When
one thinks of pyramids, one thinks of Egypt. But Egypt’s influence does not
only stop at its borders. A few of its neighbors have been influenced by their
culture. One such place is a city named Meroe in the country of Sudan.Meroe
is a city on the east side of the Nile River and was the capital kingdom of
Kush for sometime a few centuries ago. The city can be easily recognized due to
the presence of more than 200 pyramids that are divided into three groups.
The
pyramids found in the city are also called Nubian Pyramids. Nubian pyramids are
pyramidal structures that were built on a region called Nubia, an area on the
Nile valley, in the present day country of Sudan. This place was ruled by Egypt
for some time and greatly influenced the culture of the people who lived there
especially in the art of pyramid building. Nubian pyramids are significantly
smaller in size than those that can be found in Egypt. They stand at a range of
six to thirty feet in height and a base that didn’t exceed much beyond eight
feet making the pyramid look tall and the surface walls slant to about seventy
degrees.
Many
of the pyramids in the city of Meroe are in ruins. Mainly due to the harshness
of the climate and lack of ability to maintain the structures throughout the
centuries, there are only very few pyramids that are still intact and well
preserved. There have been indications that the pyramids were ransacked and
plundered of any valuable jewelry that any royal family members entombed in
there might have had.
If
one enjoys seeing the majesty of the architecture and culture of ancient
civilizations, especially those of Egyptians and their influences in
neighbouring areas, then the Pyramids of Meroe is a place to see.
Sudan
is the largest, yet one of the least visited, countries in Africa. Although
various ongoing conflicts mean much of this vast nation remains off limits,
travel is possible in the northeast, and in parts of the south. Much of the
Middle East and Africa has a reputation for warmth and hospitality but Sudan is
in a league of its own, making it a joy to travel in. It is common to be
invited to stay at someone's home and most rural Sudanese would never dream of
eating in front of you without inviting you to join them. Talking the afternoon
away over a glass or five of tea is a serious national ritual, which extends to
dealings with officials.
Sudan
is as geographically diverse as it is culturally; in the north, the Nile cuts
through the eastern edge of the Sahara: the Nubian desert, the site of the
Ancient Kingdoms of Cush and Meroe, and the land of the Seti. Here, some modest
farming and husbandry supplements the staple crop of date palms. The East and
West are mountainous regions, and much of the rest of the country comprises of
savannahs typical of much of central sub-Saharan Africa.People
in Sudan are actually extremely friendly to all the few travellers who get
there. People treat you as friendly as in any other African country, so be
prepared to get spontaneously invited to lunch or dinner. Most of the time
people are very interested in you and they are often proud to show you their
country and their hospitality.
Sudan,
like many other African countries, has many places of interest and tourist
attractions. The country of Sudan has great natural endowments quite attractive
to behold.
