Meroe

Meroë is an ancient city in what is now Sudan. Located on the east bank of the Nile, about 200 kilometers northeast of Khartoum near modern Shendi, it served as the capital of the Kingdom of Kush during the Napatan and later Meroitic periods, roughly from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE.

The site is renowned for its royal necropolis with more than 200 pyramids, built for Kushite kings and nobles. The pyramids at Meroë are distinct from Egyptian pyramids: narrow, steep-sided, and constructed from sandstone blocks rather than a solid core.

Economy and metallurgy: The city thrived due to iron production from local ore, as well as metallurgical crafts and long-distance trade along the Nile and Red Sea routes.

Culture and script: The Kushite state developed the Meroitic script, used for writing the Meroitic language; it is only partly deciphered. Art and architecture show a blend of Egyptian influence and Nubian innovation.

Archaeology and preservation: The site was first scientifically investigated in the 19th century; significant looting occurred in the 1830s by the Italian explorer Giuseppe Ferlini. Today it is a World Heritage Site and faces threats from erosion and desertification; conservation efforts are ongoing.

Etymology and name: The city is also called Meröe; the name is derived from the Meroitic language.