The spring 2002 season (Jan-March ) worked in a number of areas
within the region. Beginning on the islands of Simit, Musul and Nab, where
no previous archaeological work had been carried out, a
further 45 + new sites
were located. These include at least one a major medieval fortified
site, many post-medieval Diffis, at least one medieval church, medieval
settlements and cemeteries, as well as small numbers of prehistoric sites
(including Palaeolithic material) and rock drawings.
Cemetery with Qubba tombs (SMT002) on Simit island
Additional work was carried out on the west bank
of the river, with re-survey of areas north of Hannek, as well as further
recording of several of the more important sites. Another 50+ sites were
confirmed in this area, following up information collected during work on
placenames in the area during 2001. Further work was also carried
out on the postmedieval elements of the large multi-period settlement at
Nauri, which was probably one of the larger settlements in the region during
the 16th-19th centuries. Much new information was found relating to postmedieval
occupation in the area and possible indications of an Ottoman presence
in the region were also found - a presence not attested in the historical
records, and far south of their frontier garrison on Sai island.
A further interesting discovery was some typical 'X-Group' post-Meroitic pottery on Simit. This is the furthest south that such pottery has been found - typical of post-Meroitic Lower Nubia, but very different than that found in the Dongola Reach. As has been found elsewhere in the region, such pottery is likely to date to very late in the post-Meroitic period. Currently we would tend to interpret this as part of a process of recolonization taking place during the 6th century - there being very little indication of settlement in the region in the previous centuries after the end of the Meroitic period..
A further interesting discovery was some typical 'X-Group' post-Meroitic pottery on Simit. This is the furthest south that such pottery has been found - typical of post-Meroitic Lower Nubia, but very different than that found in the Dongola Reach. As has been found elsewhere in the region, such pottery is likely to date to very late in the post-Meroitic period. Currently we would tend to interpret this as part of a process of recolonization taking place during the 6th century - there being very little indication of settlement in the region in the previous centuries after the end of the Meroitic period..