The Topography of Power in Medieval Nubia

Abstract

The author synthesizes the intricacies of construction and evolution of the medieval Nubian power centers on the example of Old Dongola, known in the Banganarti inscriptions as Tungul, Pachoras (Faras), Soba East, Qasr Ibrim, Jebel Adda, and Ez-Zuma. All of them affected the local microcosm as a guarantor of the stability and social order in the state and as a source of faith and religious prestige. Their axiality in the religious and political sphere consisted, among other features, also in being a destination of pilgrimages, a home to the cathedral church and ruler’s palace, a seat of a bishopric, terminal to the caravan route, the location of the custom house etc. The potent relics, wonder-working icons and the tombs of the local holy men attracted pilgrims and provided the godly patronage over the city and the state. Last but not least, medieval Nubian power centers were encircled by powerful fortifications which were not a reliable source of safety but were everlasting symbols of might and wealth. A socially stratified cemetery full of extravagant tombs is also a fingerprint of a nearby power center, although the Christian religion brought in a significant standardization of grave forms and grave goods.