ABSTRACT
The introduction of Christianity in the second half of the sixth century marks the beginning of a new era in the history of the Sudan. Before this, the 'Sudanese' had worshipped Egyptian gods, stones, stars, animals, and trees. The Christian faith was adopted by the ruling class and nobility, who in the main adhered to the monophysite doctrine, and to a lesser extent by the rest of the population, who remained 'mainly animistic', Some Beja
on the Egyptian border and others living in the Red Sea ports also embraced Christianity, but it never took root to the same extent as it had done in the Nile Valley. There, it was adopted to such an extent that it became the state religion, and a symbol of Nubian 'nationality'. The new faith was closely identified with local ruling institutions, especially that of the kingly office. The monarch remained a focal point in religious and political matters, and the survival of the whole political fabric depended on him. Like the rest of his subjects, the king looked to the Patriarch of Alexandria for religious guidance and for a supply of bishops. As long as this bond was maintained, the Christian faith in Nubia was in no danger.
