Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Historical Dictionary of Medieval Christian Nubia (Historical Dictionaries of Ancient Civilizations and Historical Eras)

Medieval Christian Nubia is often a neglected period of medieval African history. Because meaning is determined largely by context this work traces the Greco-Roman, Meroitic and Jewish precursors. The regional, historical and theological schisms within Christianity are also a highlight. The dynamics of the three Nubian kingdoms of Nobatia, Mukurra, and Alwa are the centerpiece of this book that covers mural arts, architecture, and the names of the leading kings and bishops. Another strength of the book is the analysis of the 700-year baqt peace treaty between Christian Nubia and Islamic Egypt; this is considered to be the longest lasting treaty in diplomatic history. The complex transition from Christianity to Islam in the 14th century is analyzed in great personal, political, and military detail. Historical Dictionary of Medieval Christian Nubia contains a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 200 cross-referenced entries on politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture of the medieval Nubians. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Medieval Christian Nubia. Review "It is vital that any book about Nubian history draw on relationships with contemporary Nubians, for this history belongs to them. Hence a central aspect of Richard Lobban's work is to stay in close contact with the 'insiders, ' the Nubians of today, listening to their understanding of their history and culture. For this reason, Dr. Lobban's extensive knowledge of both ancient and medieval Nubia, as shown in this volume, will become a tool of reference not only for outsiders beginning or continuing Nubian studies but also for Nubians and, beyond them, Sudanese who ask themselves 'Where do our people, and indeed myself, come from?' and 'Where are we heading?'"--Marcus Jaeger, Sudan Studies Association book review editor and linguist working in Nubian languages "This new reference book is focused on Medieval Christian Nubia and its historical and religious context. This descends from the former Historical Dictionary of Ancient and Medieval Nubia (2004) that had combined both subjects, but new excavations and research have demanded a still deeper look at the often-neglected Christian civilizations on the Sudanese Nile. This is an extremely ample, comprehensive and deeper book by Lobban that neatly outlines and contextualizes the emergence and development of Christianity in Nubia. This region beyond the first cataract on the Nile contributed fundamentally to the development, continuity and distinctiveness of Mediterranean and African civilization evolving from the pre-Christian Greco-Roman period and evolved in the complex schisms within Christianity. This epoch was terminated by the rise of Islam in Sudan after almost 1,000 years, but actually lasted longer than the present period of Islam" Eugenio Fantusati Professor, International Association of the Study of the Mediterranean and the Orient (ISMEO), Rome About the Author Richard A. Lobban Jr.is a professional Africanist anthropologist and a writer on Sudanese or Nubian history for 50 years. He taught anthropology and African Studies at Rhode Island College where he retired as department Chair and began a second career teaching African and military studies for the US Navy.