The incredible African country with 2 times as many pyramids as Egypt | World | News
When most people imagine a pyramid, their minds immediately drift to the golden sands of the Giza Plateau and the commanding structure of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. For decades, Egypt has been the undisputed face of ancient monumental architecture, leading many to consider Egypt the “pyramid capital” of the world.
However, when we look at the numbers, a surprising development emerges. Egypt does not actually host the highest concentration of these ancient structures. This title belongs to its southern neighbor Sudan. Tucked away in the desert landscapes of the ancient Nubia region, Sudan boasts nearly twice the number as Egypt. Built mainly between 800 BC and 350 AD, these Sudanese or Nubian pyramids may be smaller and steeper than their Egyptian counterparts, but they still represent a productive and sophisticated period of African history that can easily be called one of the world’s most fascinating hidden wonders.
Residents of Sudan were the most prolific pyramid builders, building between 200 and 255 pyramids, compared to their northern neighbors with approximately 118 structures. The most famous are located in Giza, but others are scattered throughout Egypt in places such as Abu Rawash, Abusir, Saqqara and Dahshur.
Typically smaller than those found in Egypt, these Sudanese pyramids were built by the rulers of the ancient Kingdom of Kush. The Kushites, who emerged as a major power in the eighth century BC, even ruled ancient Egypt during the 25th dynasty and raised a line of kings known as the “Black Pharaohs.”
The first ruler was Piye, who successfully invaded Egypt in about 770 BC and ruled from the Kushi capital of Napata. Inspired by the lavish tombs of previous pharaohs, Piye demanded that he too be buried in a similar manner to theirs. He later became the first member of the kingdom commemorated by a pyramid in Sudan’s ancient El-Kurru necropolis.
When the Kushites lost control of Egypt in 656 AD, they fled and eventually established a new capital at Meroë. The vast majority of Nubian pyramids can be found here, and the necropolis of the ancient city contains approximately 200 monuments erected from the 3rd century BC. Among these are the tombs of 41 Kushite royals.
The Kingdom of Kush faded into history after a series of conflicts with the Roman army and its neighbor the Kingdom of Aksum. The Sudanese pyramids were largely unknown until they were rediscovered by archaeologists in the 1830s.
French explorer and mineralogist Frédéric Cailliaud was the first to present to the Western world detailed drawings and descriptions of the pyramids at Meroë. His publication Voyage à Méroé served as a “treasure map” for those who followed him. The most important and notorious event was the arrival of Italian military doctor Giuseppe Ferlini. Hearing rumors of immense wealth, Ferlini and his partner Antonio Stefani began excavating the pyramids in Meroë.
Sudan is a country of deep historical depth and natural wonder, offering treasures that rival its more famous neighbours. Under different circumstances, this may be the best place for those who want to explore the ruins of past kingdoms.
But this potential has now been overshadowed by a devastating civil war that has made travel to Sudan impossible. Beginning in late 2025, the State Department advises against all travel to Sudan (except for the Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Yamudu, where it advises against all but essential travel).
The FCDO warned of the ongoing military conflict, the closure of Khartoum International Airport and the serious lack of consular support, noting that the British Embassy in Khartoum remains closed. For any traveller, the risk of indiscriminate violence, drone strikes and complete collapse of infrastructure means this incredible country should be on a future bucket list rather than a place to visit anytime soon, for now.
