Nubia. An ancient land of rulers, warriors, miners, technology, pottery, and culture that still exists today. Nubia was known by the ancient Kemetic (now Egypt) term Ta-Seti, meaning 'Land of the Bow.' Texts dating as early as 2400 B.C. prove ancient Egyptians employed Nubian archers to strengthen their armies. Nubian archers also served as warriors in Persia's imperial army and beat back the Roman Empire's attempt to conquer the entirety of Nubia. In 641 A.D. when Arabians gained control of Egypt, Islamic historians noted in texts of the 8th Century that Nubian archers maintained such accuracy with the bow that Arabian invaders were forced to flee the Christian Nubian Kingdom of Makouria. With the ability to shoot their enemies through the eyes while on horseback, Nubians became known as "eyesmiters."

For more information see: https://oi.uchicago.edu/museum-exhibits/nubia/nubian-archers and https://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-met/curatorial-departments/egyptian-art/temple-of-dendur-50/nubia

Photocredit: UNESCO