MAKURIA

Religion is pivotal in the timeline of Makuria. Although beginning around 350 CE, the civilization’s start is typically considered after its transition to Christianity around 600 CE [i]. Similarly, the Makurians’ peak is believed to be the eighth and ninth centuries, marked by the era’s large number of uncovered religious artifacts [ii]. Moreover, archeologists uncovered evidence of agricultural prosperity during this period, boosting Makuria’s economy and preventing famine that was common in agricultural regions among the Nile [iii]. While prosperous during the peak, the Egyptian part of Makuria was invaded by the Ayyubid Dynasty [iv], an Islamic civilization, in 1171 CE, and the Northern Region was quick to fall next [v].

Makuria’s proximity to ancient Egyptian civilizations provided their greatest allies and most dangerous enemies. During the height of the Makurian civilization, the Fatimids [vi] ruled the southern region of Egypt and established a strong trade network with the Makurians [vii]; evidenced by the variety of cross-cultural artifacts found in each region. The Makurians received wheat, wine, and linens and provided ivory, cattle, ostrich feathers, and enslaved people to their neighbors [viii]. This neighborly relationship ended when the Fatimids lost control of Egypt to the Ayyubid Dynasty. The value of artifacts originating from Makuria led to an Ayyubid invasion and ultimately, the downfall of Makuria [ix].

The Makurian Empire is relatively unexplored, and there is much that is still undiscovered about the Kingdom, but the artistic contributions of Makuira are large. The Nubian Kingdom is still revered for their pottery [x] which, at the peak of the civilization, was incredibly similar to Roman pottery. The ornate designs led to cultural artifacts that are still admired today. Moreover, the lasting paintings [xi] from the region, which were discovered in churches and private homes, depicted both Byzantine [xii] influence and scenes from Christianity, giving insight into the origins of the region as well as the importance of Religion to the Makurian people.

In ancient Makuria, government and religion were incredibly intertwined. In fact, Makuria is thought to have been a monarchy, ruled by kings who were also considered heads of religious initiatives. These kings were priests and performed mass [xiii] alongside their other governmental duties. Performing religious duties and serving as a religious leader is thought to be among the most important of the king’s responsibilities in the civilization. While the line of succession between rulers is unclear, it is thought that initially ruling power was given from father to son, but then later transitioned to the Kurdish favored method of Uncle to Nephew [xiv].

The Makuria Empire is thought to have evolved from the Nobatia Empire, which combined with a large number of relatively nomadic, rural farming communities [xv]. The common economic interests of the region’s residents led to innovations including the use of the water wheel. This then led to advanced irrigation tactics [xvi] and a thriving agricultural community that greatly benefited the Makuria Empire and bolstered the civilization’s economy. This bustling agriculture hub was essential to the prosperity of Makuria regionally, as it led to strong trading relationships with the civilization’s neighbors and ultimately the long-standing peace between regional neighbors before Makuria’s eventual ultimate downfall.

One of the greatest accomplishments of the Makurian people is their architecture. Six major cathedrals have been uncovered by architects and are still well preserved, along with hundreds of churches [xvii] that have been discovered by archeologists. The preserved cathedrals still draw tourists and are revered for the quality of architecture and engineering feats. One of the preserved cathedrals is known for its large granite columns that reached 17 feet high [xviii]. The inside of these elaborate churches also hold some of the best paintings [xix] from the era, giving insight into the artistic contributions of Makuria to surrounding civilizations and modern MENA art.

Makuria was initially formed as an agricultural community, thus the economy was heavily rooted in farming and ranching [xx] practices. The Makuria civilization’s advanced irrigation system led to incredible trading relationships with surrounding neighbors, but became a double-edged-sword as it ultimately also integrated the success of Makuria’s economy with that of their neighbors [xxi]. When their allied Fatimids fell to the Ayyubid Dynasty, Makuria struggled with maintaining their wealth, and depleted resources created the conditions necessary for the intrusion of the Ayyubid peoples. Moreover, the religious alliance that the Makurian people had with the Byzantine further weakened them and contributed to their downfall [xxiii].