Sabu-Jaddi, Archaeological site near Khartoum, Sudan
Sabu-Jaddi is an archaeological site holding over 1600 rock carvings scattered across sandstone cliffs and the edges of wadi Jaddi. The carvings feature diverse animal figures and human depictions spread throughout the rock surfaces.
The rock art at Sabu-Jaddi developed over more than 6000 years and records different periods of Nubian civilization. It shows the shift from hunting-based societies to pastoral communities raising livestock.
The rock carvings depict boats on the Nile with curved and flat bottoms, many showing pilots standing on cabin roofs, reflecting how deeply the river shaped daily life. These images show the importance of water travel to the people who lived here.
The site sits roughly 600 kilometers northwest of Khartoum between two villages in a remote area requiring specialized transportation and local guides for access. Visitors should be ready for rough terrain and bring sturdy gear.
The rock carvings document a striking change in the landscape, showing that the region once had elephants, hippos, and giraffes before turning into today's desert. This shift appears clearly when looking at older and newer carvings side by side.
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