Dimensions
214 x 285 x 23mm
The catalogue of the first exhibition ever dedicated exclusively to Méroé, the legendary capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kush (the land of the black pharaohs of the XXV dynasty) and famous for its necropolis of pyramids. This enigmatic and majestic civilisation flourished between 270 BC and 350 AD. A cultural heir of Egypt and its pharaohs, Méroé's empire developed in what is now Sudan, on the shores of the Nile. It was well connected to the commercial networks of the Eastern Mediterranean sea. Its religious pantheon, its political and cultural system, the writing, the cities and its art remind us of the richness of this African civilisation. Over 200 objects are illustrated in the catalogue: sculptures, ceramics, jewels, reliefs, etc. The texts are written by scholars and supply the most updated knowledge - enhanced by recent archaeological excavations carried out by the Louvre - on this fascinating Kingdom. Contents: Introduction The discovery of Méroé: from ancient authors to archaeogists History and identity of an African Empire The Meroitic civilisation: prestigious objects and material culture The writing and language of Méroé Méroé's royalty The gods of Méroé City, temples, palaces Necropolis, tombs and the afterlife The end of Méroé Text in French. AUTHOR: Michel Baud is curator of the Nubia-Sudan section, Egyptian antiquities department at the Musée du Louvre. SELLING POINTS: -Catalogue of the exhibition at the Musée du Louvre, Paris from the 26th March 2010 - 6th September 2010 -Many of the objects come from Sudan and are therefore rarely seen ILLUSTRATIONS 370 colour 14 b/w illustrations
