Preserving the Royal City of Meroe and its Pyramids

The archaeological site of Meroe is testimony to the magnificence of the Nubian civilization. Comprised of pyramidal necropolises and the remains of temples and buildings, it was constructed between the 6th century BCE and the 4th century CE and was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Kush. Meroe was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. It faces recurring threats from seasonal rains, which endanger parts of the site, particularly along its western edge. This project addressed the urgent need to reinforce the kilometre-long protective dyke ahead of the rainy season. Interventions included strengthening the dyke with sand to prevent water intrusion and planting acacia trees to improve long-term resilience. It also featured awareness-raising activities on heritage protection and illicit trafficking, engaging local communities, schools, and universities in collaboration with the Louvre and the National Corporation of Antiquities and Museums (NCAM).