A Bioarchaeological Perspective on Egyptian Colonialism in Nubia during the new Kingdom

Michele R. Buzon - University of Alberta

Abstract: Nubians and Egyptians have a long, complex history of interaction. During the New Kingdom period, Egypt succeeded in occupying most of Nubia. This period in Nubia is not well known archaeologically; scholars disagree about how Egyptian colonial power was administered. Recent excavations and analyses of burials from the site of Tombos in Nubia (modern-day Sudan) have provided important new information regarding Nubian contact with the Egyptian empire during this time. Using a bioarchaeological approach, I will address sociopolitical questions regarding New Kingdom Egyptian colonial activities in Nubia and examine how people were affected by this contact through the investigation of health and disease.