Nubian Kings: Who Were Ancient Egypt's Black Pharaohs? | Mystery Of The African Pharaohs | Odyssey

David Adams embarks on a journey up the Nile River to explore the ancient African civilization of Nubia, which ruled Egypt for over a century during the 25th Dynasty. He sails on a traditional Nubian faluca, a boat unchanged for thousands of years, and experiences the harsh desert conditions that contrast with the fertile Nile banks. Adams discusses the Nubian Dynasty's legacy, including their construction of temples and pyramids, and the cultural heritage of the modern Nubians living in colorful mud villages.

The script describes interactions with Sudanese villagers whose ancestors lived under the rule of the black pharaohs and were expected to worship the god Amun-Ra. The villagers are now Islamic and warmly welcome strangers. The narrator participates in a local school's lesson about Australia and marvels at the ancient Egyptian temple built by Amenhotep III, an ancestor of Tutankhamun. The temple, built 4,000 years ago, stands as a testament to the civilization that inspired the black pharaohs. The narrator also encounters a natural barrier, the Third Cataract, which marked the border between ancient Egypt and the Nubian province of Cush.

The traveler continues his journey on the Nile, heading towards Dongola, and reflects on the historical events that have shaped the region, including the invasions led by the black pharaohs and the military campaigns of Lord Kitchener against the dervish army in the late 19th century. The script mentions the failed attempt to travel by steam ferry due to low river levels and the discovery of a riverboat graveyard, symbolizing the decline of British imperial power in the region.

The journey is fraught with challenges, including a desert storm that hampers visibility and comfort. Despite the harsh conditions, the traveler presses on towards Dongola, where he learns about the local culture and the therapeutic properties of the desert sand. He experiences a traditional Sudanese treatment involving being buried in the sand, which is said to alleviate rheumatism. The traveler then faces a two-day wait for a bus to Karima, reflecting on the sparse transportation options in Sudan.

After a long and arduous bus journey atop the vehicle, the traveler arrives in Karima, a town that was once an imperial city controlling Sudan and Egypt. The traveler explores the significance of Jebel Barkal, a sacred mountain where the black pharaohs drew their royal power and launched their conquest of Egypt. The traveler also experiences local Sudanese hospitality at a wedding and learns about the traditional marriage contract and dowry.

The traveler attempts to navigate the Sudanese railway system to reach the ancient pyramids of Meroe. He reflects on the legacy of the British Empire's railway system and the challenges of boarding and disembarking from moving trains. The script describes the harsh desert environment beyond the Nile's reach and the traveler's encounter with a long-term traveler heading in the opposite direction.

The traveler reaches the pyramids of Meroe, which are lesser-known than their Egyptian counterparts but are more numerous. These pyramids, built by the black pharaohs, have not been properly excavated and have been damaged by tomb raiders. The traveler learns about the history of the pyramids and the vandalism by an Italian treasure hunter in the 19th century.

The traveler enjoys a leisurely ride on a Sudanese Nile ferry, reminiscent of Lord Kitchener's approach to Kartoum over a century ago. He also witnesses a wrestling contest featuring the legendary Nuba wrestlers, whose fighting spirit was once harnessed by the Mahdi in his quest to create a North African Islamic empire. The traveler reflects on the Sudanese people's desire for self-determination and control over their destiny.

The script concludes with the story of the Battle of Omdurman, where the British forces led by Kitchener defeated the dervish army. The traveler reflects on the significance of the Nile River as the lifeblood of the region and the Sudanese people's ongoing struggle for self-determination. The traveler also recalls the words of Winston Churchill, who fought in the battle, about the Nile's importance to the land and its people.