Lead

Sudan's ongoing civil war is threatening the ancient pyramids of Meroë, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as fighting and a lack of security have brought all preservation work to a halt, leaving the fragile structures exposed to the elements. Located about 200 kilometres north of Khartoum, the complex comprises over 200 narrow, steep-sided pyramids built between 800 BC and 350 AD as royal tombs for the rulers of the Kingdom of Kush.

Coverage Comparison

Africa News and Al Jazeera both report on the endangerment of the pyramids, emphasizing different aspects of the crisis. Africa News focuses on the deterioration of the pyramids, attributing it to a combination of war and environmental factors. Al Jazeera's coverage highlights the potential for disaster and possible collapses, with an alarmist tone regarding the conflict's impact on cultural heritage.

Key Claims

War and Halted Preservation

Both sources agree that the civil war, which began in April 2023, has effectively stopped all conservation efforts. Archaeologist Mahmoud Suleiman was quoted by both outlets, warning that "the site may face a disaster, and collapses are possible." He noted that the conflict has prevented experts from carrying out basic maintenance for over three years. The suspension of international preservation missions and the dispersal of Sudan's archaeological workforce have contributed to the site's decline, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Physical Deterioration

The pyramids are suffering from multiple forms of decay. Guards at the site, including Mustafa Ahmed, described how windblown sand and encroaching vegetation are accelerating the damage. "The sand has thickened heavily on the pyramids and even inside the temples, and the grass grows thick," Ahmed told Al Jazeera. He added, "The pyramids have deteriorated greatly, and stones have begun to fall."

Antiquities inspector Mohamed Mubarak explained that salt released from accumulated sand is attacking the "inherently fragile" stones, eroding ancient inscriptions. "The salt weakens the stone and eventually, it will make us lose these inscriptions," he told Africa News. Both experts warned that this process could erase centuries-old artwork at the site.

Historical Damage

Africa News notes that none of the pyramids are intact. Some were decapitated or reduced to rubble in the 1800s by treasure-hunting Europeans using dynamite, and subsequent centuries of sand and rain have compounded the damage.

UNESCO Warnings

Al Jazeera reported that UNESCO has warned that more than 100 cultural sites have been damaged and at least 22 museums looted or destroyed since the war began in April 2023.

Perspectives

Archaeologist Mahmoud Suleiman

Suleiman attributes the deterioration to a combination of "adverse" factors, including climate change, war, and the halt of international preservation efforts. He warns of possible collapses and emphasizes that the lack of maintenance is a critical issue.

Antiquities Inspector Mohamed Mubarak

Mubarak highlights the specific threat of salt crystallisation, which weakens the stone and erodes inscriptions, potentially leading to the loss of irreplaceable ancient artwork.

Guard Mustafa Ahmed

Ahmed provides on-the-ground observations of the accelerating decay, noting the buildup of sand and vegetation, and the falling stones, reflecting the daily challenges faced by those tasked with protecting the site.

Context

The Meroë pyramids, ranging from 6 to 30 meters tall, were once Sudan's most visited heritage site. Their entrances typically face east to greet the rising sun. With the war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces ongoing, the site now stands largely abandoned, and the harsh desert environment continues to take its toll on these ancient wonders.