Once a collection of small, independent kingdoms, Northern Sudan was taken by Egypt in 1821 and Southern Sudan by the British in 1877. (The British invaded Egypt in 1882.) In 1883 a revolt was started by the Muslim leader Muhammad Ahmed, the Mahdi. Conflict continued for fifteen years until the Mahdists were defeated in 1898. An Anglo-Egyptian condominium was created. Since independence from British/Egyptian rule in 1956 the country has experienced little relief from civil war between the Arab, Islamic north and African south.

Find out more about the history of Sudan:
• A Brief History of Sudan: Part 1 - Kingdoms to Independence
• A Brief History of Sudan: Part 2 - Islamic Backlash
• A Brief History of Sudan: Part 3 - Hope for Peace?
• Sudan History Resources

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