The Meroitic Heartland

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the heartland of the Kushite kingdom focusing on the Meroitic period between the 3rd century bce and the mid-4th century ce. An introduction defines the region’s natural borders and illustrates the environmental setting of the Meroitic heartland on the so-called Island of Meroe. In order to draw a general picture, the most important findings from archaeology, including settlements, architecture, and funeral rites, are related to the few known historical events of this period.