Buhen

Buhen, alternatively known as Βοὥν (Bohón) in Ancient Greek, stands as a significant ancient Egyptian settlement on the western bank of the Nile, just below the Second Cataract in present-day Northern State, Sudan. Its origins trace back to the Old Kingdom period (about 2686–2181BCE), where it served as an Egyptian colonial town, particularly recognized for copper smelting. In 1962, archaeological discoveries brought to light an ancient copper manufacturing facility encircled by an imposing stone barrier, indicating its origin during the rule of Sneferu in the 4th Dynasty. Inscriptions and graffiti disclosed a continuous Egyptian presence spanning two centuries, only to be interrupted by migration from the southern regions in the 5th Dynasty.

In the Old Kingdom (about 2686–2181 BCE), there was an Egyptian colonial town at Buhen, which was also used for copper working. An archaeological investigation in 1962 revealed what was described as an ancient copper factory. This was surrounded by a massive though crude stone wall, and further evidence points to the colony having been supplied from the north. The settlement may have been established during the reign of Sneferu, of the 4th Dynasty. Nevertheless, there is evidence of earlier 2nd Dynasty occupation at Buhen.

Graffiti and other inscribed items from the site show that the Egyptians stayed about 200 years, until late in the 5th Dynasty, when they were probably forced out by immigration from the south.

In the Middle Kingdom (2055-1650 BCE), the fortress at Buhen was established. The physical geography of Buhen worked to the benefit of the fortress. The large rock wall provided a strong preliminary base for the construction of the fortress. During the Middle Kingdom, the majority of people occupying Buhen were Egyptians who were directed south from Lower Egypt, and cycled through.

Following the Middle Kingdom came the Second-Intermediate Period. With the Second Intermediate Period came the Funerary Stele of Sebek-dedu and Sebek-em-heb. The excavation of the stele produced a new understanding of the annexation of Nubia at the site of Buhen. The stele iterates that the Egyptians who had gained control over Buhen had been dependent on Nubian kings in achieving this.

The Buhen horse holds significant archaeological importance, particularly noted in the works of Professor Emery in 1959 and 1960. Currently housed at the Khartoum Museum and on loan to the Department of Egyptology at University College London, the horse's skeleton originates from excavations conducted at the Buhen fortress by the Egypt Exploration Society, under Emery's direction in 1958 and 1959.

During the initial sacking of the fortress circa 1675 BC, the horse, potentially confined between two bastions of the main fortress wall, met its demise, falling onto a brick pavement. Subsequent layers of rubble and the later reconstruction efforts of the New Kingdom encased the horse's remains within the fortress walls, offering a clear chronological context for its discovery.

Identifying the species of the animal posed an initial challenge. Since true horses were not native to Ancient Egypt, while both wild and domestic asses were common, and Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi) was likely available, confirming its identity was crucial. Notably, Grevy's zebra, the largest and northernmost distributed among zebra species, could feasibly be mistaken for a horse. However, the structure of the Buhen horse's skeleton aligns with those introduced into various regions during the same era, such as India, Iran, northern Mesopotamia, Syria, Egypt, and Greece.