Old Dongola, Medieval archaeological site near Nile River, Sudan
Old Dongola is a large archaeological complex near the Nile that spans hundreds of hectares and contains both urban structures and residential areas. The excavations reveal the remains of churches, palaces, and cemeteries that show how people lived in this former city.
The site served as the capital of the Christian kingdom of Makuria starting in the sixth century before becoming a Muslim city in the fourteenth century. This shift from Christian to Islamic settlement marks a major turning point in the region's history.
The Throne Hall demonstrates how worship practices changed over time at this location, shifting from royal residence in the ninth century to mosque in the fourteenth century. This transformation in how the space was used shows the spiritual reorientation that happened across the region.
The site has multiple excavation areas that can be explored on foot, each revealing different aspects of daily life. Plan for a longer visit since the grounds are spread across a large area.
The Church of the Granite Columns contains sixteen granite pillars with decorated capitals, making it one of the largest religious structures from medieval Nubian architecture. This substantial number of columns was unusual for the era and reveals the importance of the location.
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