De-Constructing Nubia: A Critical Look at Cultural Divisions in the Nubian Nile Valley

Abstract This introductory paper sets the broader context for the contributions to this special issue of Old World , which constitutes an outcome of the (De)Constructing Nubia online workshop that critically reviewed current understandings of the so-called Middle Nubian cultures (i.e. the C-Group, Pan-Grave and Kerma cultures). The paper begins with an historiographical overview of the current state of the art before highlighting recent work that has taken steps to break free from the constraints of the old culture-historical paradigms that have persisted for over a century. The intention is not to solve the problem of the Middle Nubian cultural divisions, but rather to encourage more nuanced ways of approaching the archaeological record that may eventually lead to new methods of analysis and interpretation that highlight the cultural diversity and complexity of the ancient Nile Valley.