The site of a capital of an independent Nubian/Kushite kingdom which became prominent after a northward retreat of the Egyptians during the 13th Dynasty, c 1700 BC. On the third Nile cataract in Upper Nubia (Sudan), it came into existence during the Egyptian Old and Middle Kingdoms (2686-1650 BC) and is the type-site for the Kerma culture (c 2500-1500 BC), probably identified with the Egyptians' 'land of Yam'. Kerma traded widely and great wealth was accumulated. There was a high level of craftsmanship, especially in pottery. The rulers of Kerman, together with the bodies of many retainers, were buried under huge grave mounds. There were also sacrificial human interments. This royal necropolis of the kings of Kush probably dates to the Second Intermediate Period c 1633-1550 BC. The only substantial surviving building is a large mud-brick 'Western Deffufa'.