Naqada I

Quick Facts: Who was Naqada I?

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Naqada I

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The first Pre-dynastic archaeological culture of prehistoric Upper Egypt.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Naqada I culture, originally called the Amratian culture, was the first Pre-dynastic archaeological culture of prehistoric Egypt, centering on Upper Egypt. Depending on the sources, it lasted approximately from 3,750 to 3,500 BC, from c. 4,000/3,900 to c. 3,600 BC, or from 4,000 to 3,500 BC. It corresponds to the original Flinders Petrie "Sequence Dates" SD 31–37. All Naqada I sites are located in Upper Egypt, ranging from Matmar in the north, to Kubaniya and Khor Bahan in the south. The Amratian/ Naqada I culture is broadly similar to the previous Badarian culture, and may to some extent be considered as a later variation, characterized with more diversity in the types of graves, and therefore the appearance of a level of social hierarchy.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The Amratian culture is named after the archaeological site of el-Amrah, located around 120 km (75 mi) south of Badari in Upper Egypt. El-Amrah was the first site where this culture group was found without being mingled with the later Gerzeh culture (Naqada II). However, this period is better attested at the Naqada site, thus it also is referred to as the Naqada I culture. Naqada I sites are only known from the area of Upper Egypt, with sites ranging from Badari in the north to a few sites in Aswan in Lower Nubia. The Naqada I period corresponds to the maximum development of black-topped red ware, as well as wares with painted white motifs on a polished red background.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Naqada I pottery mainly used one type of clay: a grey clay from the alluvium of the Nile, which is rich in ferrous oxide and becomes red to brown upon firing in an oxidizing environment. Naqada I had four types of potteries, which were categorized chronologically by Petrie from SD ("Sequence Date") 30 to 37: Black Top ware (type "B", all Naqada I): Polished red body with black top Polished Red ware (type "P", all Naqada I): red polished pottery White cross-lined ware (type "C", Naqada IC): Polished red body with white painting Fancy Forms ware (type "F", Naqada IC): Pottery with fancy shapes or animal-shaped Red-bodied black-topped pottery, already found in the Badarian culture was continuously produced. The red color of the body was a natural result of firing Nilotic clay rich in ferrous oxide, but the black top was obtained by exposing the top portion of the vessels to dense black soot. Although mostly characteristic of Naqada I, this type continued to be produced throughout the whole Naqada period. White cross-lined pottery (C-ware) were a type of painted pottery essentially specific to Naqada I. Compared to the total number of ceramics produced, only very few of them were painted.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Naqada I

True or False: “Did the Naqada I period see the widespread use of adobe buildings, as seen in later Gerzeh culture sites?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While innovations like adobe building began to appear during this time, they did not reach the nearly widespread use characteristic of the subsequent Gerzeh culture.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Naqada II — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Second Pre-dynastic Egyptian archaeological stage known for advanced pottery and trade.
• Naqada III — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The final, formative phase of Egyptian prehistory leading to the unified state.
• Narai — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The great king of Ayutthaya, known for extensive foreign diplomacy and French influence.
• Narasingha Deva I — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Eastern Ganga Emperor who defended Kalinga against Islamic expansion.
• Narayan Gopal — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering Nepali singer and composer, revered as the 'Emperor of Voice' in Nepali music.
• Narendra Modi — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Indian statesman and BJP leader, serving as Prime Minister of India since 2014.

Frequently Asked Questions about Naqada I