The primary archaeological survey of Nubia, conducted between 1907 and 1910, reveals that Nubia has possessed an advanced culture since the Predynastic period.
Nubians are an ethno-linguistic group of people who are indigenous to the region which is now present-day Northern Sudan and southern Egypt. They originate from the early Sub-Saharan African inhabitants of the central Nile valley. This area is believed to be one of the earliest cradles of civilization.
In modern times, Egyptians of Nubian descent primarily live in southern Egypt, especially in the Luxor and Aswan area. They can also be found in northern Sudan, particularly in the region between the city of Wadi Halfa on the Egypt–Sudan border and al Dabbah. Additionally, several groups known as the Hill Nubians live in the northern Nuba Mountains in South Kordofan state, in Sudan. The main Nubian groups from north to south are the Kenzi, Faadicha, Sukkot, Mahas, and Danagla.
Nubian culture, prior to 3200 B.C., was exactly the same as that of Egypt.
After the sixth century A.D., Nubia was Christianized and remained Christian until the fourteenth century A.D., when the Nubian king converted to Islam. The Nubian church was a branch of the Coptic Monophysite church centered in Cairo.
Nubians have developed a common identity, which has been celebrated in poetry, novels, music and storytelling.
Nubians in modern Sudan include the Danagla around Dongola Reach, the Mahas from the Third Cataract to Wadi Halfa, and the Sikurta around Aswan. These Nubians write using their own script. They also practice scarification: Mahas men and women have three scars on each cheek, while the Danaqla wear these scars on their temples. Younger generations appear to be abandoning this custom.
Nubia's ancient cultural development was influenced by its geography. It is sometimes divided into Upper Nubia and Lower Nubia. Upper Nubia was where the ancient Kingdom of Napata was located. Lower Nubia has been called "the corridor to Africa", where there was contact and cultural exchange between Nubians, Egyptians, Greeks, Assyrians, Romans, and Arabs. Lower Nubia was also where the Kingdom of Meroe flourished.
The languages spoken by modern Nubians are based on ancient Sudanic dialects.
Kerma, Nepata and Meroe were Nubia's largest population centres. The rich agricultural lands of Nubia supported these cities.
Nubian kings were considered pious scholars and patrons of the arts, copying ancient Egyptian texts and even restoring some Egyptian cultural practices. After this, Egypt's influence declined greatly. Meroe became the centre of power for Nubia and cultural links with sub-Saharan Africa gained greater influence.
Egyptian and Nubian deities alike were worshipped in Nubia for 2,500 years, even while Nubia was under the control of the New Kingdom of Egypt.
Cross-cousin marriage is the preferred marriage type among Nubians. Intermarriage among the various Nubian groups was and is still rare. Only women are bound by endogamous marriage rules. A dowry is exchanged as a sign of public declaration of marriage. The dowry then becomes the possession of the bride, and it may not be returned even if the marriage is not consummated.
Modern Nubian architecture in Sudan typically features a large courtyard surrounded by a high wall. Brightly colored stucco is often decorated with symbols connected with the family inside, or popular motifs such as geometric patterns, palm trees, or the evil eye that wards away bad luck.
Taharqa, Pharaoh of the Twenty-fifth dynasty. Amanitore, queen of the Kingdom of Kush centered on Meroë.
Mo Ibrahim, Sudanese-British mobile communications entrepreneur and billionaire. Former president of Sudan, Gaafar Nimeiry. Egyptian footballers, Shikabala and Ali Ghazal.
