Nubian A-Group

Nubian A-Group
This article is about the third millennium BC Nubian culture. For the type of mathematical group, see A-group.

A-Group is the designation for a distinct culture that arose between the First and Second Cataracts of the Nile in Nubia between the Egyptian 1st dynasty and the 3rd millennium BC. The A-Group settled on very poor land with scarce natural resources, yet they became the first Nubians to develop agriculture. This culture was one of the two important "kingdoms" in Lower Nubia. Artefacts from this culture were discovered in 1907 by Egyptologist George A. Reisner.

A-Group royal tombs were found to be two centuries older than those of the Egyptians. It is believed that the Egyptians developed their grave site customs for honouring pharaohs from Central Africa. The A-Group had strong beliefs in the afterlife. A great deal of time was put into their cemeteries and funerals. The dead were placed in burial mounds with their bodies facing the West. Grave goods such as jewellery, pottery, stone bowls, linen cloth, copper tools, and cosmetic palettes were found on or near bodies.

By 3200 BC, the A-group was known for their mediation of the increased trade between Egypt and the distinct South. However, the relationship with Egypt would not last. Archaeologists believe from their records that Egypt raided Lower Nubia towards the end of their existence. They took seven thousand captives and 200,000 cattle.

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