El-Kurru

The Pyramids and grave sites south of the present village of al - Kurru (also el- Kurru ) in Sudan are the oldest part of the cemetery to the Nubian city of Napata. The cemetery is located about 10 kilometers south of the center at Mount Barkal, on the western side of the Nile. Here are also the remains of an ancient city, which were discovered by archaeologist George A. Reisner, who excavated the local pyramids. The age of the settlement is unknown.

The oldest graves are dated to 860 BC, so even in the days before the founding of the kingdom of Kush in Nubia. Not all plants are dug grave pyramids. From the early, simple grave hills, where the first princes were buried, to the mastaba developed: brick stone blocks above the actual grave chamber. These grave sites have so far been all nameless. The first east-west oriented pyramid comes from King Piye ( 747-716 ). Near his grave pyramid the favorite horse of the king were buried in separate shaft graves and standing with his head to the south. A total of 24 horses graves were found. From King Atlanersa ( 653-643 ), who was buried in Nuri, the cemetery in al - Kurru was abandoned.

In the middle of the excavation site of a pyramid can be seen in half -worn condition. It is surrounded by several flat mounds and access openings that lead into narrow, seamless brick vaulted chambers. The tombs of King Tanotamun ( 664-655 ) and his mother Qalhata are closed because they contain well-preserved wall paintings and hieroglyphics.

The Pyramids of al - Kurru stand together with other buildings in the historic city of Napata and others in the region on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 2003.

List of grave sites of al - Kurru

(tum represents Tumulus - hill grave )