Sudan war threatens ancient Meroe pyramids, a UNESCO Heritage Site
Summary
Fighting in Sudan has stopped preservation work at the ancient Meroe pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pyramids, built over 2,000 years ago, are now at risk of damage from windblown sand, plants, and collapsing stones.Key Facts
- Sudan’s war began in April 2023 and has lasted more than three years, affecting cultural sites.
- The Meroe pyramids are located about 200 km north of Khartoum.
- More than 200 pyramids were built between 800 BC and 350 AD as tombs for Kushite kings.
- Archaeologists cannot perform maintenance due to ongoing conflict and lack of security.
- Sand and plants are causing the stones to erode and inscriptions to fade.
- Salt from the sand is damaging the fragile pyramid stones.
- Over 100 cultural sites in Sudan have been damaged, and at least 22 museums have been looted or destroyed since the war started.
- UNESCO is monitoring the situation and warning of serious risks to Sudan’s heritage.
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