Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2019
Abstract
In this paper we report on the remains of a hafir (artificial water reservoir) found in the western part of the Butana Desert near the ancient site of Naqa that can be dated before or to the early Post-Meroitic period at the latest (ca. AD 200-550).
Although its constructional elements make it similar to the well-known gigantic hafirs at the central Meroitic sites, its small dimensions and absence of any indicators of central function allow envisaging its construction by local agro-pastoralists beyond direct control of the Meroitic central power. This new find necessitates in-depth research into origin and dispersion of this ancient form of water management still in use in today's Sudan.