The New Kingdom in Nubia: New results from current excavations on Sai Island

Abstract

Settlement patterns in Nubia (northern Sudan) in the 2nd Millennium BC are currently investigated by diverse archaeological missions. This new fieldwork will potentially contribute to a better understanding of the Egyptian involvement in Nubia during the New Kingdom. At present, little is known about the ar­ chitecture, structure, social stratification and material culture of Pharaonic settlements in Nubia from this period. This paper will discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the Egyptian presence in Upper Nubia during the 18th Dynasty taking Sai Island as a case study. Recent fieldwork in the Pharaonic town of Sai Island, conducted within the framework of the European Research Council Project AcrossBorders, is focusing both on living conditions and on the general layout of the town. The results of work from 2013 to 2014 in the areas SAV1 East and SAV1 West will be summarised.