history of Sudan

Introduction & Top Questions
Ancient Nubia
- Egyptian influence
- The kingdom of Kush
Christian and Islamic influence in the Sudan
- Medieval Christian kingdoms
- Islamic encroachments
- The Funj
- The spread of Islam
Egyptian-Ottoman rule over the Sudan
- Muḥammad ʿAlī and his successors
- Ismāʿīl Pasha and the growth of European influence
The Mahdiyyah
- The reign of the Khalīfah
- The British conquest
The Sudan under the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium
- The early years of British rule
- The growth of national consciousness
The Republic of the Sudan
- Coups and conflict with the south
- The Nimeiri regime
  - The Addis Ababa Agreement
  - Economic development
  - The rise of Muslim fundamentalism
  - Resumption of civil war
  - Nimeiri’s overthrow and its aftermath
- Sudan under Bashir
  - Ongoing civil war
  - Transition to civilian rule
  - Peace with the south
  - Conflict in Darfur
  - Multiparty elections and preparations for southern independence
  - A new Sudan
    - Conflict with South Sudan
    - Domestic challenges and the 2015 general elections
    - Challenge to Bashir’s rule and the 2019 military coup
- Transition
- Tension, protests, and the 2021 military coup
- Civil war (2023– )

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images

Political map of Sudan showing its national boundaries, major cities, and neighboring countries including Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. Disputed borders and the Abyei region are marked, and a small locator map in the corner highlights Sudan's position within Africa.

Map showing Ancient Egypt and Nubia during the New Kingdom period, with the Nile River running from Egypt in the north through Lower and Upper Nubia to Sudan in the south. Key locations such as Memphis, Thebes, Aswan, and the six cataracts of the Nile are marked, as well as neighboring regions including Greece, Anatolia, Phoenicia, Palestine, Assyria, and Babylonia.

Map showing the Nilotic Sudan region in ancient and medieval times, centered along the Nile River from southern Egypt through Nubia and Alwah to Al-Jazirah in present-day Sudan. Key locations and ancient kingdoms such as Wawat, Nobatia, Nubia (Kush), Maqurrah, and Alwah are labeled, along with neighboring regions like Darfur, Kordofan, and Ethiopia, and major rivers including the Nile, White Nile, and Blue Nile. The Red Sea and notable cities like Thebes, Luxor, Aswan, and Meroe are also marked.

Ancient pyramids of Meroe in Sudan stand in sandy desert light, with steep sides and small entrance structures at their bases, representing the Kushite culture.

Map depicting the Nilotic Sudan region from the 17th to the 19th century, showing the Funj kingdom, major towns, rivers, and lakes. The Funj kingdom is outlined, with dashed lines marking the extent of Egyptian influence at various dates. Neighboring regions such as Egypt, Darfur, Equatoria, Ethiopia, and the Congo Free State are labeled, along with prominent geographic features like the Nile, Blue Nile, White Nile, and major lakes.

Historical map showing the territorial expansion of Egypt under Muhammad 'Ali and Isma'il in the 19th century, with shaded areas indicating lands acquired by each ruler. The map covers northeastern Africa and parts of the Middle East, including Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Crete, Cyprus, and regions of Arabia and the Levant, with labels for dates of acquisition, loss, and battle sites.

Engraving of Mohammed Ali, founder of modern Egypt, shown with a full white beard, wearing a traditional hat and embroidered jacket, facing slightly to the viewer's left.

Charles George Gordon

history of Sudan: References & Edit History

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Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

Robert O. Collins
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Amy McKenna

Article History

Type	Description	Contributor	Date
	Added questions and answers, updated the status of the civil war, and added media.	Amy McKenna	Nov 17, 2025
	Mentioned that the International Rescue Committee declared the situation in Sudan to be the largest humanitarian crisis ever recorded.	Amy McKenna	Dec 11, 2024
	New article added.	Amy McKenna	Aug 02, 2023