Meroe, the city of forgotten pyramids in the heart of the Sudanese desert

In the heart of the Nubian Desert , about 150/200 km north of Khartoum , lies one of the most fascinating and least known archaeological treasures of the African continent: the royal necropolis of Meroe .

Once the capital of the mighty Kingdom of Kush , this ancient city is home to dozens of pyramids that dot the desert landscape, silent witnesses to a refined and mysterious civilization.

Meroe, immersed in an almost surreal atmosphere that lights up with magic at sunset , and the archaeological sites that surround it, are testimony to an advanced, refined civilization that is still partly shrouded in mystery today.

The allure of its pyramids, the mix of cultural influences, and the pristine atmosphere that reigns among the Sudanese dunes make this place a unique experience for those wishing to discover a lesser-known yet equally fascinating side of ancient Africa . A trip to Meroe is not only a dive into history, but also a return to the true meaning of exploration.

Musawwarat es-Sufra: Spirituality, Mystery, and Rock Art

Before reaching Meroe , it's worth stopping at Musawwarat es-Sufra , an enigmatic archaeological complex nestled among the rocky hills. The site, still shrouded in mystery today, appears to have been an important spiritual center during the Meroitic period .

Probably commissioned by a king of the region, Musawwarat was also used for elephant breeding, as evidenced by the numerous graffiti and bas-reliefs found on site.

Among its ruins stand out the remains of a temple dedicated to Amun , an Egyptian deity, recognizable by the granite sculptures in the shape of a ram that mark the access avenue, and a temple dedicated to the god Lion , an indigenous deity, called Apademak , decorated with zoomorphic and anthropomorphic motifs.

The site's walls are also covered with engravings, inscriptions, and drawings of all kinds, from erotic scenes to profane representations, making the complex a sort of gigantic open-air archive of the daily and spiritual life of the time.

Naqa: a surprising mix of cultures

Not far from Musawwarat is Naqa , another extraordinary example of the cultural richness of the Kingdom of Kush. Here, in a particularly evocative landscape, stands a well-preserved temple dedicated to Amun – 1st century.

However, what makes Naqa truly special is the mix of architectural styles and cultural influences: next to the Egyptian temple is a sanctuary dedicated to Apademak and a kiosk with columns reminiscent of Greco-Roman art.

The statue of the god Apademak, depicted with three heads and four arms, almost seems to evoke an Indian deity, suggesting a surprising dialogue between distant civilizations.

Naqa is the perfect symbol of the Meroitic kingdom's ability to assimilate and reinterpret different cultural elements, creating a profoundly original artistic and religious identity.

Meroe: The Timeless Allure of the Nubian Pyramids

The highlight of the journey through archaeological Sudan is Meroe , the ancient capital of the kingdom and home to the famous pyramids of Sudan. Once numbering around 200 , dozens remain today, smaller and more pointed than the Egyptian ones, but no less imposing. These pyramids were the tombs of the kings and queen mothers of Meroe, the famous " Candaces ," and date back to the 3rd or 4th century BC.

What makes Meroe unique is the atmosphere you breathe there: no entrance fee, no street vendors, just the silence of the desert and the majesty of the structures, many of which have been restored using ancient traditional techniques.

The pyramids, with chapel-like antechambers facing east, are the symbol of a sophisticated funerary ritual. At sunset , the complex is bathed in warm, intense colors, offering an unforgettable spectacle.

It is on this very site that the treasure of Queen Amanishakheto was discovered, the most precious legacy of the Meroitic civilization, although the discovery led to the desecration of her tomb.