Summary
Highlights
Sudan boasts a rich and extensive history, often overshadowed by Egypt. However, it contains numerous pyramids and unexcavated burial chambers belonging to dozens of kings and queens, providing an incredible opportunity for archaeological exploration. The unique challenge here is excavating tombs submerged underwater.
Archaeologist Pearce Paul Creasman and his team are investigating the 2,000-year-old burial site of Nubian King Nastasen. Kristin Romey, an underwater archaeologist, spearheads the delicate task of excavating the waterlogged burial chamber. The excavation involves sifting through mud from buckets brought up from the tomb, searching for artifacts before they dry and disintegrate.
Just five minutes into the excavation, the team discovers gold foil, a paper-thin material that once covered royal objects. Shortly after, a shabti figurine, carved in the king's likeness to assist him in the afterlife, is found. These early finds confirm they are on the right track.
The Kingdom of Kush, ruling much of the Nubian desert for over 4000 years, buried its royalty near Napata, its capital, at sites like Nuri. Nuri holds over 80 burials of royal figures, making it a crucial archaeological site. The presence of water in these tombs, which troubled earlier excavators like George Reisner in 1913, likely deterred looters, leaving many chambers untouched.
Evidence suggests Nastasen's tomb remained largely untouched, with gold artifacts still present at eye level. Archaeologists hope to find Nastasen's remains, as discovering an intact royal burial is exceedingly rare, often revealing much about the ancient world, similar to the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. Nastasen's historical context, marked by significant political upheaval, further amplifies the potential insights from his burial.
The history of Kush is deeply interwoven with Egypt's. Despite Egyptian accounts often portraying Kush as subservient, archaeological evidence provides a more nuanced picture. Kush was a powerful empire that controlled trade routes, supplied Egypt with valuable resources, and eventually conquered Egypt for nearly a century, ruling more territory than any other Egyptian pharaoh.
The second season of excavation finds Nastasen's tomb with significantly higher water levels, making conditions more challenging and dangerous. Pumping out the water poses a risk of collapse, so divers must work in near-zero visibility. The team prioritizes safety, with divers relying solely on touch and mental mapping to navigate the submerged chambers.
The team continues to unearth significant artifacts, including more gold-leafed pieces and shabtis. They also find charcoal, possibly from burnt offerings, and darkened bone fragments, suggesting human remains. Crucially, pieces of leather consistent with ancient burial practices, like wrapping bodies in hide mats, add to the growing evidence that King Nastasen's body may still be within the tomb.
Pearce Paul meticulously maps the tomb, using the locations of finds to reconstruct the layout and potential resting place of Nastasen. A large, intentionally flat stone slab in the middle of the third chamber, where burials typically occur, suggests Nastasen could be beneath it, protected by rockfalls that likely deterred ancient looters. The abundance of discoveries means the excavation will extend beyond the current season.
After Nastasen's reign, the center of Kushite power shifted from Napata, marking a new era for the kingdom. Although its influence never again reached the height of its rule over Egypt, the legacy of Kush and its historical importance continue to resonate in modern Sudan. Archaeology continues to reveal the intricate history of these civilizations, reminding us that past decisions have lasting consequences.