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The Raymond and Beverly Sackler Gallery
Ancient Nubia, the Nile Valley upstream of the First Cataract, now straddles the border between Egypt and Sudan. Rich and vibrant cultures developed in this region at the same time as Pharaonic Egypt. Among them was the earliest sub-Saharan urban culture in Africa, which was based at Kerma.
Red sandstone relief from the pyramid chapel of Queen Shanakdakhete 2nd century BC More information
Red sandstone relief from the pyramid chapel of Queen Shanakdakhete 2nd century BC
Kerma ware pottery beaker about 1750-1550 BC More information
Kerma ware pottery beaker about 1750-1550 BC
Cross of Timotheos late 14th century AD More information
Cross of Timotheos late 14th century AD
Sphinx of Taharqo about 680 BC More information
Sphinx of Taharqo about 680 BC
These cultures traded extensively with Egypt and for two brief periods Nubian kingdoms dominated their northern neighbour.
The objects on display in Room 65 illustrate these indigenous pagan, Christian and Islamic cultures and the interaction between Nubia and Egypt.
See this gallery on the floor plan
Aegis of Isis
Italian-made Book of the Dead scarf, £30.00
Explore the cultures of the world in UK museums on the World Timelines website.
