The Throne Hall
Two storeys of brick.
Hans Birger Nilsen — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Hans Birger Nilsen — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Hans Birger Nilsen — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Tanjagari — CC BY-SA 4.0
Old Dongola is a deserted Nubian town on the east bank of the Nile in Northern State, once an important city of medieval Nubia and the departure point for caravans west to Darfur and Kordofan. It was the capital of the Makurian state from the 4th to the 14th century. Today it looks like a broad heap of brick and sand, topped by a few old buildings that stir the curiosity of anyone who loves history. A Polish archaeological team has worked here since 1964, and the site covers about 200 hectares, with a citadel and urban buildings in the south. With the arrival of Christianity in the mid 6th century it became the capital of Makuria and spread beyond the citadel, gaining many churches, at least two palaces and a sizable monastery. In the 19th century the population moved 80 km to modern Dongola. On the height you see the two-storey brick Throne Hall, and around it white Islamic domes shaped like small pyramids, among the most striking features of the site. Excavated houses show walls, traces of painting and bathrooms, and some rooms reveal the comfort of life here. Do not cross the barriers or step on excavated ground. It is about 120 km in a straight line from Jebel Barkal and about 108 km from modern Dongola. The ground is exposed with no shade, so bring plenty of water. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Sudan, and access may not be possible, so check official guidance before making any plans.
Two storeys of brick.
Like small pyramids.
Walls and traces of paint.
East bank of the Nile, Northern State, Sudan
In the 19th century the population moved to modern Dongola, 80 km away.
Do not count on it, and check official guidance first, as the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Sudan.