Thanks to movies and popular culture, when most of us picture a pyramid, our minds immediately travel to Egypt. The iconic triangular tombs are almost synonymous with the country. However, there's a surprising twist—Egypt isn't actually the pyramid capital of the world. That title belongs to its southern neighbor: Sudan.
Sudan Boasts the Most Pyramids in the World
Contrary to common belief, Sudan has the highest number of pyramids, far surpassing Egypt. While Egypt has around 138 pyramids, Sudan is home to an astounding 200 to 255 known pyramids. These were not built by ancient Egyptians who ventured south; rather, they were constructed by the Kushite civilization, which ruled the region along the Nile River from 1070 BC to 350 AD.
The Kushites began constructing pyramids about 500 years after Egypt had moved on from pyramid-building, but they served a similar purpose—as burial sites for royalty and elite members of society.
How Do Sudanese Pyramids Compare to Egyptian Ones?
One major difference between the two sets of pyramids is size. The average Kushite pyramid stands between 20 and 98 feet (roughly 30 meters) tall, whereas Egypt's pyramids—like the Great Pyramid of Giza—tower at around 453 feet. Despite the size difference, both civilizations shared a belief in the afterlife, reflected in their tomb structures.
One of the densest clusters of Kushite pyramids can be found in the ancient city of Meroë, located in central Sudan. This city alone contains nearly 200 of the country’s pyramids, suggesting it was once a thriving metropolis.
Unanswered Questions About Sudan’s Pyramids
Although historians and archaeologists have determined who built the Sudanese pyramids and when, many mysteries remain. For example:
- Did the Kushites use the same construction techniques as the Egyptians?
- How long did it take to build one pyramid?
- What ultimately led to the decline of the Kushite civilization?
Currently, archaeologists are conducting extensive research in Meroë to uncover these answers. One of the most innovative approaches involves using drones to scan the area from above, providing new insights into the ancient structures.
Egypt Doesn’t Have the Largest Pyramid Either
As surprising as it may seem, Egypt also isn’t home to the world’s largest pyramid. That distinction belongs to Mexico’s Great Pyramid of Cholula, which is so massive that it is hidden beneath what looks like a natural mountain.
While Egypt’s pyramids may dominate the spotlight in pop culture, it’s important to recognize that other nations, like Sudan and Mexico, also have remarkable pyramid legacies. History is full of surprises, and the more we explore, the more fascinating these ancient civilizations become.
Did You Know Egypt Doesn’t Have the Most Pyramids?