Archaeological exploits often begin in bustling cities, and this is no exception. You arrive in Khartoum and go meet two very important characters: the White Nile, and the Blue Nile. This is where they meet. Now that the geography is well defined, it is time to explore modern Sudanese culture. The best way to accomplish this is by drinking coffee. Sudan is an Islamic country, but soon you begin to discover that, just like the Two Niles, there is a strange confluence of cultures here. There are echoes that tell of an ancient past. Now the journey is getting started.
The first sunbeams kiss your tent gently. No need to set an alarm. There is a familiar aroma in the air, and yet it is so exotic! Breakfast is ready, the coffee is brewed to perfection. You could sit down and eat a quiet meal with your thoughts. However, the pyramids of Meroë cast their long, morning shadows towards the camp. The adventurer in you awakes. After all, The Royal Necropolis is just a twenty minute walk away. You have a quick sip of coffee and take with you something for the road. As you approach these ancient Nubian Pyramids, a sense of wonder takes hold: breakfast in the Ancient Kingdom.
A short drive through the desert, and now you are in the ruined city of Naga. The Temple of the Lion warrants careful exploration. Apedemak, a lion-headed warrior god is said to put a curse on any who dare disturb this sacred place. The exquisiteness of the bas-reliefs makes it worth the risk. Now that is love of art! There is more to discover. In the temple of Amun, witness Egyptian art, and the many statues of the king Natakamani. This is an archaeologist’s paradise, just step outside, and you will find the roman kiosk, a structure that integrates Egyptian, Hellenistic and Roman elements.
Northward, deeper into the desert, you will find the ancient city of Musawwarat. Enter the Great Enclosure, a complex of structures without equal in the region. Apedemak guards this site too, so it must hold many secrets. Explore them at your leisure. Marvel at the Elephants of Aborepi, they hold the key to the past, a picture of the glorious days of Kush, gone by. Join your friends in a picnic on the sands. After all, archaeology is hungry work!
Another day of exploration is over. It seems that all the roads here lead to Meroë. You return to the camp where you can relax or even venture another walk to the pyramids. Perhaps take a quick nap, it will be worth your while. When the lights go out and the shadows of Meroë turn eastwards and sink in darkness, the Ancient Kingdom of the sky, begins to rise.
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