# Qadan culture

The Qadan culture (13000-9000 BCE) was an ancient culture that, archaeological evidence suggests, originated in Nubia approximately 15,000 years ago. This way of life is estimated to have persisted for approximately 4,000 years, and was characterized by hunting, as well as a unique approach to food gathering that incorporated the preparation and consumption of wild grasses and grains. Systematic efforts were made by the Qadan people to water, care for, and harvest local plant life, but grains were not planted in ordered rows.
Sites from this period span from the Second Cataract of the Nile to Tushka, situated approximately 250 kilometers upriver from Aswan.
In archaeological terms, the Qadan culture is generally viewed as a cluster of Mesolithic Stage communities living in Nubia in the upper Nile Valley prior to 9000 BCE. At a time of relatively high water levels in the Nile, it is characterized by a diverse stone tool industry that is taken to represent increasing degrees of specialization and locally differentiated regional groupings. Large numbers of grinding stones and blades have been found with glossy films of silica on them, which could possibly be the result of cutting grass stems on their surfaces. There is some evidence of conflict between the groups, suggesting periods of invasion or intense inter-tribal war. In fact, about 40 percent of individuals buried in the Jebel Sahaba cemetery near the border of Sudan on the Nile river show signs of fatal wounds caused by projectiles, from weapons such as spears, darts, or arrows. The remains found in the cemeteries suggest that ritual burials were practiced.
The Qadan economy was based on fishing, hunting, and, as mentioned, the extensive use of wild grain.
The Qadan culture ended in 9000 BC, The reasons it died, was 1. Climate Change & Desertification – The Sahara and surrounding regions became drier due to the end of the Last Glacial Maximum, making it harder to sustain a hunter-gatherer-fisher lifestyle.
2. Shift in Subsistence Patterns – The Qadan people relied on wild grasses, tubers, and early forms of grain harvesting, but as the climate changed, food resources became scarce.
3. Emergence of New Cultural Groups – The Kebaran and Capsian cultures in North Africa, as well as early Neolithic communities in the Levant and Nile Valley, started adopting agriculture and herding, gradually replacing Qadan ways of life.
4. Increased Mobility – Many groups likely migrated southward or toward the Nile for better resources, leading to a shift away from Qadan-style settlements.
The qadan culture had diverse food, including
Wild Grains & Plants:
Evidence suggests they harvested and processed wild grasses, particularly varieties of sorghum, millet, and barley. They likely used grinding stones querns and mortars to process grains, indicating an early form of grain preparation. Other edible wild plants, tubers, and roots were likely part of their diet. Hunted Game:
The Qadan people hunted gazelles, hartebeest, and other antelopes. They also hunted [[hippos, crocodiles, and smaller mammals like hares. Fishing:
Living near the Nile River, they caught fish and other aquatic animals. Fishing provided an important source of protein and possibly some aquatic plants. Gathered Fruits & Nuts:
They likely foraged for wild fruits, nuts, and berries that were native to the region. Minimal Dairy or Domesticated Meat:
Unlike later Neolithic cultures, they did not domesticate animals for meat or dairy.
Now that you know that, here is more info on wat the normal Qadan culture citizen ate!
1. Breakfast Ground millet or sorghum porridge (like early oatmeal) figs, berries, or dates Handful of nuts or seeds for energy 2. Lunch Roasted fish or dried meat (from gazelle, hare, or bird) Flatbread-like cake made from crushed grains and water Tubers or edible roots, lightly cooked 3. Dinner Grilled or stewed meat (gazelle, antelope, or small game) Cooked grains (boiled sorghum or barley mash) Wild greens and herbs 4. Snacks Dried fruits (figs, berries, or dates) Handful of nuts (acacia seeds, tiger nuts) Roasted grass seeds or grains for a crunchy treat