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Sudan

Semna (Nubia)

Middle Kingdom Egyptian fortresses in Nubia

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Semna, located in Lower Nubia, is a significant archaeological site featuring Middle Kingdom fortifications established during the 12th Dynasty. The site includes three main fortresses: Semna West, Semna East (Kumma), and Semna South, strategically positioned near the Semna Cataract for control over Nile trade routes. Excavations revealed defensive structures, including fortified walls and gates, as well as temples and housing from the New Kingdom period. Extensive cemeteries at the site demonstrate prolonged use, with burials from the Meroitic, X-Group, and Christian periods, highlighting Semna's extended historical significance. The site's findings, particularly the seals revealing its Egyptian name, underscore Egypt's role as a dominant force in Nubia, facilitating cultural exchanges across millennia.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Semna (Nubia)

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Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Defensive Structures

FortressesDefensive WallsDitches

Miscellaneous Features

Caches

Burial and Funerary Structures

CemeteriesGraves

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesChurches

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Sudan
Source
Wikipedia