The ancient pyramids of Meroe in Sudan have stood for nearly 2,000 years, surviving time, weather, and even destruction. Built by the rulers of the Kingdom of Kush, these more than 200 pyramids are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and remain a powerful symbol of Sudan’s history.
Today, however, they face a new threat: war. As fighting continues between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, the once-busy site has fallen silent. Tourism has disappeared, and only a handful of dedicated ადამიანები remain to protect it.
One of them is Mostafa Ahmed Mostafa, a 65-year-old caretaker whose family has guarded the pyramids for generations. Alongside archaeologists like Mahmoud Soliman and Mohamed Mubarak, he works with limited resources to preserve the fragile structures from sand, rain, and neglect.
These pyramids have already endured centuries of damage—some were destroyed in the 1800s by treasure hunters such as Giuseppe Ferlini, while others have slowly eroded over time. Among them is the pyramid of Queen Amanishakheto, once one of the grandest, now largely reduced to sand.
Before the conflict, the site was seeing a revival, especially after the Sudanese revolution of 2018–2019, when young people began reconnecting with their heritage. There were festivals, tours, and growing interest in Sudan’s past.
Now, survival comes first for most people. But for those still at Meroe, protecting this history remains just as important. They hope that one day, peace will return—and with it, the chance to restore and share these remarkable pyramids with the world again.
Source: Newstimehub
