Revised version of the author's dissertation--Claremont Graduate University, 2008.

The Silko inscription written in Greek and dated to the fifth century CE represents the genre of triumphant inscriptions, a genre that articulates the tradition of sovereign religion and kingship ideology that was so fundamentally important in classical Nile Valley history. The inscription's proclamation "God gave me the victory" suggests that the Nubian King Silko appropriated Christianity as one of the key elements of Noubadian monarchial religion and thereby sanctioned it as a part of the Noubadian state. Nubian sovereign religion in the fifth century was an amalgamation of Classical Sudanese traditions, Meroitic imperial culture, Christian traditions indigenous to Coptic Egypt, and Roman military piety.

"... pre-Constantinian Christian intellect apparently found a richer thought environment in Africa than elsewhere. It discovered itself in the intellectual centers of Africa before Europe had produced such centers. Eventually it offered its rich wisdom to the cultures of the northern side of the Mediterranean ..." - Dr. Thomas C. Oden. This book surveys the rational, organized, thriving, Scripturally informed and Holy Spirit-inspired roots of indigenous Christianity in Africa from 33 A.D. through 537 A.D. The intent is to supplement existing Church history resources.

Long fascinated with historical exploration, Ondaatje set out in 1996 to retrace explorer Richard Francis Burton's 1856 expedition to discover the source of the Nile River. Here he writes about his trek across the Serengeti Plains. 161 color photos. 20 maps.

Medieval Christian Nubia is often a neglected period of medieval African history. Because meaning is determined largely by context this work traces the Greco-Roman, Meroitic and Jewish precursors. The regional, historical and theological schisms within Christianity are also a highlight. The dynamics of the three Nubian kingdoms of Nobatia, Mukurra, and Alwa are the centerpiece of this book that covers mural arts, architecture, and the names of the leading kings and bishops. Another strength of the book is the analysis of the 700-year baqt peace treaty between Christian Nubia and Islamic Egypt; this is considered to be the longest lasting treaty in diplomatic history. The complex transition from Christianity to Islam in the 14th century is analyzed in great personal, political, and military detail. Historical Dictionary of Medieval Christian Nubia contains a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 200 cross-referenced entries on politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture of the medieval Nubians. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Medieval Christian Nubia.

Spirit Transformed tells the amazing story of a majestic cedar's journey from the forest to totem, as well as Vickers' own conquering of personal difficulties and the marvelous way he has combined modern technology with the art of carving.