Silko Explained

Silko
King of Nobatia
Reign:	early 6th century
Birth Place:	Faras
Religion:	Coptic Orthodox Christianity
Type:	King

Silko was ruler of the Nubian kingdom of Nobatia. He is known for being the first Nubian king to adopt Christianity^[1]

During Silko's reign Nobatia successfully defeated the Blemmyes to the North, and an inscription by Silko at the Temple of Kalabsha claims to have driven the Blemmyes into the Eastern Desert.^{[2] [3] [4]} The inscription on the temple was made in Greek suggesting that he was influenced by Byzantine culture.^[5] He established Pakhoras (modern Faras) as the Capital of the Kingdom. Nobatia officially converted to Coptic Orthodox Christianity under his reign.^{[6] [7] [8]}

Notes and References

1. Hägg T. (2002) ‘Silko’s Language: a Retrospect’ In Tamás A.Bács (Ed.) A Tribute to Excellence-Studia Aegyptiaca XVII, Budapest, 289-300
2. Web site: Silko Inscription. homepage.univie.ac.at.
3. Obluski A. The Rise of Nobadia. Social Changes in Northern Nubia in Late Antiquity p28-30 https://www.academia.edu/462120/The_Rise_of_Nobadia_Social_Changes_in_Northern_Nubia_in_Late_Antiquity
4. Hägg T. (2002) ‘Silko’s Language: a Retrospect’ In Tamás A.Bács (Ed.) A Tribute to Excellence-Studia Aegyptiaca XVII, Budapest, 289-300
5. Burstein S. (1995) Greaco-Africana: Studies in the History of Greek Relations with Egypt and Nubia, Aristide D p221 Caratzas Publisher, New Rochelle, Athens &Moscow
6. Oakes, p.209
7. Hobson, p.185
8. Web site: Der Antike Sudan . 2018 . www.sag-online.de. PDF. 2020-12-10.