Buhen

Buhen

A view of the fortress from the north.
Shown within Sudan
Location	Northern, Sudan
Region	Old Kingdom
Coordinates	21°55′N 31°17′E / 21.917°N 31.283°E / 21.917; 31.283Coordinates: 21°55′N 31°17′E / 21.917°N 31.283°E / 21.917; 31.283
Type	Settlement

Buhen was an ancient Egyptian settlement situated on the West bank of the Nile below (to the North of) the Second Cataract in what is now Northern State, Sudan. On the East bank, across the river, was located an ancient settlement of Wadi Halfa.

In the Old Kingdom (about 2686–2181 BC) it was the site of a small trading post in Nubia that was also used for copper working. The settlement may have been established during the reign of Sneferu (4th dynasty). Nevertheless, there is evidence of still earlier, 2nd dynasty, occupation at Buhen.

An archaeological investigation in 1962 revealed what was described as an ancient copper 'factory'.

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.

Buhen is known for its large fortress, probably constructed during the rule of Senusret III in around 1860 BC (12th dynasty).

Senusret III conducted four campaigns into Kush and established a line of forts within signalling distance of one another; Buhen was the northernmost of these. The other forts along the banks were Mirgissa, Shalfak, Uronarti, Askut, Dabenarti, Semna, and Kumma. The Kushites captured Buhen during the 13th dynasty, and held it until Ahmose I recaptured it at the beginning of the 18th dynasty. It was stormed and recaptured by indigenous forces at the end of Egypt's 20th dynasty.