The Nubian Pharaohs: Black Kings on the Nile

by Charles Bonnet, Dominique Valbelle, Jean Leclant (Foreword)

In 2003, a Swiss archaeological team working in northern Sudan uncovered one of the most remarkable Egyptological finds in recent years. At the site known as Kerma, near the third cataract of the Nile, archaeologist Charles Bonnet and his team discovered a ditch within a temple from the ancient city of Pnoubs, which contained seven monumental black granite statues. Magnificently sculpted, and in an excellent state of preservation, they portrayed five pharaonic rulers, including Taharqa and Tanutamun, the last two pharaohs of the "Nubian" Dynasty, when Egypt was ruled by kings from the lands of modern-day Sudan. For over half a century, the Nubian pharaohs governed a combined kingdom of Egypt and Nubia, with an empire stretching from the Delta to the upper reaches of the Nile. The seven statues, with their exquisite workmanship, transform our understanding of the art of this period. In particular, the colossal statue of Taharqa--almost certainly done by an Egyptian sculptor--is a masterpiece of stone artwork. Beautifully illustrated with 190 color photographs, The Nubian Pharaohs illuminates the epic history of this little-known historical era. Combining the latest archaeological research with stunning photography, Charles Bonnet and Dominique Valbelle narrate the incredible story of their discovery--one that will change our understanding of Egypt and Africa in the ancient world.

Genres: Egypt, History, Nonfiction, Ancient History, Africa, Egyptology

216 pages, Hardcover

First published February 22, 2007

Reviews

[Connor]

Nubia is one of the most overlooked aspects of late Bronze Age history and archeology; its civilisation produced a lasting impact on the politics of the post-bronze age period and the Nubian pyramids are regraded as some of the greatest monuments of the ancient world. Yet, in any history of Egypt they are quickly glossed over and regarded as just another primitive Egyptian enemy/ally. Part of this is due to the 19th century racist view towards sub-saharan civilisations as not being capable of producing anything worthy of regard, part of it is due to the lack of records for these ancient people. This book is regarded as one of the best books on the Kushite empire, as it later became known as.

[Sincerae Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had hoped this coffee table book would contain more history about the Nubian/Kushite pharaohs, but it was mostly dry reading about a Swiss archaeological finds in Sudan.

The photos were nice.

There was a little history about three or four Nubian pharaohs, the most famous of which is Pharaoh Taharqa, who is mentioned in the Bible.

This book is not terrible, but the title is a little misleading, so don't expect much history about the Nubian pharaohs who ruled Egypt almost a century.

[Megan Easley-Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

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