Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe
Location: Northern Sudan
Year of Inscription: 2011
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
Overview: The Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe are a collection of ancient ruins located on the island of Meroe in Sudan. The ruins date back to the Meroitic Kingdom, which existed from around 800 BC to 350 AD. They include the remains of palaces, temples, and over 200 pyramids, which are some of the best-preserved examples of Nubian architecture in the world.
Prominent Features: The Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe are known for their well-preserved pyramids, which were constructed as tombs for the kings and queens of the Meroitic Kingdom. The pyramids are characterized by their distinctive shape, with steep sides and a flat top. The ruins also include the remains of temples, palaces, and other structures, which provide insight into the culture and way of life of the ancient Nubians.
History: The Meroitic Kingdom was one of the earliest civilizations in Africa, and the ruins on the island of Meroe provide an important glimpse into its history and culture. The kingdom was known for its ironworking, agriculture, and trade, and was a major center of power in the region. It was eventually conquered by the Kingdom of Aksum in the 4th century AD.
Fun Fact: Sudan is actually home to more pyramids than Egypt! While most people associate pyramids with Egypt, Sudan has over 200 pyramids scattered throughout the country. These pyramids were built by the ancient Kingdom of Kush, which flourished in Sudan between the 8th century BCE and the 4th century CE. The largest concentration of pyramids is located in the ancient city of Meroe, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Kush for several centuries. The pyramids of Sudan are smaller and steeper than those of Egypt, and they were often used as burial tombs for the rulers and nobles of the Kingdom of Kush.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the ruins on the island of Meroe, including the pyramids, temples, and other structures. Visitors can also learn about the history and culture of the Meroitic Kingdom at the on-site museum.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe varies depending on the season, but is generally around 50 USD per person. There is an additional fee for cameras and video cameras.
How to Reach It: The Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe are located on the island of Meroe, which is about 200 kilometers northeast of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. There is no public transportation to the island, but visitors can hire a private car or join a guided tour to reach the area.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for accommodation near the Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe, including hotels and guesthouses in the nearby towns or Meroe tented camp walking distance to the pyramids of the East Necropolis
Next Stop: Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park
Year of Inscription: 2011
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
Overview: The Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe are a collection of ancient ruins located on the island of Meroe in Sudan. The ruins date back to the Meroitic Kingdom, which existed from around 800 BC to 350 AD. They include the remains of palaces, temples, and over 200 pyramids, which are some of the best-preserved examples of Nubian architecture in the world.
Prominent Features: The Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe are known for their well-preserved pyramids, which were constructed as tombs for the kings and queens of the Meroitic Kingdom. The pyramids are characterized by their distinctive shape, with steep sides and a flat top. The ruins also include the remains of temples, palaces, and other structures, which provide insight into the culture and way of life of the ancient Nubians.
History: The Meroitic Kingdom was one of the earliest civilizations in Africa, and the ruins on the island of Meroe provide an important glimpse into its history and culture. The kingdom was known for its ironworking, agriculture, and trade, and was a major center of power in the region. It was eventually conquered by the Kingdom of Aksum in the 4th century AD.
Fun Fact: Sudan is actually home to more pyramids than Egypt! While most people associate pyramids with Egypt, Sudan has over 200 pyramids scattered throughout the country. These pyramids were built by the ancient Kingdom of Kush, which flourished in Sudan between the 8th century BCE and the 4th century CE. The largest concentration of pyramids is located in the ancient city of Meroe, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Kush for several centuries. The pyramids of Sudan are smaller and steeper than those of Egypt, and they were often used as burial tombs for the rulers and nobles of the Kingdom of Kush.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the ruins on the island of Meroe, including the pyramids, temples, and other structures. Visitors can also learn about the history and culture of the Meroitic Kingdom at the on-site museum.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe varies depending on the season, but is generally around 50 USD per person. There is an additional fee for cameras and video cameras.
How to Reach It: The Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe are located on the island of Meroe, which is about 200 kilometers northeast of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. There is no public transportation to the island, but visitors can hire a private car or join a guided tour to reach the area.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for accommodation near the Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe, including hotels and guesthouses in the nearby towns or Meroe tented camp walking distance to the pyramids of the East Necropolis
Next Stop: Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park