Western Ridge Tumulus — Meroe (Meroe)
Western Ridge Tumulus Site
Iron Age (1200 BCE–500 CE)·Classical·🇸🇩 Meroe, Sudan
About
About Western Ridge Tumulus — Meroe (Meroe)
Western Ridge Tumulus in Meroe, Sudan is a Iron Age (1200 BCE–500 CE) pyramid attributed to Classical culture. Systematic survey and LiDAR document architectural phasing and stratified deposits. The site includes a principal enclosure and ancillary features with votive deposits. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Classical site illustrating Iron Age (1200 BCE–500 CE) pyramid traditions.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Western Ridge Tumulus
- 02Function of ancillary enclosures
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for Classical
- 02Defensive and ritual focus
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. 3000 BCE
- Period
- Iron Age (1200 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Classical
- Purpose
- Defensive enclosure and administrative site
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 3000 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1000 CE
Abandonment or reuse
On the ground
Structures & features
17.5251° N · 33.7045° E · 289 m · 3 mapped features
Western Ridge Tumulus — Principal Feature
structurePrimary pyramid feature at Western Ridge Tumulus
17.5259° N · 33.7053° EWestern Ridge Tumulus — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary complex at Western Ridge Tumulus
17.5244° N · 33.7039° EWestern Ridge Tumulus — Outlier
rock artOutlier at Western Ridge Tumulus
17.5262° N · 33.7035° E