Sudan’s Meroe Pyramids: Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs

In a semi-desert landscape between the Nile and the Atbara, we find the pyramids of Meroe in Northern Sudan. But when we talk about pyramids, we usually think of the pyramids of Egypt that host many tourists every year. Unlike its neighbors, the pyramids of Meroe are much less visited because of many ethnic struggles that exist in the region.
The ancient city of Meroe is an ancient city of Nubia. With pyramids, temples and other vestiges, it bears witness to the glory and power of the Kush kingdom at Meroe. They secretly keep the tombs of kings and queens of black Africa. In 1834, Guiseppe Ferlini, an Italian adventurer, discovers the jewels of Queen Amanishakheto in his burial. This treasure is exhibited in the museums of Munich and Berlin. Since 2003, the archaeological site of Méroé has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Very extensive, it is full of many vestiges scarcely touched, which speak through their constructions of the kingdom of black Pharaohs who conquered Egypt in the eighth century.

What are the differences between the pyramids of Nubia and the pyramids of Egypt?

• The Nubian pyramids in North Sudan are smaller (between 1 and 8 meters high) and more pointed.
• There are more than 200 pyramids, guardians of the tombs of the kings and queens of this civilization, who emerge from the sand dunes.
• They have different styles: staircase to the south and smoother to the north.
• They have a chapel with pylons oriented to the east which lead to the burial chambers of the deceased. Indeed, the funerary chamber is above, name in it.
• Their buildings are of a darker appearance, as they are made of brick, earth, and have a higher iron content in their rocks.
• They are forgotten pyramids, because many ignore their existences.
• They were discovered by the French explorer Frédéric Cailliaud in April 1822.

What are the different activities to be done in Sudan for visitors?

• Visit of the Royal Necropolis of Meroe.
• Take a cruise on the Nile.
• Visit the market of Karima and Omdurman.
• Discovery of Khartoum, Naga and Mussawarat.
• Walking and trekking in the desert.

Thus, the pyramids of Meroe remain wonders of a disappeared civilization. The sculptures recount the daily scenes from the Kingdom of Kush to Meroe.

Temple of Amon – King of Meroe

Do you know the existence of these pyramids?