Meroe: The Lost Capital of the Kushite Empire
In the heart of ancient Nubia, far south of Egypt, stood the powerful city of Meroe—the capital of the Kushite Empire, one of Africa’s greatest ancient civilizations.
Located in what is now Sudan, Meroe rose to prominence around 800 BCE, following the decline of Napata, the previous Kushite capital. It became a major center for politics, religion, trade, and iron production. The city’s wealth and power rivaled even that of Egypt.
One of Meroe’s most iconic features is its pyramids—dozens of smaller, steep-sided pyramids that still stand today. These were royal tombs for kings and queens of Kush, reflecting a unique blend of Nubian and Egyptian influences.
Meroe was also known for its powerful queens, often called Kandakes (or Candaces), who ruled independently or alongside kings. These warrior queens led armies and negotiated with Roman emperors.
Despite its strength, the empire eventually declined due to internal struggles and external pressures, especially from the Kingdom of Axum (in modern-day Ethiopia), which led to Meroe’s fall around the 4th century CE.
Today, Meroe stands as a powerful reminder of Africa’s rich and advanced civilizations—proof that Africa was shaping history long before colonial times.