Pyramids of Meroe

The Pyramids of Meroë are a large number of Nubian pyramids, encompassing three cemeteries near the ancient city of Meroë. They are located in Sudan, approximately 200 kilometres (120 mi) northeast of Khartoum, near the village of Bagrawiya. The three cemeteries (Bagrawiya North, South, and West) are spread across low hills covering roughly a quarter of a square kilometre. The Meroë pyramids date to the later stage of the Kingdom of Kush (3rd century BC–4th century AD) and were burial places for Kushite monarchs, other members of the royal family, and important officials and dignitaries. The pyramids, mostly built of local sandstone (and in later periods of brick), are under 30 metres (98 ft) in height—significantly smaller than the well-known ancient Egyptian pyramids. They served as tombs for kings, queens, and high officials of the historical Kingdom of Kush in Nubia. Their construction spans from approximately 300 BC to around 300 AD. The first pyramid at Meroë that can be securely attributed to a ruler belongs to Ergamenes (Arakamani), who reigned around 280 BC. The three cemeteries collectively encompass over a thousand graves, out of which at least 147 were pyramids. The majority of the pyramids (at least 82) are from the western cemetery and were not burials of royals. The Pyramids of Meroë have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. On 8 September 2020, the pyra

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