Meroe North Pyramid N19 Chapel
Meroe North Pyramid N19 Chapel North Annex · Meroe Site
Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE)·Bronze Age·🇸🇩 River Nile, Meroe, Sudan
About
About Meroe North Pyramid N19 Chapel
Meroe North Pyramid N19 Chapel in River Nile, Meroe, Sudan is a Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE) tumulus attributed to Bronze Age. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal mound diameter 45 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 16.9380N 33.7490E controls access to River Nile resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey tumulus for River Nile, Meroe, illustrating Bronze Age construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1800 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE)
- Culture
- Bronze Age
- Purpose
- Elite burial mound with chamber and earthen tumulus
- Rediscovered
- 1968 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 1800 BCE
Initial construction of Meroe North Pyramid N19 Chapel main structure
c. 1908
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1968–2013
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Meroe North Pyramid N19 Chapel) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
16.9380° N · 33.7490° E · 136 m · 4 mapped features
Meroe North Pyramid N19 Chapel — Main Structure
structurePrincipal tumulus — Mound diameter 45 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
16.9388° N · 33.7499° EMeroe North Pyramid N19 Chapel — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
16.9370° N · 33.7483° EMeroe North Pyramid N19 Chapel — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
16.9395° N · 33.7502° EMeroe North Pyramid N19 Chapel — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
16.9364° N · 33.7479° E