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Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region

Sudan
Date of Inscription: 2003
Criteria: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)
Core zone: 182.5 ha
Buffer zone: 46.5 ha
Northern state, province of Meroe
N18 32 00 E31 49 00 Multiple Locations
Ref: 1073

Brief Description

These five archaeological sites, stretching over more than 60 km in the Nile valley, are testimony to the Napatan (900 to 270 BC) and Meroitic (270 BC to 350 AD) cultures, of the second kingdom of Kush. Tombs, with and without pyramids, temples, living complexes and palaces, are to be found on the site. Since Antiquity, the hill of Gebel Barkal has been strongly associated with religious traditions and folklore. The largest temples are still considered by the local people as sacred places.

Justification for Inscription

Criteria i, ii, iii and iv: The pyramids and tombs, being also part of the special desert border landscape, on the banks of the Nile, are unique in their typology and technique. The remains are the testimony to an ancient important culture which existed and flourished in this region only. Criterion (vi): Since antiquity the hill of Gebel Barkal has been strongly associated with religious traditions and local folklore. For this reason, the largest temples (Amon Temple for example) were built at the foot of the hill and are still considered by the local people as sacred places.

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