Faras was an important town near Abu Simbel in southern Egypt/northern Kush (modern-day Sudan). It was a center of trade and administrative offices which was founded between 2040-1750 BCE. In the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BCE) a temple to Hathor of Ibschek was built and it has been suggested that Ibschek was the ancient name of the town. A temple to the Pharaoh Tutankhamun was located there (c. 1333-1323) which measured 81 by 182 feet (24 by 55 metres) and sported a hypostyle hall and elaborate portico. Owing to its location, the town was also claimed by the Nubians of Kush. With the rise of the Kingdom of Meroe, and the expulsion of Egyptian influence from Kush, Faras gained greater prominence as a centre of trade and commerce and, after the advent of Christianity, became the capital city of the Christian Nubian bishops. It was also the capital of the Nubian Kingdom of Nobatia (350-590 CE) which rose to greatness after the fall of Meroe to the Christian Axumites in 350 CE.
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Definition
Timeline
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2040 BCE - 1750 BCEThe town of Faras is founded.
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1550 BCE - 1070 BCEThe temple to Hathor of Ibschek built and dedicated.
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1333 BCE - 1323 BCEThe temple to Tutankhamun built and dedicated.
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350 BCE - 300 BCEPalace complex built during this time of Faras' prominence.
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c. 150 CE - c. 250 CEChristian churches built in Faras, including the ornate Cathedral and the rock church.
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c. 697 CEThe Kingdom of Dongola absorbs or unifies with the two neighbouring Christian kingdoms of Faras (Nobatia) and Alodia.
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c. 707 CEThe first version of Faras Cathedral is built.
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c. 1000 CEThe second version of the Faras Cathedral is built.
