instant they saw large groups of Nubians in the vicinity.
The watchers were provided shelters, and several men
remained on duty at all times. They were required to send
detailed reports on the day’s activities to the BUHENcom-
mander and to the commander of the fort at SEMNA. A
similar sentry operation was undertaken at Gebel Sheikh
Suleiman, also beside Buhen.
Buhen fortress itself was fashioned out of the rocky
point on which it was located and was surrounded by
temples and administrative offices, a pattern used for
most forts in Nubia. It was constructed of large sun-dried
bricks, laced with granite gravel for support. A wall with
external buttresses followed the contours of the ledge and
then swept downward to the river. This main wall was
protected by other walls and by a ditch carved out of rock
and sloped with smooth sides to protect against enemy
footholds. The fortress also held a garrison and storage
area. Towns sometimes grew inside these garrisons.
Such fortresses were built southward into Nubia
when the Egyptians expanded both their territories and
their interests in the region’s natural resources. The garri-
son outposts as erected by the ancient Egyptians included
walls and towers and were positioned in strategic loca-
tions so that southern forts could signal the ones to the
north in times of emergency. It is estimated that these
fortresses each contained from 200 to 300 men and their
families. Most of these troops were veteran units with
conscripts.
Another important Middle Kingdom fort was at
Semna, designated as the Middle Kingdom southern bor-
der. SENWOSRET I(r. 1971–1926 B.C.E.) started the garri-
son at Semna, and it was completed by SENWOSRET III(r.
1878–1841 B.C.E.). A fortress at Kumma was constructed
in the normal rectangular pattern. Just below that
another fortress was at URONARTI, triangular in shape. At
Shalfak, on the western bank opposite the town of Sarras,
another garrison was erected, and at MIRGISSAa fort built
in the style of Buhen was put up to command a strategic
position.
At Dabnati a fortress dominated an island, complete
with towers and ramparts. Another garrison was located
at the second cataract, opposite the island of Mayanarti.
Buhen was at Wadi Halfa, and two more compounds were
erected between that site and ANIBA, where a vast garrison
was manned year round. At Kubban, Ikkur, and BIGA
there were fortresses that guarded the last approach to the
interior of Egypt.
The following fortresses are among the documented
outposts active during the Middle Kingdom and later
periods.
Between the Elephantine and the second cataract
Ikkur Amada
Sabaqura Qasr Ibrim
Kuban Armanna
Korosko
Between the second cataract and Semna
Buhen Sarras
Mayanarti Uronarti
Dorgaynarti Semna el-Sharq
Matuka Semna el-Gharb
Dabnarti (Tabai) Semna el-Ganuub
Kumma“Forty Day Route” A trail used by the Egyptian trade
caravans from the earliest periods, the route went from
the KHARGA OASISto the south, using Selima as a destina-
tion, or left from Kharga and arrived in the DAKHLAOasis.
Such caravans brought vital minerals and luxury items,
such as furs, ivory, and gems, into Egypt. When the New
Kingdom ended in 1070 B.C.E., the caravans were
exposed to dangers on the way. The Ptolemaic Period
(304–30 B.C.E.) reopened the “Forty Day Route.”Forty-Two Judges Divine beings who greeted
deceased Egyptians in the JUDGMENTHALLS OF OSIRIS.
There the dead were called upon to give an account of
their lives upon earth and to receive judgments of their
worthiness to take part in eternal bliss. Each of the judges
sat in council with the god OSIRISto evaluate the mortals
in their presence. The Forty-Two Judges were awesome
creatures, some bearing titles indicating their ferocity and
purpose, such as “Long of Stride,” “Eater of Shades,”
“Stinking Face,” “Crusher of Bones,” “Eater of Entrails,”
and “Double Lion.” Some of the judges assumed other
roles in the mortuary mythology, such as Hraf-hef, “HE-
WHO-LOOKS-BEHIND-HIMSELF.” This creature was the
ancient, cranky ferryman who had to be placated by the
deceased in order for him to row them to the sites of eter-
nal bliss across the spiritual Nile.Foundation Deposits Collections of significant spiri-
tual symbols that were buried during the construction of
a monument or royal TOMB, these objects were placed
into the ground on a corner of a site or in another area
deemed appropriate as the base blocks were installed.
The tools bearing the names of the era’s rulers were often
included in the deposits.Fraser Tombs The modern designation given to the
tombs found at Achoris in the central valley of the Nile
that date to the Fifth Dynasty (2465–2323 B.C.E.). The
name refers to the individual who discovered these sites.“Friend of the King” This rank was popular in
the Old Kingdom (2575–2134 B.C.E.) and conferred
throughout all historical periods. An honorary position,
the title was used to distinguish officials who had access
to the ruler as a counselor or attendant. Courtiers could
also be styled as “Well-Beloved Friends” or “Nearest“Friend of the King” 1 41