Escalating war and ongoing neglect in Sudan are severely threatening the ancient pyramids of Meroe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ongoing fighting and a lack of security have completely halted preservation efforts, leaving the historic structures unprotected against natural forces.
“The site may face a disaster, and collapses are possible,” archaeologist Mahmoud Suleiman said, warning that the more than three-year conflict has prevented experts from carrying out basic maintenance.
Situated roughly 200km (125 miles) north of Khartoum, Meroe features more than 200 narrow, steep-sided pyramids built between 800 BC and 350 AD to serve as tombs for the rulers of the Kingdom of Kush. Unlike the broad-based pyramids found in Egypt, these structures are smaller, steeper, and more numerous.
Site guards report that encroaching vegetation and heavy windblown sand are worsening the site’s condition. “The sand has thickened heavily on the pyramids and even inside the temples, and the grass grows thick,” guard Mustafa Ahmed said. “The pyramids have deteriorated greatly, and stones have begun to fall.”
Antiquities inspector Mohamed Mubarak explained that salt released from the sand accumulation is degrading the inherently fragile stones and wearing away ancient carvings. Suleiman added that climate change, the displacement of local archaeologists, and the suspension of international missions have combined to cause significant deterioration.
UNESCO reports that since the outbreak of war in April 2023, more than 100 cultural sites across Sudan have suffered damage, while at least 22 museums have been looted or destroyed.
