Sudan’s ongoing conflict has placed one of the world’s most significant archaeological treasures at serious risk. The ancient pyramids of Meroe, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, face potential collapse due to the suspension of all preservation efforts amid the country’s escalating violence. Located approximately 200 kilometers north of Khartoum, the site contains over 200 pyramids constructed between 800 BC and 350 AD as burial monuments for rulers of the Kingdom of Kush.
Expert archaeologists warn that the situation has become critical. Without regular maintenance that has been impossible to conduct for more than three years, the structures are rapidly deteriorating. Guards and inspectors report that windblown sand accumulation, growing vegetation, and salt crystallization are eating away at the fragile stonework, threatening to destroy irreplaceable ancient inscriptions and artwork permanently. Climate change compounds these challenges, accelerating the decay process.
The damage extends beyond Meroe alone. UNESCO has documented widespread destruction across Sudan’s cultural heritage, with over 100 archaeological sites suffering harm and at least 22 museums either looted or destroyed since fighting began in April 2023. The dispersal of Sudan’s archaeological workforce and cessation of international research missions have left these invaluable historical sites defenseless against both environmental forces and human threats.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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