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Fortified Sites at the Mouth of Wadis. Case Study of Abu Sideir and Abu Mereikh in the Fifth Cataract Region

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Drzewiecki M., Stępnik T.

Études et Travaux (Institut des Cultures Méditerranéennes et Orientales de l’Académie Polonaise des Sciences)

2014

issue 27

95–119

In the introduction, the question of how deeply the fortifications are connected to the surrounding external context and how far analysis of this feature can provide answers on the fortifications themselves is raised. Our deliberations are based on the analysis of the fortifications at Abu Sideir (AS), Abu Mereikh (AM) B and C in the Fifth Nile Cataract region. Initially, it seems as though these sites share many characteristics: they are located in the same region, not too distant from each other. The location of the fortifications in both cases is on the bank of the Nile, not far from large wadi valleys, and many traces of settlement and examples of rock art have been recorded in the vicinity. In both cases the mouth of the wadi at the Nile River appears to be an important factor, holding deeper significance and symbolism for consecutive groups of people who either settled here or passed through. These were obviously areas of increased economic, cultural and military activity and this is where these similarities end, since upon closer analysis more significant differences were revealed. Themes presented in rock art differ considerably. Sites connected to nomad’s temporal settlements were recorded only in AS. Size and diversity in cemeteries also differentiates those areas. AS and AM are located roughly 13 miles apart on opposite banks of the river. Consideration should be given as to whether all the social groups in this region interpreted this distance in the same way. Settled farmers and fishermen who had boats may have had a different concept of this distance compared to the herders, for whom a river crossing together with the herd would mean a need of search for a ford or narrow point and the risk of losing animals. So whereas contact between nomads and people from the settlements may have been frequent, contact between the nomads from the Eastern desert and those from the Bayuda desert could have been rare. This may well be the cause of some of the differences registered.

Fieldwork in 2015/2016 in the Southern Dongola Reach and the Third Cataract Region

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Żurawski B., Cedro A., Drzewiecki M., Łopaciuk R.

Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean

2017

vol. 26(1)

269-288

The settlement remains surrounding the churches at the sites of Banganarti and Selib continued to be excavated in the 2015/2016 season by a team directed by Bogdan Żurawski. The research focused primarily on the living quarters around the churches and fortifications. An ethnographic survey carried out in Banganarti and Selib, and in the nearby villages documented traditional crafts, such as pottery making, basketry, baking and cooking using traditional techniques and recipes. Conservation and construction work were undertaken simultaneously with preparations for turning the Banganarti and Selib 1 sites into tourist attractions. Skeletal remains from earlier excavation were examined by a physical anthropologist. A survey combined with aerial documentation was carried out on selected archaeological sites in the Southern Dongola Reach (Soniyat, Diffar, Hettani, Bani Israil) and in the Third Cataract Region (Kissenfarki, Fagirinfenti). Short excavations were also conducted in the temple at Soniyat.

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1 Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean

1 Études et Travaux (Institut des Cultures Méditerranéennes et Orientales de l’Académie Polonaise des Sciences)

2 Drzewiecki M.

1 Cedro A.

1 Stępnik T.

1 Łopaciuk R.

1 Żurawski B.

1 2018

1 2014

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Fortified Sites at the Mouth of Wadis. Case Study of Abu Sideir and Abu Mereikh in the Fifth Cataract Region

Fieldwork in 2015/2016 in the Southern Dongola Reach and the Third Cataract Region