Urbanism in Ancient Kush: Archaeological Investigation of Settlement at Jebel Barkal, Northern Sudan

FAIN: RFW-291963-23

Regents of the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1015)
Geoff Emberling (Project Director: September 2022 to present)

Archaeological investigations of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jebel Barkal in northern Sudan, one of the most important urban centers of the ancient kingdom of Kush. (24 months)

The project proposed here would investigate the diversity of identity and activities across Jebel Barkal (northern Sudan), one of the major urban centers of ancient Kush (ca. 800 BCE – 300 CE) and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over two field seasons, it would excavate six 20 x 20 m horizontal exposures, commensurate with the size of the site. It would contribute significantly to archaeology in the Nile Valley, where urban centers have rarely been investigated by techniques of comparative archaeology, and would also engage Sudanese colleagues as team members in discussions about and training in these methods. It would also be an important part of broader efforts to engage with the community around the site.