THE DECLINE OF CHRISTIANITY 29 martyred 307 a.d. at Almuna. The book, of eighteen pages, in veUum, 6 inches by 4 inches wide, was found in a cave in the desert near Edfu by a shepherd, and came into the possession of the British Museum. The language is unknown, though the characters are Greek, and thus resemble the inscriptions found at Soba, and perhaps at Geteina, according to Gleichen.

But only for a century did Christianity enjoy full sway, for the overwhelming advance of the Arab invasion placed its King under Mohammedan power.

The Mohammedan general Abdallah Bin Said, operating from Assuan after the conquest of Egypt, laid siege to Napata and defeated its King, Koleydozo, 651 A.D.

But absolute Arab dominion was not immediate : the victor contented himself with making a treaty ensuring the benevolent treatment of the Mohammedans, and regulating the conditions of entry by Nubse into Egypt and by Mohammedans into Nubia ; and for 600 years an annual tribute was paid.

During this period incursions were made into Egypt by the Nubians, with varying success, but in a manner which demonstrated their power even to the redoubtable Saladin.

The wars of the Crusades abating, Muslim energy was free to turn its attention to other quarters, and neglect to pay tribute formed sufficient excuse in 1275 A.D. for a successful expedition into Nubia,