The fortress city of Old Dongola (modern Sudan) along the Nile River becomes the capital of Makuria.

Several churches are built, including the "Old Church" (approximate date).

The origins of Makuria are uncertain.

Ptolemy mentions a Nubian people known as the Makkourae, who might be ancestors to the Makurians.

The kingdom is believed to have formed in the fourth or fifth century.

The first recorded mention of it is in a work by the sixth-century John of Ephesus, who decries its hostility to Monophysite missionaries traveling to Alodia.

John of Biclarum wrote approvingly soon after of the adoption by the "Makurritae"' of the rival Melkite faith.