The Question of Nubian Origins: Ancient Egypt and Its Neighbors

The ancient Egyptians, also known as the people of Kemet, often referred to their southern neighbors as their ancestral homelands. The term 'Nubian' became a broad reference by the Roman period, but it was not a recognized civilization or regional name among pre-Greek and Roman Kemetians. This article explores the cultural, historical, and archaeological evidence of the relationship between Ancient Nubia and Upper Kemet.

Understanding the Term 'Nubian': Historical Context

The term ‘Nubian’ as used by Roman Egyptians was a general reference that did not exist among pre-Greco-Roman Kemetians. In Kemetic texts, one would find a range of terms like Ta-Sety, Ta-PDt, NHSw, MDj, Medjay, Wewat, and Irtet, but not 'Nubian'. 'Nubian' as an ethnic term was not common, whereas 'Nwb/Nwbt/Nwbyt Nubian' were recognized as municipal names in various regions of Kemet.

For example, the first nome of Upper Kemet, Ta-Sety, has a city named Nwbyt Kom Ombo in its original name. Ta-Sety itself was considered both an Ancient Egyptian region and a Kashta Nubian region at different times. This complexity in terminology and regional identity underscores the historical and cultural intermingling between the two regions.

Archaeological Evidence and Cultural Migrations

Archaeological evidence, such as the Qustul culture, provides insights into the early origins of civilization in the region. Qustul, located deep in Nubia, has been reported to contain deities and crowns that would later be found in Kemet. Around 3800 BCE, this site also contained the famous red and black pottery, indicative of a sophisticated and distinct cultural practice.

The artifacts from A-Group Nubia, including the Qustul items, pre-date the start of Kemet's dynastic period and demonstrate cultural continuities between Nubia and Kemet. The red crown on the red-black pottery, dated to 3500 BCE, is a significant finding. Its presence in Upper Kemet on Nubian pottery suggests a shared cultural heritage rather than a northern-specific origin.

Historical Expeditions and Traditions

The works of authors like EA Wallis Budge and Diodorus Siculus highlight the historical significance of Nubia in the formation of the Ancient Egyptian civilization. Diodorus Siculus referred to Kemet as a colony of the "Ethiopians" or 'Nubians', which provides insight into how the Romans characterized the region. However, within Kemetic civilization, people and their origins were always 'Nubian', characterized by a shared culture, religion, and common ancestry.

Expeditions documented by Kemetian sources, such as Harkouf’s writings, and the Famine Stele all point to early contact and cultural exchanges with inner Africa. These sources reveal the movement of people, knowledge, and cultural practices from the south to the north, aligning with the flow of the Nile River.

Predynastic Tombs and Cultural Continuity

The distribution of tombs in predynastic periods, such as those in Abydos versus Saqqara during the Old Kingdom, also support the idea of a south-to-north cultural movement. If Kemet had been non-African or northern in origin, the predynastic tombs in Abydos would have mirrored those in Saqqara. However, the presence of Group-A Nubian tombs in Qustul, older than the ones in Abydos, with depictions of the Egyptian white crown, is a strong indicator of a shared cultural heritage.

The many expeditions of rmTw Ancient Egyptians, documented in the writings of figures like Harkouf, emphasize the historical and cultural connections between Nubia and Kemet. These expeditions often referenced their deities and people's ancestral homelands, indicating a deep cultural and religious connection.

Conclusion

The relationship between Ancient Nubia and Upper Kemet was characterized by a complex interplay of cultural, historical, and archaeological evidence. The term 'Nubian' as a broad reference by the Romans masks the rich and detailed interactions between these regions. The shared cultural and historical roots of Nubia and Kemet provide a nuanced understanding of the development of both civilizations.