Polish archeologists from the Mediterranean Archaeology Center at the University of Warsaw have made an extraordinary discovery at an archaeological site in Old Dongola, Sudan, where they unearthed a document dated to the late 16th or early 17th century. This document, found in a building referred to as the House of the King by locals, contains a royal decree issued in the name of King Qaszqasz. The existence of this historical figure, previously mentioned only in passing in a 19th-century hagiographical work, is now substantiated by this remarkable find.

The significance of this discovery lies not only in confirming the existence of King Qaszqasz but also in its broader historical context. The letter provides a unique insight into the socio-economic conditions of the Dongola kingdom during a period marked by intense Arabization and Islamization. The content of the decree suggests that Qaszqasz and his court adeptly managed their relationships with subjects, highlighting the dynamics of power and community during that time.

This finding opens new avenues for research and understanding of the history of the region, shedding light on the interactions between the king and his subjects. As a result, it contributes to the existing body of knowledge concerning the historical governance and societal structures of the once-thriving Dongola kingdom, emphasizing the need for continued archaeological efforts in Sudan to uncover further historical truths.