Qasr Ibrim

Pre-history and ancient era Human habitation at the site dates from the Late Period of ancient Egypt, but it reached its greatest prominence in the Middle Ages, when the area was the home of the Eparch of Nobatia. Qasr Ibrim is the source of the largest collection of Old Nubian documents ever found, including the records of the Eparch. The site was occupied until 1813, when the last occupants were driven out by artillery fire. Today the island is closed to all but archaeologists. Egypt's influence in Nubia began around 2,000 BC, when Egyptian invaded and claimed sovereignty over the area. The site was partly rebuilt "under the prefecture of Gaius Petronius during Augustus' reign." Qasr Ibrim played a key role in Rome's defense of the Aswan region, and was likely held until AD 100 or later. The fortress, constructed by Roman military engineers, was the strongest in the Nile Valley at this time. using part of the cathedral as a mosque. Two churches remain on the site. The Taharqa Church was most likely built between 542 and 580, which would make it one of Nubia's earliest churches. Like many of the earliest churches in Nubia, it would have been constructed within the walls of the already present temples. ==Archaeology==

The site was first excavated by David Randall-MacIver and C. Leonard Woolley for the Eckley B. Coxe Expedition for the University of Pennsylvania in 1911. In 1963, excavations were started by the Egyptian Exploration Society and have continued periodically to the present day. Cemeteries found east and west of the main settlement were excavated in 1932 and 1961. Various samples of sorghum dating from between 800 BC to AD 1800 have also been found at Qasr Ibrim. There are four forms of sorghum that are found on the site. From when the site was settled until around AD 100 only wild sorghum can be found. From AD 100 until around 1500 an early form of cultivated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, ssp. bicolor, race Bicolor) is found. Around 1200 an advanced form of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, ssp. bicolor, race Durra) appears. Between the 5th and 7th centuries a transitional race is also present. There are believed to be three phases of agricultural history, the Napatan occupation, the Roman occupation, and the Meroitic periods. Listed below are the main crops that have been identified in each phase: Napatan (mid 8th - mid 7th century BC): • emmer wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) • hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) • broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) • flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Roman (25 BC - mid 1st century AD): • emmer wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) • hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) • broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) • flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) • cotton (Gossypium sp.) Meroitic (AD 100–300): • sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) • hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) • durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. turgidum) • bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) The site has also revealed many archaeozoological remains, though they have not been as heavily studied as the botanical remains. Evidence of a heavily sheep and goat based economy has been found, along with large numbers of juvenile cattle. These cattle remains suggest a meat- and milk-based economy. The cattle could also have been used for religious ceremonies at the Meroitic Temple. The ritually-deposited remains of a domesticated chicken were also found below a house floor, and date to the post-Meroitic period (late 5th to early 6th centuries AD). Artifacts , found at Qasr Ibrim, Egypt. 1st century BC – 1st century AD. British Museum, room 65. Qasr Ibrim is known not only for its organic remains but also for the textiles that have also been found at the site. During the Roman occupation of the site, sandals, textiles, and leather fragments were left behind. Earlier documents were written on papyrus, though parchment was the preferred material for religious texts. Paper was not common writing material in Nubia until the twelfth century. A variety of texts were found, including personal letters and religious documents. These documents show the significance of Qasr Ibrim as a frontier society, and the center of a vast trade network. ==See also==