The cattle factor. Faunal evidence for the study of social and economic processes in the medieval Middle Nile Valley. Sudan

The model of animal husbandry is an enduring cultural element. It undergoes transformations only as a result of the pressure of serious factors: ecological, demographic or, less frequently, religious ones. By conducting comparative analyses of faunal data from the largest ancient and Medieval civilisation centres of NE Africa, mainly from the Middle Nile, we identify the effects of such factors − the time, scope and strength of their impact on local communities. For the first time, we compare animal breeding models by communities from two Medieval, neighbouring Nubian kingdoms: Makuria and Alwa (AD 500–1200). Research shows that Makuria was dynamic, changeable and open to the adaptation of new species: pig, camel, chicken and horse. In the Southern state community of Alwa practiced a conservative, largely cattle-raising model typical of the ancient Kush civilisation (300 BCE- AD 300). Long-horned, indigenous cattle were imported to Makuria from the central Sahel, as evidenced by osteometric and isotopic data. Only local taurine shorthorn cattle were bred at Alwa, unchanged for two millennia, continuing the tradition of ancient Kush. We found that the pattern of farming and meat consumption can be an element of identity among communities living in analogous environmental, political and religious contexts.