Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt—255 compared to Egypt’s 138! The pyramids in Sudan, located in the region of Nubia, w…

Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt—255 compared to Egypt’s 138!

The pyramids in Sudan, located in the region of Nubia, were built during the Kingdom of Kush, an ancient civilization that ruled along the Nile from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE. Geographically, this corresponds to the northern part of modern Sudan.

Kushite pyramids are smaller and more slender in shape compared to their Egyptian counterparts. On average, a Kushite pyramid stands between 6 and 30 meters tall, whereas the iconic Egyptian pyramids, like the Great Pyramid of Giza, reach heights of up to 138 meters.

The Kushites began building pyramids approximately 800 years after the Egyptians stopped constructing theirs. Like the Egyptians, the Kushites used these monuments as royal tombs for kings, queens, and nobles.

One of the largest concentrations of Kushite pyramids is found in the ancient city of Meroë, which is home to around 200 pyramids.

Sadly, in the 1830s, many Sudanese pyramids were severely damaged by an Italian treasure hunter, Giuseppe Ferlini. Seeking quick access to their interiors, he destroyed the tops of around 40 pyramids using explosives, causing irreparable damage to these ancient structures.

Today, Sudan’s pyramids remain in a fragile state, suffering from the effects of wars and a lack of resources for preservation. Meanwhile, Egypt’s pyramids continue to draw millions of tourists each year, overshadowing the lesser-known but equally fascinating legacy of the Kingdom of Kush.