Jebel Barkal

The Italian Archaeological Mission in Sudan was founded in 1973 and has since carried out intensive and continuous work in the UNESCO site of Jebel Barkal, the ancient city of Napata. Five decades of excavations and research have brought to light a royal district from the Meroitic period, characterised by the Palace of King Natakamani (1st century CE) and the many buildings of different destinations and architectural style that surround it. Also pertinent to these buildings are numerous artefacts that testify to a material culture rich in originality and Mediterranean influences. This volume is the result of half a century of work, inherited, revised and rethought. There is always much to do, because research, both in the field and in the library, is always ongoing. However, the Mission aims to finally provide a comprehensive and informed overview of the major aspects of the historical, architectural, and material setting of the Meroitic Jebel Barkal.

Emanuele M. Ciampini is Associate Professor of Egyptology at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. He is author of several books and scientific papers on Egyptology and Nubian Studies, and the Director of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Sudan at Jebel Barkal.

Francesca Iannarilli is Research Fellow at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. As Field director of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Sudan, she works on research, education and dissemination related to the site of Jebel Barkal.