Located in ancient Egypt or modern day Sudan, the civilization of Nobatia (or Nobadia) was conceived from the Kushite Kingdom alongside its neighbors to the south, Makuria and Alodia. Established around 400 C.E. Nobatia was one of the first kingdoms to convert to Christianity during this time. Nobatia was eventually absorbed by the Makuria Kingdom in the 7th century. It is likely that early Nobatia is the same civilization as the Ballana culture, however few details are known about this kingdom today, and much of our knowledge is based on archaeological excavation of town sites and tombs in the region. Thank you to Julia Smith for this powerful article.