The picturesque valley of Musawwarat es-Sufra is part of the ‘Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe’ UNESCO-World Heritage entry.
History
While monumental architecture at Musawwarat dates back to the Napatan period, most of the standing structures seen today were constructed in the Early Meroitic period, with major building activity taking place under King Arnekhamani (c. 235-218BC).
The most favoured explanation for the existence of Musawwarat es Sufra is as a cult centre and pilgrimage site, possibly for Apedemak.
Structures
The site harbours an impressive and unique ensemble of Kushite monumental architecture. It consists of the labyrinthine building complex of the Great Enclosure, and the Great Hafir, Sudan’s largest ancient water reservoir and the earliest known temple dedicated to Apedemak.