Introduction:
Makuria was one of the most prominent Christian kingdoms of medieval Africa, based in Nubia, in what is now northern Sudan and southern Egypt. Its capital, Dongola, sat along the Nile and became a center of religion, trade, and culture. The kingdom emerged in the 5th century AD, following the collapse of Kush, and formally converted to Christianity in the mid-6th century to close ties with the neighboring Eastern Roman Empire. Makuria rose in power around the 5th century and absorbed its Nubian rivals of Nobatia, expanding its territory northward. In 652 AD It became the first state to successfully resist the early muslim expansion after repelling an invasion by the Muslim Rashidun Caliphate. The end of the conflict came with the Baqt Treaty which was an agreement that ensured mutual peace, regulated trade, and allowed Christian missionaries to remain active in Egypt for centuries.
The Kingdom of Makuria at its maximum territorial extent around 960
Military:
Makuria maintained a well-organized and effective military composed of professional soldiers supported by local levies. The kingdomâs army was known for its archers, who were especially feared by Arab forces for their precision and skill. According to Arab sources, Makurian archers were capable of blinding enemies with their arrows, which shows their reputation and effectiveness in battle.
The makurians established a network of fortresses along the Nile, which played a vital role in defending the kingdomâs northern frontier and controlling key trade and travel routes. These fortifications, often built on strategic high ground overlooking the river, served as military outposts, customs stations, and early warning points against invasion.
A Nubian archer on a Portuguese manuscript from the 16th century
Economy:
The economy of Makuria was primarily based on agriculture, trade, and the control of the Nile, which was the lifeblood of the kingdom. They imported goods such as luxury items, metals, and textiles from Egypt and the Mediterranean, while exporting ivory, gold, slaves, and animal products to regions further south, including Mali and other parts of West Africa.
Culture:
Makuria was a unique blend of Nubian traditions and Byzantine influences, shaped by its position at the crossroads of Africa and the Mediterranean world. As a Christian kingdom, its cultural identity was deeply intertwined with Christianity, which played a central role in art, architecture, and daily life.
They built churches and monasteries and made elaborated frescoes and mosaics that depicted biblical stories and saints. Bible verses or prayers from Christian texts would also be carefully written or stamped onto small pieces of material, which individuals would carry or wear as talismans.
The Throne Hall of Dongola
New Civilization: The Makurians
Foot archer and defensive civilization.
Bonuses:
- Can build River Fortress (maximun of 1/2/3 starting at Feudal Age).
- Foot Archers gain 10% movement speed.
- Farms can be reseeded for free the first time, with an additional reseed for each mill technology researched.
- Defensive buildings and town centers gain extra armor when units are garrisoned inside.
Unique Units:
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River Fortress: Fortified tower that heals all friendly units within a radius. Increases healing when the River Fortress is near gold mines, stone mines, or water.
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Nubian Archer: High hp foot archer that applies a debuff. When a Nubian Archer hits an enemy unit, that unitâs attack speed is reduced by x% for a period of time.
Unique Techs:
Fortress of the Nile: River Fortresses and castles gain extra attack and recover hp over time after not being attacked for x seconds.
Baqt: Trade units generate stone in addition to gold.
Team Bonus:
Monks regain their faith 25% faster.
