Swiss archaeological excavations at Kerma: The origins of the first Nubian kingdom

By Matthieu Honegger, Professor at the University of Neuchâtel

For more than thirty years, archaeological research at Kerma, on the banks of the Nile in southern Egypt, has provided a better understanding of the history of this region and its societies. Excavations have brought to light the development of a powerful kingdom, organized around two major sites: a vast capital of over 20 hectares and its royal necropolis.

The first major center of power in southern Egypt, the Kingdom of Kerma prospered for almost a millennium. Controlling the trade routes of the Nile Valley, it established itself as a key player and a genuine rival to the Egyptian Empire.

Apéro-Archéo, a convivial get-together to explore an ancient theme. Archaeologists share their passion at the Roman Museum in Nyon, during a lecture followed by a discussion over a drink and an aperitif.