Throne Hall of Dongola, Medieval royal monument in Old Dongola, Sudan.
The Throne Hall of Dongola is a two-story brick building standing on a rocky hill in the ancient city of Old Dongola. It rises roughly 12 meters high and occupies a position that overlooks the Nile valley below.
The building was constructed in the 9th century as a ceremonial space for rulers of the Makurian kingdom. In 1317, it was converted into a mosque under Sayf al-Din Abdullah Barshambu, marking a major shift in the region's religious and political order.
The walls show traces of artwork that blends Nubian, Byzantine, and Christian artistic traditions, reflecting the mixed heritage of medieval inhabitants. This artistic mixture from different cultures remains visible in what survives today.
The archaeological site is located in a remote area with limited facilities on-site for visitors. It is wise to plan in advance and consider hiring a local guide to help navigate the site and its surroundings.
Original wall paintings survive beneath layers of plaster that were applied centuries ago and kept them hidden. These artworks were preserved precisely because of the building's conversion to a mosque, which protected them from damage.
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