovered. The author specifically
researched the inscriptions on the alabaster figurines and was able to read most
of them despite their bad condition. He describes the text as being very varied,
and contains a wealth of valuable information.

- Posener, Georges. Princes et Pays d'Asie et de Nubie: Textes Hiératiques sur


des Figurines d'Envoûtement du Moyen Empire Suivis de Remarques
Paléographiques sur les Textes Similaires de Berlin. Bruxelles: Fondation
Egyptologique Rein ´Elisabeth, 1940.
Main Library PJ 1650 P6X 1940
This book gives a detailed description of the ‘hieratic’ writings found on
figurines and statuettes of Nubian, pharaonic, and Turkish origins. The author
believes that the statuettes represented symbolically the practice of live sacrifice
which is called ‘Proscription’, and were the substitutes for the actual live
sacrifice. The statuettes represent the enemies of the pharaoh from the areas
surrounding ancient Egypt, and bear traces of the ritual of “slaying” or afflicting
blows to the head which symbolized the execution of prisoners. The second part
of this book explains the inscriptions that were found on the vases. Apparently
they were used in-lieu of scrolls for archival information about princes and the
countries they ruled in areas around ancient Egypt and Nubia

22
Epitaphs – Nubia
- Mina, Togo, 1906-1949. Inscriptions Coptes et Grecques de Nubie. Le Caire:
Coptic Archaeological Society, 1942.
SPCL PJ 2193 M5 1942 (Creswell)
This book presents the archaeological excavations and findings done in the area
west of the Nubian village of Sakinya where an ancient Coptic necropolis was
found. The major findings of the excavations are the epitaphs inscribed on the
various tombstones in Sahidic Coptic and Greek. The book is divided into two
major parts: Part I deals with inscriptions that were published for the first time,
and Part II represents inscriptions published previously by Monneret De Villard.
Mina Togo indicates that the work of Monneret De Villard was in many cases
not precise. Togo comments that he preferred to take his notes and observations
directly from the tombstones, that were consequently transferred to the Coptic
Museum in Cairo and to the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria.

Family -- Egypt -- Cairo -- Case Studies

- Geiser, Peter. Cairo's Nubian families. Cairo: American University in


Cairo, 1980.
Main Library HN 790 C3 G4 1980
Following a brief introduction about Nubians, Dr. Geiser describes the
methodology of his study and its findings. The core of his study deals
specifically with the urban Nubian family. He discusses the household types,
their residences in Cairo, the size of the household and its composition. The
overall theme of his study comprises the integration of Nubian households and
marriage issues.

23
Figurines -- Egypt – Cairo
- Posener, Georges. Cinq Figurines d'Envoûtement. Cairo: Institut Français
d'Archéologie Oriental du Caire, 1987.
Main Library PJ 25 B6 Vol. 101
This book gives a detailed description of the ancient Egyptian ‘hieratic’
language based on writings found on figurines and statuettes of Nubian
pharaonic origins. The statuettes have inscriptions on them of the ancient rituals
of ‘Proscription’ (live sacrifice). The figurines represent kings and rulers of
little known areas surrounding ancient Egypt. They also have valuable
information inscribed on them about the inhabitants and the princes who
governed the areas where the figurines were discovered. The author specifically
researched the inscriptions on the alabaster figurines and was able to read most
of them despite their bad condition. He describes the text as being very varied,
and contains a wealth of valuable information.

History -- Egypt -- To 332 B.C.


- Mann, Kenny. African Kingdoms of the Past: Egypt, Kush, Aksum. New
Jersey: Dillon Press, 1997.
Main Library DT 83 M317 1997
This book provides a description of three major kingdoms of northeast Africa:
Egypt, Kush (the Nubian kingdom) and Aksum (the Ethiopian kingdom). The
author begins his chronology starting from the eighteenth dynasty in Egypt,
during the reign of queen Hatshepsut, and traces her conquests, expeditions, and
the mysteries that surrounded her reign as a pharaoh. In the Kingdom of Kush,
particular interest is laid on the reign of King Piye, who succeeded in
conquering Upper Egypt as far as Aswan, when Lower Egypt was ruled by
Osorkon III, a Libyan king, it was around 751 BC. It is believed that probably
the Ethiopian king Ezana is the first Christian king of Aksum. For decades,
historians have debated whether Egypt, Kush and Aksum were in fact African
kingdoms. The overall aim of this work is to bring out the facts that demonstrate
the linkages between Nubia and the rest of Africa.

24
Inscriptions, Greek – Nubia
- Mina, Togo, 1906-1949. Inscriptions Coptes et Grecques de Nubie. Le Caire:
Coptic Archaeological Society, 1942.
SPCL PJ 2193 M5 1942 (Creswell)
This book presents the archaeological excavations and findings done in the area
west of the Nubian village of Sakinya where an ancient Coptic necropolis was
found. The major findings of the excavations are the epitaphs inscribed on the
various tombstones in Sahidic Coptic and Greek. The book is divided into two
major parts: Part I deals with inscriptions that were published for the first time,
and Part II represents inscriptions published previously by Monneret De Villard.
Mina Togo indicates that the work of Monneret De Villard was in many cases
not precise. Togo comments that he preferred to take his notes and observations
directly from the tombstones, that were consequently transferred to the Coptic
Museum in Cairo and to the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria.

Islam – Nubia
- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-
Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first

25
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

- Kennedy, John G. (ed.). Nubian Ceremonial Life. Studies in Islamic


Syncretism and Cultural Change. Cairo: American University in Cairo.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 N82 1978
This book comprises several chapters written by different authors on the
subject of Nubia and its ceremonies. John Kennedy, discusses the history of
Nubia and its religious practices. The author of the second chapter describes the
ritual of Salat al –Jum’a in Old Nubia. The following chapters describe some
Islamic rituals like the ‘Dhikr’ (Zikr) and the ‘Sheikh Cult’. The book also
includes stories about supernatural beings called ‘Water Angels’ and ‘Water
Monsters’, believed to be responsible for controlling the Nile. Kennedy touches
as well on the ancient ritual of circumcision and its accompanying ceremonies.
The book concludes with a look at Nubian wedding celebrations, Zar and death
ceremonies.

Islam -- Nubia – History


- Cuoq, Joseph. Islamisation de la Nubie Chrétienne : VIIe-XVIe Siècle. Paris:
Librarie Orientaliste P. Geuthner, 1986.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 C86 19863
This book gives an account of the Nubian conversion to Islam from the seventh
to the sixteenth centuries. Consequently the author gives an overview of the
successive periods of history and rulers that Nubia was subjected to, including:
the Ummayad rule (651-750), the Abbasid (750-969), the Beja (VIII-Xth
century), the Fatimides (969-1171), the Ayyubid (1179-1259), the Nubians and
Bahrid Mamluks (1260-1393). The author examines causes in the decline of the
Kingdom of Dongola and also discusses the Kingdom of ‘Alwa. Concluding
the book is a bibliographical list of abbreviations, Arabic and Western sources,
and an index to proper names.

26
- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-
Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

27
Land settlement -- Egypt -- Kawm Umbu

- Fahim, Hussein M. The New Nubian Settlement in Egypt. Miami, FL : Field


Research Projects, 1974.
Main Library DT 135 N8 F2x 1974
This is a descriptive report presented by the researcher Hussein M. Fahim
showing the major social consequences that followed the construction of the
Aswan High Dam in Egypt, and the necessity to resettle the Nubian population
in Kom Ombo. Within a period of ten months some fifty thousand Nubians
were moved out of their old site along the Nile, between the town of Aswan
south of the Sudanese border to a new settlement in the Kom Ombo area, forty
kilometers north of Aswan. The research includes two sketch maps of Egypt
and Nubia that show the locations of the old and new Nubian settlements.

- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-


Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing

28
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

Migration, internal -- Sudan – Nubia


- Dafalla, Hassan. The Nubian Exodus. London: C. Hurst in Association with
the Scandinavian Institute of African Studies. New York: Universe Books,
1975.
Main Library DT 135 N8 D3 1975
The author gives an account of his trip to and arrival at Wadi Halfa. He
describes the town, and gives an overview of its history. He then describes the
characteristics of the modern Nubians and their local economy. The second part
of the book consists mainly of details of the emigration of the Nubians. He
describes the people’s impressions of the building of the Aswan High Dam, the
reaction of the Nubian people to it, and the issue of the remuneration for their
displacement from their homeland, and the choice of the resettlement sites. He
also discusses the subject of emigration and those who were left behind.

- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-


Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his

29
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

Monuments -- Nubia – Bibliography


- Christophe, Louis-A. Campagne Internationale de l'Unesco pour la
Sauvegarde des Sites et Monuments de Nubie: Bibliography. Paris: UNESCO,
1977.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 C4x 1977
This book is a bibliographical list of sources related to UNESCO’s International
Campaign for the protection of cultural property concerning the pharaonic site
in Nubia. This campaign necessitated the combined effort of the international
community, and has succeeded in saving the most important Nubian
monuments.

30
Nile River Valley – History
- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

- Fairservis, Walter A. Jr. The


Ancient Kingdoms of the Nile
and the Doomed Monuments
of Nubia. New York: Thomas
Y. Crowell, 1962.
Main Library DT 115 F3
1962
This book mainly discusses
history of the River Nile since
its birth, and subsequent
civilizations in Nubia and the
adjacent lands of Egypt and
the Sudan. It also provides an insight to the understanding of the significant
importance of Nubia in the past and present. The author also provides a brief
synopsis of the UNESCO’s appeal to save the monuments of Nubia that were
threatened by the flooding waters of the Aswan High Dam.

31
- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-
Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983
This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.
- Riyāḍ, Muḥammad and ‘Abd al-Rasūl, Kawthar. Riḥlah fī Zamān al-Nūbah:
Dirāsah lil-Nūbah al-Qadīmah wa-Mu’ashshirāt al-Tanmiyah al-
Mustaqbalīyah. Cairo: al-Hay’ah al-Miṣrīyah al-‘Āmmah lil-Kitāb, 1998.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 R59 1998
The authors of this book decided to complete the research on Nubia which their
geography teacher had begun. In the first part of the book they explain their
journey in detail. They describe their trip along the Nile River and include a
road map to Nubia, scale maps, places they have visited, and people they have
met, and finally their return journey to Cairo. In the second part they present a
historical study of old Nubia, explaining its geography, history, people,
economy and social life. It is concluded with a photographic gallery of old
Nubia, entitled “Door to Nubia”, and a list of sources.

32
Nubia
- Dafalla, Hassan. The Nubian Exodus. London: C. Hurst in Association with
the Scandinavian Institute of African Studies. New York: Universe Books,
1975.
Main Library DT 135 N8 D3 1975
The author gives an account of his trip to and arrival at Wadi Halfa. He
describes the town, and gives an overview of its history. He then describes the
characteristics of the modern Nubians and their local economy. The second part
of the book consists mainly of details of the emigration of the Nubians. He
describes the people’s impressions of the building of the Aswan High Dam, the
reaction of the Nubian people to it, and the issue of the remuneration for their
displacement from their homeland, and the choice of the resettlement sites. He
also discusses the subject of emigration and those who were left

- Fahmii, Ibraahiim. al-Nuubah, Arḍ al-‘Iṭr wa-al-Dhahab : Ru’yah min al-


Daakhil. Cairo: Yaafaa lil-Diraasaat wa-al-Nashr,1990.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 F24x 1990
This book essentially criticizes a few newspaper journalists, magazines
reporters and TV program reporters for providing an incorrect account about the
origins of the Nubians. This situation prompted the author to write this book in
order to give a more accurate description of the indigenous people of Nubia
throughout history. The book discusses Nubian weddings, births, deaths, and
other customs and traditions before and after resettlement. He also describes
Nubian houses and their architecture, costumes, occupations and arts. The
author concludes the book with a statement imploring the Egyptian authorities
to preserve the Nubian heritage and language.

- Riyāḍ, Muḥammad and ‘Abd al-Rasūl, Kawthar. Riḥlah fī Zamān al-Nūbah:


Dirāsah lil-Nūbah al-Qadīmah wa-Mu’ashshirāt al-Tanmiyah al-
Mustaqbalīyah. Cairo: al-Hay’ah al-Miṣrīyah al-‘Āmmah lil-Kitāb, 1998.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 R59 1998
The authors of this book decided to complete the research on Nubia which their
geography teacher had begun. In the first part of the book they explain their
journey in detail. They describe their trip along the Nile River and include a
road map to Nubia, scale maps, places they have visited, and people they have
met, and finally their return journey to Cairo. In the second part they present a
historical study of old Nubia, explaining its geography, history, people,
economy and social life. It is concluded with a photographic gallery of old
Nubia, entitled “Door to Nubia”, and a list of sources.

33
Nubia – Antiquities
- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

- Champollion, Jean-François, 1790-1832. Monuments de l'´Egypte et de la


Nubie. Genève: Centre de Documentation du Monde Orientale. Editions de
Belles-Lettres, 1970-71.
Main Library N 5350 C47 1970 v.1.

The original publication of Monuments d’Egypte et de la Nubie is regarded as a


major work for Egyptologists. The present re-print is designed to be more
accessible than the original. It is especially useful for researchers and students
who need a practical guide to use when researching the Nubian monuments.

- Egypt. Maslahat al-Aathaar. Fouilles en Nubie. Le Caire, Organisme General


des Imprimeries Gouvernementales, 1963.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A526 1963
This book constitutes the preliminary report of the Archaeological Expedition
undertaken by Cairo University during the period between 1961 & 1962. The
findings of the excavations in Nubia and the Aniba region are related with
particular precision and planning, and with the inclusion of drawings and
photographs. This is the third time for Cairo University to participate in the
UNESCO’s Campaign for the protection of cultural property and the
preservation of the pharaonic sites of Nubia.

34
- Emery, Walter B. (Walter Bryan). Nubian Treasure : An Account of the
Discoveries at Ballana and Qustul. London: Methuen, 1948.
Main Library DT 135 N8 E513 1948
This book presents in the first chapter the main reasons for building the Aswan
High Dam. The second chapter describes the Nubians and their land before the
area was submerged under the reservoir that was created by the Dam. A
historical background of the Nubians from ancient times through different
periods of rulers is discussed in the third chapter. The discovery of the ancient
tombs of Qustul and Ballana is a subject of interest in the book. The book also
includes illustrations of ancient treasures.

- Fairservis, Walter A. Jr. The Ancient Kingdoms of the Nile and the Doomed
Monuments of Nubia. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell, 1962.
Main Library DT 115 F3 1962
This book mainly discusses history of the River Nile since its birth, and
subsequent civilizations in Nubia and the adjacent lands of Egypt and the
Sudan. It also provides an insight to the understanding of the significant
importance of Nubia in the past and present. The author also provides a brief
synopsis of the UNESCO’s appeal to save the monuments of Nubia that were
threatened by the flooding waters of the Aswan High Dam.

- French Institute of Oriental Studies. Etudes Nubiennes: Colloque de


Chantilly, 2-6 Juillet 1975. Cairo: Institut Français d'Archéologie Orientale du
Caire, 1978.
Main Library PJ 25 B6 Vol. 77
The flooding of the Nubian land has drawn international attention. The contents
of this book have been presented in a symposium on Nubian studies that took
place at Chantilly from the 2nd to the 6th of July 1975. The articles are in English,
German and French, and deal with different aspects of the Nubian civilization. It
contains a wealth of photographs, drawings and maps.

- Gohary, Jocelyn. Guide to the Nubian Monuments on Lake Nasser. Cairo:


American University in Cairo, 1998.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 G6 1998

This book is a guide to the Nubian monuments surrounding Lake Nasser. The
author guides us chronologically through Nubia from the past to the present, and
describes the various ancient monuments of Nubia. The author also describes
the monuments that were rescued after the construction of the High Dam.
Temples like New Kalabsha, New Sebua, New Amada, Qasr Ibrim and Abu
Simbel are described in the subsequent chapters. The Nubian Museum in

35
Aswan was opened in 1997, and it houses many Nubian artifacts and statues.
This guide book concludes with plans of Nubian Temples, a chronology, and a
list of Nubian deities.

- Greener, Leslie. High Dam Over Nubia. New York: Viking Press, 1962.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 G7
The book explores Nubia, past and present. The author relates the story of his
visits to Nubia, and gives his own perspective of the High Dam and its
subsequent effects on the environment. Overall, the author is interested in
documenting the changes that have affected Nubia and its population. The book
also includes a survey off the temples and monuments, photographs and maps.

- Keating , Rex. Nubian Rescue. London: Robert Hale and Co., 1975
Main Library DT 135 N8 K39 1975
The book is based on one of the most spectacular and concentrated
archaeological salvage operations of all times. Between 1960 and 1969,
scholars, architects and engineers from all over the world worked to conserve or
excavate ancient monuments, settlements and cemeteries doomed for
destruction by the rising waters of Egypt’s High Dam in Aswan. The author
clearly describes the events that prompted the rescue operation, the various
phases involved, and a succinct description of the findings. Historical aspects of
Nubian culture are also discussed. The book also contains pictures of some of
the major findings.

- Keating, Rex. Nubian Twilight. London: R. Hart-Davis, 1962.


Main Library DT 159.6 N83 K4 1962
The author writes about the land of Nubia, its highway, the keeper of the door of
the South, the “Belly of Stone”, “The Guardians of the Cataract,” “Island of
the King,” “Viceroys of, Kush, and Abu Simbel,” “Ozymandias,” “the Kingdom
of Kush,” and the “Coming of Byzantium”. He also presents a pessimistic
perspective of the High Dam as being the twilight of Nubia. The book has a
chronological table of all dynasties and presents the rulers of Nubia. There are
three maps in the book, one of them showing the area of Nubia that was flooded
by the High Dam.

36
- Maspero, G. (Gaston), 1846-1916. Les Temples Immergés de la Nubie :
Rapports Relatifs à la Consolidation des Temples. Le Caire: Imprimerie de
l'Institut Français d'Archéologie Orientale, 1909.
Main Library DT129 M3 Vol. 1, pt.1.
These reports present studies on the general conditions of the Nubian temples
and the necessary re-enforcement needed for protection against the rising water
of the High Dam. The major part of this study constitutes mainly plates,
photographs and plans of the different temples.

- Noblecourt, Christiane D. La Grande Nubiade: Le Parcours d’Une


Egyptologue. Pernoud: Editions Stock, 1992.
Main Library PJ 1064 D47 A3 1992
This book was written by one of the world’s greatest Egyptologists. It discusses
in detail the gigantic project that took place to salvage the great monuments of
ancient Nubia as they were about to be submerged by the rising waters of the
Aswan High Dam. Noblecourt discusses her role in this fight, and of the
international cooperation that finally resulted in the project for salvaging the
monuments. The author discusses her work for forty years as the Director of the
Louvre Museum in France. She also highlights the acquisitions and the various
expositions that she has organized, the most famous being that of
Toutankhamon in 1967, and of Ramses II in 1976.

- Shinnie , P. L. Ancient Nubia. London: Kegan Paul International, 1996.


Main Library DT 159.6 N83 S55 1996
This book describes the region of Nubia and the Nubian people whose culture
survived centuries of change and periods of foreign rule. The author gives an
account of Nubia under Egyptian occupation, and the establishment of the
independent Sudanese states of Nepata and Meroe. The book concludes with a
description of Christian Nubia, the advent of Islam, and examines the religious
influences and their affect on the Nubian way of life. It also includes numerous
plates and a list of bibliography.

- Smith, H. S. Preliminary Reports of the Egypt Exploration Society’s Nubian


Survey. Cairo: General Organization for Government Printing Offices, 1962.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 S6 1962
This work contains detailed preliminary reports of the UNESCO’s Campaign to
save the monuments of Nubia. The report is divided into two parts: Part I
includes a survey conducted between January to March 1961, and the second
one between October to November 1961.

37
- Smith, H. S. Unesco's International Campaign to Save the Monuments of
Nubia: Preliminary Reports of The Egypt Exploration Society’s Nubian
Survey.
Cairo: General Organisation for Govt. Print Offices, 1962.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 S6 1962
This is a collection of reports on unexplored areas of Egyptian Nubia. The
purpose of the study is to explore, and record all the important historical sites
from the time of the Egyptian dynasties until the 20th century when Nubia was
submerged under the waters of the High Dam. The reports include sites from the
east as well as the west banks. Detailed descriptions and illustrations are
included.

Nubia -- Antiquities -- Collection and preservation


- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

38
- Save-Soderbergh, Torgny (ed.). Temples and Tombs of Ancient Nubia. The
International Rescue Campaign at Abu Simbel, Philae and Other Sites.
Thames and Hudson, UNESCO, 1987.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 T46 1987
The introduction of this book explains the importance of the UNESCO’s
Campaign to rescue the Nubian monuments of Egypt and Sudan. Part I presents
a geographic and cultural overview of Nubia, followed by a discussion of the
Nile Valley, irrigation of the land, and the campaign to save the monuments of
Nubia. Part I addresses the importance of the construction of the High Dam and
the impact of that construction on Nubian heritage. Part II is about the
launching of UNESCO’s International Campaign to save the archaeological
sites of Nubia, and the projects proposed to save the different temples. The
latter part of the book describes the overwhelming task of UNESCO in
excavating the archaeological sites of Nubia and Sudan. The book concludes
with a display of two rescued temples: Abu Simbel and Philae Temples. A list
of illustrations is included.

Nubia -- Civilization
- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

39
- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-
Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983
This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.
- Fritz Hintze, Ursula Hintze. Civilizations of the Old Sudan: Kerma, Kush,
Christian Nubia. Amsterdam:B.R. Gruner, 1968.
Main Library DT 108 H513 1968
This illustrated volume portrays the monuments of the various Sudanese
cultures. It provides evidences of ancient African cultures, and presents a
cultural bridge between ancient Egypt and Africa south of the Sahara. The
author first examines the prehistory of northern Sudan and Egyptian influence in
Nubia. He deals later with the Kingdom of Kush and the Kushite domination in
Egypt. The author concludes by displaying a brief narrative on the Christian
Kingdoms of Nubia. The book contains about 100 pages of illustrative
photographs and a chronological table of Nubian and Egyptian civilization.

40
Nubia – Congresses
- French Institute of Oriental Studies. Etudes Nubiennes: Colloque de
Chantilly, 2-6 Juillet 1975. Cairo: Institut Français d'Archéologie Orientale du
Caire, 1978.
Main Library PJ 25 B6 Vol. 77
The flooding of the Nubian land has drawn international attention. The contents
of this book have been presented in a symposium on Nubian studies that took
place at Chantilly from the 2nd to the 6th of July 1975. The articles are in English,
German and French, and deal with different aspects of the Nubian civilization. It
contains a wealth of photographs, drawings and maps.

Nubia -- Description and travel


- Fahmii, Ibraahiim. al-Nuubah, Arḍ al-‘Iṭr wa-al-Dhahab : Ru’yah min al-
Daakhil. Cairo: Yaafaa lil-Diraasaat wa-al-Nashr,1990.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 F24x 1990
This book essentially criticizes a few newspaper journalists, magazines
reporters and TV program reporters for providing an incorrect account about the
origins of the Nubians. This situation prompted the author to write this book in
order to give a more accurate description of the indigenous people of Nubia
throughout history. The book discusses Nubian weddings, births, deaths, and
other customs and traditions before and after resettlement. He also describes
Nubian houses and their architecture, costumes, occupations and arts. The
author concludes the book with a statement imploring the Egyptian authorities
to preserve the Nubian heritage and language.

- Fernea, Elizabeth Warnock and Fernea, Robert A. Nubian Ethnographies.


Prospect Heights, Illinois: Waveland Press,1995
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 F47 1991
This book is part of a research project conducted by the Nubian Ethnographic
Survey, with the purpose to record the culture and heritage of the 50,000
Egyptian Nubians. The book is divided into two major parts. Part I, is written by
Elizabeth Fernea, and it presents her personal account of the experience and the
process of her fieldwork in Nubia, and her personal interactions with Nubian
people and particularly women. Elizabeth Fernea presents herself in the book as
a wife and mother accompanying her anthropologist husband, and not as an
anthropologist herself. Thus, her account is more of personal experience rather

41
than as an anthropologist. She gives an account of her daily experience,
particularly her encounter with the social and cultural problems of women and
children. She talks extensively about the hazards of childbearing, high infant
mortality rates, limited supplies of food, water and medical care, and the
absence of husbands and fathers who moved to the urban cities of Cairo in
search of better jobs. Part II, is written by Robert Fernea, and it is an
ethnographic research that provides an overview of Nubian society and culture,
emphasizing the results rather than the experience of fieldwork.

- Greener, Leslie. High Dam Over Nubia. New York: Viking Press, 1962.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 G7

The book explores Nubia, past and present. The author relates the story of his
visits to Nubia, and gives his own perspective of the High Dam and its
subsequent effects on the environment. Overall, the author is interested in
documenting the changes that have affected Nubia and its population. The book
also includes a survey off the temples and monuments, photographs and maps.

- Riyāḍ, Muḥammad and ‘Abd al-Rasūl, Kawthar. Riḥlah fī Zamān al-Nūbah:


Dirāsah lil-Nūbah al-Qadīmah wa-Mu’ashshirāt al-Tanmiyah al-
Mustaqbalīyah. Cairo: al-Hay’ah al-Miṣrīyah al-‘Āmmah lil-Kitāb, 1998.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 R59 1998

The authors of this book decided to complete the research on Nubia which their
geography teacher had begun. In the first part of the book they explain their
journey in detail. They describe their trip along the Nile River and include a

42
road map to Nubia, scale maps, places they have visited, and people they have
met, and finally their return journey to Cairo. In the second part they present a
historical study of old Nubia, explaining its geography, history, people,
economy and social life. It is concluded with a photographic gallery of old
Nubia, entitled “Door to Nubia”, and a list of sources.

Nubia – History
- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

- Burstein, Stanley (ed.). Ancient African Civilization: Kush and Axum.


Princeton: Markus Wiener, 1998.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A 53 1998
This book introduces the historical background of Kush and Axum. The first
chapter includes a description of Kush and its neighbors, and moves on to an
exploration of Nubia and its gold mines

It also describes Meroe, and the history and the customs of the people of Kush.
The second chapter describes the relations between Rome and Kush and the
eventual Roman withdrawal from Kush in 298 (C.E.). In the subsequent
chapters the author deals extensively with the decline of Kush and the rise of

43
Axum. The book concludes with the ‘end of Antiquity’ and the Christianization
of Nubia.

- Cuoq, Joseph. Islamisation de la Nubie Chrétienne : VIIe-XVIe Siècle. Paris:


Librarie Orientaliste P. Geuthner, 1986.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 C86 19863
This book gives an account of the Nubian conversion to Islam from the seventh
to the sixteenth centuries. Consequently the author gives an overview of the
successive periods of history and rulers that Nubia was subjected to, including:
the Ummayad rule (651-750), the Abbasid (750-969), the Beja (VIII-Xth
century), the Fatimides (969-1171), the Ayyubid (1179-1259), the Nubians and
Bahrid Mamluks (1260-1393). The author examines causes in the decline of the
Kingdom of Dongola and also discusses the Kingdom of ‘Alwa. Concluding
the book is a bibliographical list of abbreviations, Arabic and Western sources,
and an index to proper names.

- Drower, Margret. Nubia: A Drowning Land. New York: Atheneum, 1970.


Main Library DT 135 N8 D76 1970
This book was written by Drower just preceding the completion of the
construction of the Aswan High Dam. The author introduces the book by using
a historical chart of Nubia. In Chapter I she outlines prehistoric Nubia, calling
it “The Door to the South”. She then moves on to examine the notion of
‘Nubia’, and discusses the possibility of the unification of Nubia through the
fortification of its frontiers. Drower then provides an overview of the Egyptian
occupation through the period of Ramses II until the period of Nubian kingdoms
under Napata and Meroe. Moving through the period of the Romans, the book
concludes with a look at the introduction of Christianity and Islam into Nubia.
The book includes paintings by Alan Sorrell.

- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-


Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the

44
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

- Fritz Hintze, Ursula Hintze. Civilizations of the Old Sudan: Kerma, Kush,
Christian Nubia. Amsterdam:B.R. Gruner, 1968.
Main Library DT 108 H513 1968
This illustrated volume portrays the monuments of the various Sudanese
cultures. It provides evidences of ancient African cultures, and presents a
cultural bridge between ancient Egypt and Africa south of the Sahara. The
author first examines the prehistory of northern Sudan and Egyptian influence in
Nubia. He deals later with the Kingdom of Kush and the Kushite domination in
Egypt. The author concludes by displaying a brief narrative on the Christian
Kingdoms of Nubia. The book contains about 100 pages of illustrative
photographs and a chronological table of Nubian and Egyptian civilization.

- Keating , Rex. Nubian Rescue. London: Robert Hale and Co., 1975
Main Library DT 135 N8 K39 1975
The book is based on one of the most spectacular and concentrated
archaeological salvage operations of all times. Between 1960 and 1969,
scholars, architects and engineers from all over the world worked to conserve or
excavate ancient monuments, settlements and cemeteries doomed for
destruction by the rising waters of Egypt’s High Dam in Aswan. The author
clearly describes the events that prompted the rescue operation, the various
phases involved, and a succinct description of the findings. Historical aspects of
Nubian culture are also discussed. The book also contains pictures of some of
the major findings.

45
- Mann, Kenny. African Kingdoms of the Past: Egypt, Kush, Aksum. New
Jersey: Dillon Press, 1997.
Main Library DT 83 M317 1997
This book provides a description of three major kingdoms of northeast Africa:
Egypt, Kush (the Nubian kingdom) and Aksum (the Ethiopian kingdom). The
author begins his chronology starting from the eighteenth dynasty in Egypt,
during the reign of queen Hatshepsut, and traces her conquests, expeditions, and
the mysteries that surrounded her reign as a pharaoh. In the Kingdom of Kush,
particular interest is laid on the reign of King Piye, who succeeded in
conquering Upper Egypt as far as Aswan, when Lower Egypt was ruled by
Osorkon III, a Libyan king, it was around 751 BC. It is believed that probably
the Ethiopian king Ezana is the first Christian king of Aksum. For decades,
historians have debated whether Egypt, Kush and Aksum were in fact African
kingdoms. The overall aim of this work is to bring out the facts that demonstrate
the linkages between Nubia and the rest of Africa.

- Mayer -Thurman, Christa C. and Williams, Bruce. Ancient Textiles from


Nubia: Meroitic, X-group, and Christian Fabrics from Ballana and Qustul:
An Exhibition Organized by the Art Institute of Chicago. Chicago: Art
Institute of Chicago, 1979.
Main Library NK 8987.8 M3X 1979
The exhibit represented in this catalog depicts ancient textile fragments from
Nubia, , that were discovered by the archaeological team of the Oriental
Institute who conducted their excavations between 1962 and 1964. Site maps,
drawings, types of materials used, as well as the historical background, are
discussed in detail.

- Nubie; Par Divers Archeologues et Historiens, Le Caire: Cahiers D'Histoire


Egyptienne 1967.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 N8X
This special edition of Cahiers D’histoire Egyptienne is dedicated to the Nubian
people and their rich history. Sixteen prominent archaeologists have contributed
with articles to this book. The subject areas dealt with are: history, archaeology,
architecture and engineering. The book also deals with Christianity and Islam
and their influences on the Nubian people. The book includes an extensive
description of the transportation of the monuments that were threatened to be
eroded by the flooding waters of the High Dam. The articles are written in
English, French and Italian.

46
- Riyāḍ, Muḥammad and ‘Abd al-Rasūl, Kawthar. Riḥlah fī Zamān al-Nūbah:
Dirāsah lil-Nūbah al-Qadīmah wa-Mu’ashshirāt al-Tanmiyah al-
Mustaqbalīyah. Cairo: al-Hay’ah al-Miṣrīyah al-‘Āmmah lil-Kitāb, 1998.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 R59 1998
The authors of this book decided to complete the research on Nubia which their
geography teacher had begun. In the first part of the book they explain their
journey in detail. They describe their trip along the Nile River and include a
road map to Nubia, scale maps, places they have visited, and people they have
met, and finally their return journey to Cairo. In the second part they present a
historical study of old Nubia, explaining its geography, history, people,
economy and social life. It is concluded with a photographic gallery of old
Nubia, entitled “Door to Nubia”, and a list of sources.

- Shinnie , P. L. Ancient Nubia. London: Kegan Paul International, 1996.


Main Library DT 159.6 N83 S55 1996
This book describes the region of Nubia and the Nubian people whose culture
survived centuries of change and periods of foreign rule. The author gives an
account of Nubia under Egyptian occupation, and the establishment of the
independent Sudanese states of Nepata and Meroe. The book concludes with a
description of Christian Nubia, the advent of Islam, and examines the religious
influences and their affect on the Nubian way of life. It also includes numerous
plates and a list of bibliography.

- Taylor, John. Egypt and Nubia. British Museum Press, 1991.


Main Library DT 159.6 N83 T39 1991
In this book the author concentrates on the indigenous inhabitants of Nubia and
their interactions with their Egyptian neighbors. This long-term relationship left
a lasting impression on the culture of both lands, and is illustrated in the book
by many pieces of jewelry, pottery, sculpture and textiles chosen largely from
the collection in the British Museum and the monuments that are remaining in
the Sudan. The selected pieces portray the diversity and vitality of Nubian art,
and highlight the great cultural and political significances of the Kerma and
Meroitic periods. The concluding chapters highlight Christian practices and
beliefs in Nubia, and the effect of Christianity on the socio-cultural
development of Nubia.

47
Nubia -- Kings and rulers
- Posener, Georges. Cinq Figurines d'Envoûtement. Cairo: Institut Français
d'Archéologie Oriental du Caire, 1987.
Main Library PJ 25 B6 Vol. 101
This book gives a detailed description of the ancient Egyptian ‘hieratic’
language based on writings found on figurines and statuettes of Nubian
pharaonic origins. The statuettes have inscriptions on them of the ancient rituals
of ‘Proscription’ (live sacrifice). The figurines represent kings and rulers of
little known areas surrounding ancient Egypt. They also have valuable
information inscribed on them about the inhabitants and the princes who
governed the areas where the figurines were discovered. The author specifically
researched the inscriptions on the alabaster figurines and was able to read most
of them despite their bad condition. He describes the text as being very varied,
and contains a wealth of valuable information.

- Posener, Georges. Princes et Pays d'Asie et de Nubie: Textes Hiératiques sur


des Figurines d'Envoûtement du Moyen Empire Suivis de Remarques
Paléographiques sur les Textes Similaires de Berlin. Bruxelles: Fondation
Egyptologique Rein ´Elisabeth, 1940.
Main Library PJ 1650 P6X 1940
This book gives a detailed description of the ‘hieratic’ writings found on
figurines and statuettes of Nubian, pharaonic, and Turkish origins. The author
believes that the statuettes represented symbolically the practice of live sacrifice
which is called ‘Proscription’, and were the substitutes for the actual live
sacrifice. The statuettes represent the enemies of the pharaoh from the areas
surrounding ancient Egypt, and bear traces of the ritual of “slaying” or afflicting
blows to the head which symbolized the execution of prisoners. The second part
of this book explains the inscriptions that were found on the vases. Apparently
they were used in-lieu of scrolls for archival information about princes and the
countries they ruled in areas around ancient Egypt and Nubia.

48
Nubia -- Social life and customs

- Burstein, Stanley (ed.). Ancient African Civilization: Kush and Axum.


Princeton: Markus Wiener, 1998.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A 53 1998

This book introduces the historical background of Kush


and Axum. The first chapter includes a description of
Kush and its neighbors, and moves on to an exploration
of Nubia and its gold mines
It also describes Meroe, and the history and the customs
of the people of Kush. The second chapter describes the
relations between Rome and Kush and the eventual
Roman withdrawal from Kush in 298 (C.E.). In the
subsequent chapters the author deals extensively with the
decline of Kush and the rise of Axum. The book
concludes with the ‘end of Antiquity’ and the
Christianization of Nubia.

- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-


Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first

49
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

- Nubie; Par Divers Archeologues et Historiens, Le Caire: Cahiers D'Histoire


Egyptienne 1967.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 N8X
This special edition of Cahiers D’histoire Egyptienne is dedicated to the Nubian
people and their rich history. Sixteen prominent archaeologists have contributed
with articles to this book. The subject areas dealt with are: history, archaeology,
architecture and engineering. The book also deals with Christianity and Islam
and their influences on the Nubian people. The book includes an extensive
description of the transportation of the monuments that were threatened to be
eroded by the flooding waters of the High Dam. The articles are written in
English, French and Italian.

- Riyāḍ, Muḥammad and ‘Abd al-Rasūl, Kawthar. Riḥlah fī Zamān al-Nūbah:


Dirāsah lil-Nūbah al-Qadīmah wa-Mu’ashshirāt al-Tanmiyah al-
Mustaqbalīyah. Cairo: al-Hay’ah al-Miṣrīyah al-‘Āmmah lil-Kitāb, 1998.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 R59 1998
The authors of this book decided to complete the research on Nubia which their
geography teacher had begun. In the first part of the book they explain their
journey in detail. They describe their trip along the Nile River and include a
road map to Nubia, scale maps, places they have visited, and people they have
met, and finally their return journey to Cairo. In the second part they present a
historical study of old Nubia, explaining its geography, history, people,
economy and social life. It is concluded with a photographic gallery of old
Nubia, entitled “Door to Nubia”, and a list of sources.

- Ṣāliḥ, Muḥyī al-Dīn . Min A‘laam al-Nuubah fī al-Qarn al-‘Ishriin. Cairo:


al-Nisr al-Dhahabī, 2000.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 S8 2000 Vol. 1
This book is divided into two parts. Part I presents approximately around 45
biographical entries of famous Nubians in the 20th century. “Entries” include
poets, educators, women activists, religious men, social activists, sociologists
and anthropologists. Part II deals with social and economic aspects of Nubia.

50
Nubian languages -- Grammar
- Fahmii, Ibraahiim. al-Nuubah, Arḍ al-‘Iṭr wa-al-Dhahab : Ru’yah min al-
Daakhil. Cairo: Yaafaa lil-Diraasaat wa-al-Nashr,1990.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 F24x 1990
This book essentially criticizes a few newspaper journalists, magazines
reporters and TV program reporters for providing an incorrect account about the
origins of the Nubians. This situation prompted the author to write this book in
order to give a more accurate description of the indigenous people of Nubia
throughout history. The book discusses Nubian weddings, births, deaths, and
other customs and traditions before and after resettlement. He also describes
Nubian houses and their architecture, costumes, occupations and arts. The
author concludes the book with a statement imploring the Egyptian authorities
to preserve the Nubian heritage and language.

- Khalil, Mokhtar. Studien Zum Altnubishen: Nubisch-Agyptische


Beziehungen. Bern: Peter Lang, 1988.
Main Library PL 8575 K54x 1998
The author of this book is emphasizing the relationship between the Egyptians
and the Nubians. The book is based on three subjects that are dealt with in the
subsequent three chapters: The first chapter is the orthography and the phonetic
structure of the old Nubian language. The second chapter is about the
grammatical, structural and dialectal similarity between the Egyptian and the
Nubian languages. The last chapter of the book deals with the common
lexicography.

Nubian languages -- Study and teaching


- Ta’llam al-Lughah al-Nubayah. al-Qahirah : Markaz al-Dirasat al-Nubayah
wa-al-Tawthiq, 1999.
Main Library PL 8571 T22 1999

This book is a tutorial of the Nubian language for beginners. It is intended to


teach Nubian writing, grammar, and poetry.

51
Nubian Languages -- Writing
- Kubbārah, Mukhtār Khalīl . al-Lughah al-Nūbīyah : Kayfa Naktubuha?
Egypt: Markaz al-Dirāsat al-Nūbīyah wa-al-Tawthīq, 1997.
Main Library PL 8572 K82 1997
The book is divided into four parts: Part I, deals with the writing of Nubian
letters, its history and discovery. Part II, deals with Nubian alphabet. Part III,
deals with Nubian language writing and phonetics. Part IV, deals with Nubian
numbers and numerals. The book is concluded with an appendix, in addition to
the author’s biography.

Nubians

- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-


Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River.
The book is divided into two parts. Part I
deals with four main topics: a) the
“anonymous history of Nubia” (Kush lands).
The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to
support his evidences about the origin of the
Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed
history of Nubia during the past ten thousand
years, and describes the Nile as the primary
source for the existence and power of both the
Nubians and Egyptians. Consequently the
author deals with the Nubian civilization, and
mentions that that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient
world, producing immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then
gives an historical account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the
north and settled in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the
Arabization of the lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that
occurred during the past six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an
extraordinary description of Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into

52
four sections. In the first section the author deals with the issue of the flooding
water, the Aswan Basin, and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the
author gives an account of the Nubian social life and customs, including their
marriages and religious rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively
about the Nubian people’s frustrations, and their realization of their migration
from Nubia as a conspiracy against them. In the last section the author
describes the resettlement of the Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were
displaced from their land when Lake Nasser was created. The book is
concluded with a detailed index.

- Fritz Hintze, Ursula Hintze. Civilizations of the Old Sudan: Kerma, Kush,
Christian Nubia. Amsterdam:B.R. Gruner, 1968.
Main Library DT 108 H513 1968
This illustrated volume portrays the monuments of the various Sudanese
cultures. It provides evidences of ancient African cultures, and presents a
cultural bridge between ancient Egypt and Africa south of the Sahara. The
author first examines the prehistory of northern Sudan and Egyptian influence in
Nubia. He deals later with the Kingdom of Kush and the Kushite domination in
Egypt. The author concludes by displaying a brief narrative on the Christian
Kingdoms of Nubia. The book contains about 100 pages of illustrative
photographs and a chronological table of Nubian and Egyptian civilization.

- Ṣāliḥ, Muḥyī al-Dīn . Min A‘laam al-Nuubah fī al-Qarn al-‘Ishriin. Cairo:


al-Nisr al-Dhahabī, 2000.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 S8 2000 Vol. 1
This book is divided into two parts. Part I presents approximately around 45
biographical entries of famous Nubians in the 20th century. “Entries” include
poets, educators, women activists, religious men, social activists, sociologists
and anthropologists. Part II deals with social and economic aspects of Nubia.

53
Nubians – Egypt
- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

- Fahmii, Ibraahiim. al-Nuubah, Arḍ al-‘Iṭr wa-al-Dhahab : Ru’yah min al-


Daakhil. Cairo: Yaafaa lil-Diraasaat wa-al-Nashr,1990.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 F24x 1990
This book essentially criticizes a few newspaper journalists, magazines
reporters and TV program reporters for providing an incorrect account about the
origins of the Nubians. This situation prompted the author to write this book in
order to give a more accurate description of the indigenous people of Nubia
throughout history. The book discusses Nubian weddings, births, deaths, and
other customs and traditions before and after resettlement. He also describes
Nubian houses and their architecture, costumes, occupations and arts. The
author concludes the book with a statement imploring the Egyptian authorities
to preserve the Nubian heritage and language.

- Fernea, Elizabeth Warnock and Fernea, Robert A. Nubian Ethnographies.


Prospect Heights, Illinois: Waveland Press,1995
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 F47 1991
This book is part of a research project conducted by the Nubian Ethnographic
Survey, with the purpose to record the culture and heritage of the 50,000
Egyptian Nubians. The book is divided into two major parts. Part I, is written by

54
Elizabeth Fernea, and it presents her personal account of the experience and the
process of her fieldwork in Nubia, and her personal interactions with Nubian
people and particularly women. Elizabeth Fernea presents herself in the book as
a wife and mother accompanying her anthropologist husband, and not as an
anthropologist herself. Thus, her account is more of personal experience rather
than as an anthropologist. She gives an account of her daily experience,
particularly her encounter with the social and cultural problems of women and
children. She talks extensively about the hazards of childbearing, high infant
mortality rates, limited supplies of food, water and medical care, and the
absence of husbands and fathers who moved to the urban cities of Cairo in
search of better jobs. Part II, is written by Robert Fernea, and it is an
ethnographic research that provides an overview of Nubian society and culture,
emphasizing the results rather than the experience of fieldwork.

- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-


Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the

55
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

- Geiser, Peter. The Egyptian Nubian: A Study in Social Symbiosis. Cairo:


The American University in Cairo, 1986.
Main Library DT 135 N8 G4X 1986
This book is primarily a study of the social conditions of the Nubians. In the
first part of the book. The author deals with the historical perspective of Nubia,
the indigenous inhabitants, and the nineteenth-century Nubia, with special
emphasis on its social and economic conditions. In the second part, he
describes the contemporary Nubian social life, including sex and gender roles,
life expectancy, marriages, education and religion. In the third part, the author
discusses the population movements in Lower Nubia. Finally, Geiser explores
urban Nubian family life in Cairo, placing particular attention on the family’s
aspirations to procure better economic conditions and stable jobs.

- Poeschke , Roman. Nubians in Egypt and Sudan: Constraints and Coping


Strategies. Germany: TUK Kopierservice, 1996.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 P63 1996
This book is based on the author’s research work which was intended to analyze
the consequences of postcolonial, economic and political changes for an
emerging ethnic group of Nubians in Egypt and Sudan. He attempts to shed
light on how the Nubian population in both Egypt and Sudan are affected by the
overall expansion of the ‘system of world economy’ on the one hand, and how
they responded to cope with these external constraints, on the other. The author
discusses Nubia and its population from early history to British rule, including
aspects of political and economic developments in 20th century in Egypt and
Sudan. He also attempts to give appropriate estimates of the contemporary
Nubian population, including intra-ethnic relations, social networks and Nubian
associations. The author points out the perceptions of both the Egyptian and
Sudanese people on the Nubians, and similarly the Nubians’ perceptions of
them. The work is concluded with a case study of a Sudanese Nubian family.

- Ṣāliḥ, Muḥyī al-Dīn . Min A‘laam al-Nuubah fī al-Qarn al-‘Ishriin. Cairo:


al-Nisr al-Dhahabī, 2000.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 S8 2000 Vol. 1
This book is divided into two parts. Part I presents approximately around 45
biographical entries of famous Nubians in the 20th century. “Entries” include
poets, educators, women activists, religious men, social activists, sociologists
and anthropologists. Part II deals with social and economic aspects of Nubia.

56
Nubians -- Egypt -- Cairo -- Case Studies
- Geiser, Peter. Cairo's Nubian families. Cairo: American University in
Cairo, 1980.
Main Library HN 790 C3 G4 1980
Following a brief introduction about Nubians, Dr. Geiser describes the
methodology of his study and its findings. The core of his study deals
specifically with the urban Nubian family. He discusses the household types,
their residences in Cairo, the size of the household and its composition. The
overall theme of his study comprises the integration of Nubian households and
marriage issues.

Nubians -- Egypt – Religion


- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-
Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious

57
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

- Kennedy, John G. (ed.). Nubian Ceremonial Life. Studies in Islamic


Syncretism and Cultural Change. Cairo: American University in Cairo.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 N82 1978
This book comprises several chapters written by different authors on the
subject of Nubia and its ceremonies. John Kennedy, discusses the history of
Nubia and its religious practices. The author of the second chapter describes the
ritual of Salat al –Jum’a in Old Nubia. The following chapters describe some
Islamic rituals like the ‘Dhikr’ (Zikr) and the ‘Sheikh Cult’. The book also
includes stories about supernatural beings called ‘Water Angels’ and ‘Water
Monsters’, believed to be responsible for controlling the Nile. Kennedy touches
as well on the ancient ritual of circumcision and its accompanying ceremonies.
The book concludes with a look at Nubian wedding celebrations, Zar and death
ceremonies.

- Ṣāliḥ, Muḥyī al-Dīn . Min A‘laam al-Nuubah fī al-Qarn al-‘Ishriin. Cairo:


al-Nisr al-Dhahabī, 2000.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 S8 2000 Vol. 1
This book is divided into two parts. Part I presents approximately around 45
biographical entries of famous Nubians in the 20th century. “Entries” include
poets, educators, women activists, religious men, social activists, sociologists
and anthropologists. Part II deals with social and economic aspects of Nubia.

58
Nubians – Sudan
- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-
Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well


written book based largely on the
author’s historical knowledge and
understanding of the Nubian culture and
civilization. He provides an interesting
account written by Egyptian and
Sudanese Nubians describing their
journey along the Nile River. The book
is divided into two parts. Part I deals
with four main topics: a) the
“anonymous history of Nubia” (Kush
lands). The author referred to the Holy
Scriptures to support his evidences about
the origin of the Nubian people. b) He
gives a detailed history of Nubia during
the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the primary source for the
existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians. Consequently the
author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that that Nubians were
the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing immense quantities
of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical account of the Arab
Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled in Nubia, and
provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the lands around
the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past six thousand
years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of Nubia and its
exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first section the author
deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin, and the
resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account of the
Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious rituals.
In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

59
- Fritz Hintze, Ursula Hintze. Civilizations of the Old Sudan: Kerma, Kush,
Christian Nubia. Amsterdam:B.R. Gruner, 1968.
Main Library DT 108 H513 1968
This illustrated volume portrays the monuments of the various Sudanese
cultures. It provides evidences of ancient African cultures, and presents a
cultural bridge between ancient Egypt and Africa south of the Sahara. The
author first examines the prehistory of northern Sudan and Egyptian influence in
Nubia. He deals later with the Kingdom of Kush and the Kushite domination in
Egypt. The author concludes by displaying a brief narrative on the Christian
Kingdoms of Nubia. The book contains about 100 pages of illustrative
photographs and a chronological table of Nubian and Egyptian civilization.

- Poeschke , Roman. Nubians in Egypt and Sudan: Constraints and Coping


Strategies. Germany: TUK Kopierservice, 1996.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 P63 1996
This book is based on the author’s research work which was intended to analyze
the consequences of postcolonial, economic and political changes for an
emerging ethnic group of Nubians in Egypt and Sudan. He attempts to shed
light on how the Nubian population in both Egypt and Sudan are affected by the
overall expansion of the ‘system of world economy’ on the one hand, and how
they responded to cope with these external constraints, on the other. The author
discusses Nubia and its population from early history to British rule, including
aspects of political and economic developments in 20th century in Egypt and
Sudan. He also attempts to give appropriate estimates of the contemporary
Nubian population, including intra-ethnic relations, social networks and Nubian
associations. The author points out the perceptions of both the Egyptian and
Sudanese people on the Nubians, and similarly the Nubians’ perceptions of
them. The work is concluded with a case study of a Sudanese Nubian family.

60
Population -- Nubia – Egypt
- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

Qustul -- (Egypt)
- Emery, Walter B. (Walter Bryan). Nubian Treasure : An Account of the
Discoveries at Ballana and Qustul. London: Methuen, 1948.
Main Library DT 135 N8 E513 1948
This book presents in the first chapter the main reasons for building the Aswan
High Dam. The second chapter describes the Nubians and their land before the
area was submerged under the reservoir that was created by the Dam. A
historical background of the Nubians from ancient times through different
periods of rulers is discussed in the third chapter. The discovery of the ancient
tombs of Qustul and Ballana is a subject of interest in the book. The book also
includes illustrations of ancient treasures.

61
Salvage archaeology – Nubia
- Gohary, Jocelyn. Guide to the Nubian Monuments on Lake Nasser. Cairo:
American University in Cairo, 1998.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 G6 1998
This book is a guide to the Nubian monuments surrounding Lake Nasser. The
author guides us chronologically through Nubia from the past to the present, and
describes the various ancient monuments of Nubia. The author also describes
the monuments that were rescued after the construction of the High Dam.
Temples like New Kalabsha, New Sebua, New Amada, Qasr Ibrim and Abu
Simbel are described in the subsequent chapters. The Nubian Museum in
Aswan was opened in 1997, and it houses many Nubian artifacts and statues.
This guide book concludes with plans of Nubian Temples, a chronology, and a
list of Nubian deities.

- Save-Soderbergh, Torgny (ed.). Temples and Tombs of Ancient Nubia. The


International Rescue Campaign at Abu Simbel, Philae and Other Sites.
Thames and Hudson, UNESCO, 1987.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 T46 1987
The introduction of this book explains the importance of the UNESCO’s
Campaign to rescue the Nubian monuments of Egypt and Sudan. Part I presents
a geographic and cultural overview of Nubia, followed by a discussion of the
Nile Valley, irrigation of the land, and the campaign to save the monuments of
Nubia. Part I addresses the importance of the construction of the High Dam and
the impact of that construction on Nubian heritage. Part II is about the
launching of UNESCO’s International Campaign to save the archaeological
sites of Nubia, and the projects proposed to save the different temples. The
latter part of the book describes the overwhelming task of UNESCO in
excavating the archaeological sites of Nubia and Sudan. The book concludes
with a display of two rescued temples: Abu Simbel and Philae Temples. A list
of illustrations is included.

62
Social Change – Nubia
- Drower, Margret. Nubia: A Drowning Land. New York: Atheneum, 1970.
Main Library DT 135 N8 D76 1970
This book was written by Drower just preceding the completion of the
construction of the Aswan High Dam. The author introduces the book by using
a historical chart of Nubia. In Chapter I she outlines prehistoric Nubia, calling
it “The Door to the South”. She then moves on to examine the notion of
‘Nubia’, and discusses the possibility of the unification of Nubia through the
fortification of its frontiers. Drower then provides an overview of the Egyptian
occupation through the period of Ramses II until the period of Nubian kingdoms
under Napata and Meroe. Moving through the period of the Romans, the book
concludes with a look at the introduction of Christianity and Islam into Nubia.
The book includes paintings by Alan Sorrell.

- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-


Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious

63
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

- Jennings, Anne M. The Nubians of West Aswan: Village Women in the


Midst of Change. London: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 1995.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 J45 1995
This book is a personal eyewitness account about the Nubian people and their
culture. The author begins with a discussion of the history of the Nubians in
general, with particular emphasis on the natives living in west Aswan. Jennings
later examines the social aspects of Nubian life such as gender roles and
sexuality, and expresses her lament for certain enduring social practices such as
clitoridectomy and infibulation. She concludes with a look at cultural changes
and developments that have taken place in west Aswan since the booming of the
tourism industry. The book includes photographs, maps, and a glossary of
Nubian and Arabic words, as well as anthropological terms.

- Ṣāliḥ, Muḥyī al-Dīn . Min A‘laam al-Nuubah fī al-Qarn al-‘Ishriin. Cairo:


al-Nisr al-Dhahabī, 2000.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 S8 2000 Vol. 1
This book is divided into two parts. Part I presents approximately around 45
biographical entries of famous Nubians in the 20th century. “Entries” include
poets, educators, women activists, religious men, social activists, sociologists
and anthropologists. Part II deals with social and economic aspects of Nubia.

64
Social structure -- Egypt – Aswan
- Jennings, Anne M. The Nubians of West Aswan: Village Women in the
Midst of Change. London: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 1995.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 J45 1995
This book is a personal eyewitness account about the Nubian people and their
culture. The author begins with a discussion of the history of the Nubians in
general, with particular emphasis on the natives living in west Aswan. Jennings
later examines the social aspects of Nubian life such as gender roles and
sexuality, and expresses her lament for certain enduring social practices such as
clitoridectomy and infibulation. She concludes with a look at cultural changes
and developments that have taken place in west Aswan since the booming of the
tourism industry. The book includes photographs, maps, and a glossary of
Nubian and Arabic words, as well as anthropological terms.

Sudan -- Antiquities
- Africa in Antiquity: the Arts of Ancient Nubia and the Sudan. New York:
Brooklyn Museum, 1978, Vols. 1 & 2.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 A34 1978
This book comprises two volumes and deals with the exhibition held at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art, from September 30 to December 31, 1978. The
introductory chapter describes the nature of the Nile Valley and Nubia. In the
first chapter the author deals with the geography and population of the Nile
Valley. The second chapter describes the ethnic background of the population.
The author of the third chapter gives us a description of the history of the
archaeological research in Nubia and Sudan. The following chapters of this
volume describe in detail, Nubia during different periods of history until the
advent of Christianity. This volume concludes with some illustrations of
Nubian ceramics and maps. The second volume of this book includes the
catalog. This volume begins with the chronology of Nubia and the northern
Sudan, and also gives a list of kings and queens of the Kingdom of Kush. The
remaining chapters deal with the history of art, architecture, and minor arts of
Nubia and the northern Sudan. The book includes a detailed description of
Nubian art from the prehistoric time to Christian Nubia. The second volume
concludes with a catalog of the exhibited artifacts.

65
- Shinnie , P. L. Ancient Nubia. London: Kegan Paul International, 1996.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 S55 1996
This book describes the region of Nubia and the Nubian people whose culture
survived centuries of change and periods of foreign rule. The author gives an
account of Nubia under Egyptian occupation, and the establishment of the
independent Sudanese states of Nepata and Meroe. The book concludes with a
description of Christian Nubia, the advent of Islam, and examines the religious
influences and their affect on the Nubian way of life. It also includes numerous
plates and a list of bibliography.

- Shinnie, P.L. Debeira West: A Medieval Nubian Town. London:


Warminister, 1978.
Main Library DT 159.6 W 32 S53 1978
This book is written by Shinnie, who was a commissioner for archaeology in the
Government of Sudan. In the introduction he discusses the expedition led by
the University of Ghana to rescue the Nubian monuments in Sudan. Shinnie
describes in Chapter II the architecture of the City of Debeira, its churches and
cemeteries. He also gives a full description of the pottery found there. In
Chapter IV the author lists small objects made out of wood, stone and other
materials that were found in the ruins. The book concludes with some remarks
about the building methods of Debeira and the types of agricultural farming, and
the food they ate at that time.

- Save-Soderbergh, Torgny (ed.). Temples and Tombs of Ancient Nubia. The


International Rescue Campaign at Abu Simbel, Philae and Other Sites.
Thames and Hudson, UNESCO, 1987.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 T46 1987

The introduction of this book explains the importance of the UNESCO’s


Campaign to rescue the Nubian monuments of Egypt and Sudan. Part I presents
a geographic and cultural overview of Nubia, followed by a discussion of the
Nile Valley, irrigation of the land, and the campaign to save the monuments of
Nubia. Part I addresses the importance of the construction of the High Dam and
the impact of that construction on Nubian heritage. Part II is about the
launching of UNESCO’s International Campaign to save the archaeological sites
of Nubia, and the projects proposed to save the different temples. The latter
part of the book describes the overwhelming task of UNESCO in excavating the
archaeological sites of Nubia and Sudan. The book concludes with a display of
two rescued temples: Abu Simbel and Philae Temples. A list of illustrations is
included.

66
Sudan – Civilization

- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-


Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

67
- Fritz Hintze, Ursula Hintze. Civilizations of the Old Sudan: Kerma, Kush,
Christian Nubia. Amsterdam:B.R. Gruner, 1968.
Main Library DT 108 H513 1968
This illustrated volume portrays the monuments of the various Sudanese
cultures. It provides evidences of ancient African cultures, and presents a
cultural bridge between ancient Egypt and Africa south of the Sahara. The
author first examines the prehistory of northern Sudan and Egyptian influence in
Nubia. He deals later with the Kingdom of Kush and the Kushite domination in
Egypt. The author concludes by displaying a brief narrative on the Christian
Kingdoms of Nubia. The book contains about 100 pages of illustrative
photographs and a chronological table of Nubian and Egyptian civilization.

- Fritz Hintze, Ursula Hintze. Civilizations of the Old Sudan: Kerma, Kush,
Christian Nubia. Amsterdam:B.R. Gruner, 1968.
Main Library DT 108 H513 1968
This illustrated volume portrays the monuments of the various Sudanese
cultures. It provides evidences of ancient African cultures, and presents a
cultural bridge between ancient Egypt and Africa south of the Sahara. The
author first examines the prehistory of northern Sudan and Egyptian influence in
Nubia. He deals later with the Kingdom of Kush and the Kushite domination in
Egypt. The author concludes by displaying a brief narrative on the Christian
Kingdoms of Nubia. The book contains about 100 pages of illustrative
photographs and a chronological table of Nubian and Egyptian civilization.

68
Sudan -- Social conditions
- Shinnie, P.L. Debeira West: A Medieval Nubian Town. London:
Warminister, 1978.
Main Library DT 159.6 W 32 S53 1978
This book is written by Shinnie, who was a commissioner for archaeology in the
Government of Sudan. In the introduction he discusses the expedition led by
the University of Ghana to rescue the Nubian monuments in Sudan. Shinnie
describes in Chapter II the architecture of the City of Debeira, its churches and
cemeteries. He also gives a full description of the pottery found there. In
Chapter IV the author lists small objects made out of wood, stone and other
materials that were found in the ruins. The book concludes with some remarks
about the building methods of Debeira and the types of agricultural farming, and
the food they ate at that time.

Sudan -- Social life and customs


- Fariid, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Ahl al-Salām wa-al-Nīl : Qiṣṣat al-Insān-- wa-
Rḥlatuhu Ma‘a Nahr al-Nīl. Egypt: Al-Qwahirah, Rābiṭat Abnā’ al-Dīwān,
1983.
Main Library DT159.6 N83 F28 1983

This is a well researched and well written book based largely on the author’s
historical knowledge and understanding of the Nubian culture and civilization.
He provides an interesting account written by Egyptian and Sudanese Nubians
describing their journey along the Nile River. The book is divided into two
parts. Part I deals with four main topics: a) the “anonymous history of Nubia”
(Kush lands). The author referred to the Holy Scriptures to support his
evidences about the origin of the Nubian people. b) He gives a detailed history
of Nubia during the past ten thousand years, and describes the Nile as the
primary source for the existence and power of both the Nubians and Egyptians.
Consequently the author deals with the Nubian civilization, and mentions that
that Nubians were the industrial powerhouses of the ancient world, producing
immense quantities of gold and iron. c) The author then gives an historical
account of the Arab Muslims who invaded from Egypt in the north and settled
in Nubia, and provides historical evidences proving that the Arabization of the
lands around the Nile Valley was a gradual process that occurred during the past
six thousand years. d) In this section he gives an extraordinary description of
Nubia and its exotic charm. Part II is divided into four sections. In the first
section the author deals with the issue of the flooding water, the Aswan Basin,

69
and the resettlement of the Nubians. Consequently the author gives an account
of the Nubian social life and customs, including their marriages and religious
rituals. In sections two and three he talks extensively about the Nubian people’s
frustrations, and their realization of their migration from Nubia as a conspiracy
against them. In the last section the author describes the resettlement of the
Nubian population in Kom Ombo, who were displaced from their land when
Lake Nasser was created. The book is concluded with a detailed index.

Temples – Egypt
- Maspero, G. (Gaston), 1846-1916. Les Temples Immergés de la Nubie :
Rapports Relatifs à la Consolidation des Temples. Le Caire: Imprimerie de
l'Institut Français d'Archéologie Orientale, 1909.
Main Library DT129 M3 Vol. 1, pt.1.
These reports present studies on the general conditions of the Nubian temples
and the necessary re-enforcement needed for protection against the rising water
of the High Dam. The major part of this study constitutes mainly plates,
photographs and plans of the different temples.

Temples – Nubia
- Save-Soderbergh, Torgny (ed.). Temples and Tombs of Ancient Nubia. The
International Rescue Campaign at Abu Simbel, Philae and Other Sites.
Thames and Hudson, UNESCO, 1987.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 T46 1987

The introduction of this book explains the importance of the UNESCO’s


Campaign to rescue the Nubian monuments of Egypt and Sudan. Part I presents
a geographic and cultural overview of Nubia, followed by a discussion of the
Nile Valley, irrigation of the land, and the campaign to save the monuments of
Nubia. Part I addresses the importance of the construction of the High Dam and
the impact of that construction on Nubian heritage. Part II is about the
launching of UNESCO’s International Campaign to save the archaeological sites
of Nubia, and the projects proposed to save the different temples. The latter
part of the book describes the overwhelming task of UNESCO in excavating the
archaeological sites of Nubia and Sudan. The book concludes with a display of
two rescued temples: Abu Simbel and Philae Temples. A list of illustrations is
included.

70
Textiles fabrics, Ancient – Nubia
- Mayer -Thurman, Christa C. and Williams, Bruce. Ancient Textiles from
Nubia: Meroitic, X-group, and Christian Fabrics from Ballana and Qustul:
An Exhibition Organized by the Art Institute of Chicago. Chicago: Art
Institute of Chicago, 1979.
Main Library NK 8987.8 M3X 1979
The exhibit represented in this catalog depicts ancient textile fragments from
Nubia, , that were discovered by the archaeological team of the Oriental
Institute who conducted their excavations between 1962 and 1964. Site maps,
drawings, types of materials used, as well as the historical background, are
discussed in detail.

Tombs – Nubia

- Emery, Walter B. (Walter Bryan). Nubian


Treasure : An Account of the Discoveries at
Ballana and Qustul. London: Methuen, 1948.
Main Library DT 135 N8 E513 1948
This book presents in the first chapter the main
reasons for building the Aswan High Dam. The
second chapter describes the Nubians and their land
before the area was submerged under the reservoir
that was created by the Dam. A historical
background of the Nubians from ancient times
through different periods of rulers is discussed in
the third chapter. The discovery of the ancient
tombs of Qustul and Ballana is a subject of interest in the book. The book also
includes illustrations of ancient treasures.

- Save-Soderbergh, Torgny (ed.). Temples and Tombs of Ancient Nubia. The


International Rescue Campaign at Abu Simbel, Philae and Other Sites.
Thames and Hudson, UNESCO, 1987.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 T46 1987
The introduction of this book explains the importance of the UNESCO’s
Campaign to rescue the Nubian monuments of Egypt and Sudan. Part I presents
a geographic and cultural overview of Nubia, followed by a discussion of the

71
Nile Valley, irrigation of the land, and the campaign to save the monuments of
Nubia. Part I addresses the importance of the construction of the High Dam and
the impact of that construction on Nubian heritage. Part II is about the
launching of UNESCO’s International Campaign to save the archaeological sites
of Nubia, and the projects proposed to save the different temples. The latter
part of the book describes the overwhelming task of UNESCO in excavating the
archaeological sites of Nubia and Sudan. The book concludes with a display of
two rescued temples: Abu Simbel and Philae Temples. A list of illustrations is
included.

Turkey -- Kings and rulers


- Posener, Georges. Princes et Pays d'Asie et de Nubie: Textes Hiératiques sur
des Figurines d'Envoûtement du Moyen Empire Suivis de Remarques
Paléographiques sur les Textes Similaires de Berlin. Bruxelles: Fondation
Egyptologique Rein ´Elisabeth, 1940.
Main Library PJ 1650 P6X 1940
This book gives a detailed description of the ‘hieratic’ writings found on
figurines and statuettes of Nubian, pharaonic, and Turkish origins. The author
believes that the statuettes represented symbolically the practice of live sacrifice
which is called ‘Proscription’, and were the substitutes for the actual live
sacrifice. The statuettes represent the enemies of the pharaoh from the areas
surrounding ancient Egypt, and bear traces of the ritual of “slaying” or afflicting
blows to the head which symbolized the execution of prisoners. The second part
of this book explains the inscriptions that were found on the vases. Apparently
they were used in-lieu of scrolls for archival information about princes and the
countries they ruled in areas around ancient Egypt and Nubia.

72
Women, Nubian -- Egypt -- Aswan -- Social conditions
- Jennings, Anne M. The Nubians of West Aswan: Village Women in the
Midst of Change. London: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 1995.
Main Library DT 159.6 N83 J45 1995
This book is a personal eyewitness account about the Nubian people and their
culture. The author begins with a discussion of the history of the Nubians in
general, with particular emphasis on the natives living in west Aswan. Jennings
later examines the social aspects of Nubian life such as gender roles and
sexuality, and expresses her lament for certain enduring social practices such as
clitoridectomy and infibulation. She concludes with a look at cultural changes
and developments that have taken place in west Aswan since the booming of the
tourism industry. The book includes photographs, maps, and a glossary of
Nubian and Arabic words, as well as anthropological terms.

- Noblecourt, Christiane D. La Grande Nubiade: Le Parcours d’Une


Egyptologue. Pernoud: Editions Stock, 1992.
Main Library PJ 1064 D47 A3 1992
This book was written by one of the world’s greatest Egyptologists. It discusses
in detail the gigantic project that took place to salvage the great monuments of
ancient Nubia as they were about to be submerged by the rising waters of the
Aswan High Dam. Noblecourt discusses her role in this fight, and of the
international cooperation that finally resulted in the project for salvaging the
monuments. The author discusses her work for forty years as the Director of the
Louvre Museum in France. She also highlights the acquisitions and the various
expositions that she has organized, the most famous being that of
Toutankhamon in 1967, and of Ramses II in 1976.

- Ṣāliḥ, Muḥyī al-Dīn . Min A‘laam al-Nuubah fī al-Qarn al-‘Ishriin. Cairo:


al-Nisr al-Dhahabī, 2000.
DT159.6 N83 S8 2000 Vol. 1
This book is divided into two parts. Part I presents approximately around 45
biographical entries of famous Nubians in the 20th century. “Entries” include
poets, educators, women activists, religious men, social activists, sociologists
and anthropologists. Part II deals with social and economic aspects of Nubia.

73
Citations of Scholarly Articles Accessible Through
The AUC Library’s: Article Indexes and Other Databases

- Armelagos, George J. Take two Beers and Call Me in 1,600 Years. Natural
History Vol. 109, No. 4 (May 2000), pp 50-53
Reports on the discovery of tetracycline from a Nubian bone by Debra Martin, a
professor of anthropology at Hampshire College in Amherst. Significance of
ultraviolet light in tracing tetracycline; Tetracycline demonstration by chemist
James Boothe; Response of bone tissues to physical stresses; Breadmaking and
beer production during ancient times. (Citation and abstract retrieved from
EBSCO database)

- Begley, Sharon; and Chideya, Farai. Of Pygmies and Princes. Newsweek,


Vol. 120, No. 16, (October 19, 1992), p60.

Offers a look at how scholars are putting ancient Nubia back on the map. Nubia
stood at the crossroads of the Bronze Age world; Scholars are rethinking the
conventional views of Nubia; Why Nubia has not been widely discussed;
Revisionism spurred by the Afrocentrism movement; New exhibit, `Ancient
Nubia: Egypt's Rival in Africa'; Opened last week at the University Museum of
Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania. (Citation
and abstract retrieved from EBSCO database)

- Benjamin, Jesse. Of Nubians and Nabateans: Implications of Research on


Neglected Dimensions of Ancient world History. Journal of Asian and
African Studies (Brill) Vol. 36, No.4 (2001), pp. 361-382.
The exploration of relations between the Nubians and the Nabateans opens new
possibilities concerning the historical and historiographic linkages between
ancient East Africa and the ancient Middle East. In large part, such an analysis
speaks to the re-mapping of Ancient World relations and the role of anti-
colonial historiography in the execution of such a task. Anti-colonial
historiography has challenged the presuppositions of the modern political
construction of these regions and their interaction. It has done so by posing
critical questions concerning the re-reading of existing data and, therefore, the
reconstruction of the historical record. The new direction into Nubian/Nabatean
relations initiates a broader cultural analysis of the “Old World” in the
“Classical Era.” (Citation and abstract retrieved from EBSCO database)

74
- Bianchi, Robert S. Cruising Lake Nasser. Archaeology Vol. 50, No. 5
(September/October 1997) pp. 62-66.
Opinion. Recounts the author's journey on Lake Nasser, in the Nile, Egypt,
where he sought Nubian antiquity. History of Nubia; Places flooded by the
creation of Lake Nasser; Efforts made by organizations to save Nubian
monuments; Description of various sites viewed by the author during his
journey. (Citation and abstract retrieved from EBSCO database)
Copley, M.S., et. al. Processing Palm Fuits in the Nile Valley-Biomoleular
Evidence from Qasr Ibrim. Antiquity , Vol. 75, No. 289 (September 2001),
pp.538-42.
Elnadi, Bahgat and Rifaat, Adel. A Text by Andre Malraux. UNESCO
Courier, Vol. 50, No. 9, (September 1997), pp. 4-5.
- Discusses the International Campaign for the Preservation of the Monuments
of Nubia according to artist Andre Malraux. How the people discovered the
language of art; How art represents the craftsmanship of its designers; Some of
the art of Nubia; How the campaign can appeal to the conscience of others.
(Citation and abstract retrieved from EBSCO database)
- Gauch, Sarah. Modern Nubians and Allies Defend an Ancient Land.
Christian Science Monitor Vol. 92, No. 26 ( December 12, 1999), p. 8.
Discusses a resurgence of interest in Nubians and Nubia in the United States
and the efforts of Nubians to protect their culture as of 1999. (Citation and
abstract retrieved from EBSCO database)
- Grzymski, Krzystztof. Nubia. American Visions, Vol. 8, No. 5
(October/November 1993), pp. 20-25.
Focuses on the discovery and exploration of the ancient African kingdom of
Nubia. Geographical location; Biblical description and old names; Nubia as
ancient Egypt's rival and neighbor; Excavated artworks; Rescue archaeology of
the Nubian kingdoms; Nubian collections at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts,
the University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of
Pennsylvania; More. INSETS: Nubia through 6,000 years; Ancient Nubia across
North America (exhibitions). (Citation and abstract retrieved from EBSCO
database)
- Macleod, Scott. Nile's Other Kingdom. Time, Vol. 150, No. 11 (September 15
1997), pp. 102-105.
Reports on the significance of an archaeological discovery of an intricately
carved stones hidden in rubble in Sudan, by an expedition led by archeologist
Timothy Kendall. The stones as forming a tableau; The search for secrets of
ancient Nubia, the world's first black civilization; The discovery of remains as

75
supporting the conviction that Nubians were creators of an ancient and
impressive civilization of their own. (Citation and abstract retrieved from
EBSCO database)
- Mojsov, Bojana. Recent Exhibitions. African Arts, Vol. 27, No. 4
(Winter1994), pp.78-79
Reviews the exhibitions `Ancient Nubia: Egypt's Rival in Africa' at the Newark
Museum in Newark, New Jersey and `The Gold of Meroe' at the Metropolitan
Museum of Art in New York City. Exhibition dates; Culture of ancient Sudan;
Geography of Nubia; Meroitic Period of Nubian history; Jewelry designs.
(Citation and abstract retrieved from EBSCO database)
- Roberts, David. Out of Africa: The Superb Artwork of Ancient Nubia.
Smithsonian, Vol. 24, No. 3 (June 19993), pp. 90-97.
States that the rich heritage and tradition of Nubia is now celebrated in four
great Western museums. The Nubian ideal of female beauty; Reasons why
many people are unfamiliar with Nubia; The impact of prejudice on the lack of
knowledge about this area; Location and description of Nubia; Work of
archaeologist George A. Reisner; More. (Citation and abstract retrieved from
EBSCO database)
- Saleh, M.J. Government Intervention in the coptic Church in Egypt During the
Fatimid Period. Muslim World (Hartford, Conn.) Vol. 91 No. 3/4 (Fall 2001),
pp.381-97
During the Fatimid period in Egypt, the Christian Coptic Church suffered from
government interference on a number of vital church matters such as relations
with daughter churches in Nubia and Abyssinia, appointments to ecclesiastical
offices, and even church doctrine. In many cases, this interference was the result
of parties in an internal church dispute bringing the matter to the attention of the
government. The attitude that fostered this habit had serious effects on the
morale and spiritual state of the Coptic community. Furthermore, appeals by
Christians for Muslim intervention in their internal affairs rarely produced the
results for which the petitioner had hoped. Ultimately, the Coptic Church's
battle to maintain its identity and integrity against this interference involved a
struggle not against the outside forces of a hostile and unjust government but
against itself.
The magazine publisher is the copyright holder of this article and it is
reproduced with permission. Further reproduction of this article in violation of
the copyright is prohibited. To contact the publisher: http://www.hartsem.edu/
- Schuster, Angela M.H. A Walk Through Time. Archaeology, Vol. 52, No. 4
(July/August 1999), pp. 64-66

76
Highlights the Nubia Museum in Aswan, Africa. Significance of the museum to
Nubian civilization; Location and description; Offerings. (Citation and abstract
retrieved from EBSCO database)
Shaw, Ian and Bloxam, Elizabeth. Survey and Excavation at the Gebel el-Asr
Gneiss and Quartz Quarries in Lower Nubia (1997-2000). Antiquity, Vol. 75,
No. 287 (March 2001), pp.33-34.
Provides information on the archaeological survey and excavation at the Gebel
el-Asr Gneiss Quarries in Lower Nubia from 1997-2000. Purpose of the project;
Discoveries. (Citation and abstract retrieved from EBSCO database)
- Shinnie, M. New Light on Medieval Nubia. The Journal of African History
Vol.6, No.3 (1965), pp. 263-273.
The importance of the Christian states of Nubia in medieval times has hitherto
been under-estimated by historians of Africa. There is now sufficient
information to show that they played a significant part in the history of the Nile
valley for some 800 years. Not only did the existence of Christian states impose
a barrier to the expansion of Islam, but the Dongola kingdom at least was at
times an important force in the politics of the area. The recent campaign of
excavations made necessary by the building of the Aswan dam has provided
much new information about the material culture of the period, and shows a
much higher artistic and social development than earlier emphasis on
ecclesiastical monuments had suggested. Nubia is now seen to have had a
highly developed civilization with considerable urban development. Detailed
study of the pottery has made possible more precise dating of buildings and
objects, as well as showing periods of increased and decreased trade with Egypt.
The discovery of important frescoes in the cathedral at Faras makes it possible
to study the artistic development, and also adds new material for a study of the
eastern, particularly Persian, influences already suspected in Nubian art.
Information about domestic life is made available by the excavations at Debeira
West, the first predominantly domestic site to have been excavated, whose
material remains provide new evidence on diet, crafts and agriculture. (Citation
and abstract retrieved from JSTOR database)
- Svitil, Kathy A What the Nubians Ate . Discover, Vol. 15, No. 15 (June
1994), pp. 36-37.
Reports that the dessicated skin and hair of mummies from the Nubian Desert
revealed what ordinary Nubians ate from 350 B.C. to A.D. 350. Salvage by
archaeologists of what they could of the Nubian past; Recovery of tons of
ancient artifacts, including hundreds of Nubian mummies; Accidental
preservation by extreme heat and dry sands; Preservation of a record of what the
Nubians ate in their hair. (Citation and abstract retrieved from EBSCO
database)

77
Prepared By: Laurence Moftah
Head, Reference Services

Annotated By: Nermine Rifaat: Reference Librarian


Adib Sourial: Assistant Reference
Librarian
Achiri: Graduate Student
Malak Yousry: Part-Time Staff

Formating By: Nermine Rifaat

Text Editor: Laurence Moftah

Language Editors: Bjorn Curley: Graduate Student


Helen Chan: Special Projects
Rose Johnston: Instruction /
Reference Librarian

Selection of Images: Laurence Moftah


Nermine Rifaat

Reference Services Department

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