Faras

Faras, also known as Pachoras, was a significant archaeological site located in Lower Nubia, straddling the modern borders of Egypt and Sudan. This ancient city, which now lies submerged under Lake Nasser, was a crucial hub during various historical periods, including the Neolithic, Meroitic, and Christian eras. Initially, it served as a center for Egyptian administration and a site of cultural influence. During the Christian period, Faras gained prominence as the capital of the basiliskos Silko of Nobadia, with its most notable feature being a Christian cathedral, founded in 620 CE by Bishop Aetios. The cathedral, known for its remarkable wall paintings, was reconstructed twice, once in the 8th century by Paulos and again in the 10th century by Petros I. These paintings, executed in tempera on dry plaster, are among the best examples of Christian Nubian art. The city's decline began in the Late Post-Classical Period, with its administrative center relocating to Qasr Ibrim.