Sudan War Halts Preservation of Meroe Pyramids

The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has halted all preservation work and foreign missions at the Meroe pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located approximately 200km north of Khartoum, the site contains over 200 pyramids built between 800 BC and 350 AD that are now exposed to severe environmental threats.

Security instability and climate change have caused the dispersal of the archaeological workforce, leading to heavy sand accumulation, encroaching vegetation, and salt degradation within funerary temples. These factors risk the erosion of ancient inscriptions and the structural integrity of the monuments. Experts warn that the lack of maintenance has left the site in a state of significant deterioration.

UNESCO reported in April that more than 100 cultural sites across Sudan have been damaged, and at least 22 museums have been looted or destroyed since the outbreak of war. The combination of conflict and natural decay has created a critical situation where the ancient structures face potential collapse.