Egypt isn’t home to the largest pyramid site in the world, and it’s twice as big.

When individuals envision pyramids, they frequently imagine the majestic edifices of Egypt—the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, and the pharaohs responsible for their construction. However, many are unaware that the most extensive array of pyramids globally isn’t located in Egypt. Rather, it is concealed in the expansive deserts of Sudan, where the old Kingdom of Kush constructed more than double the pyramids of their northern counterparts (Smithsonian Magazine).

Although not as well-known, the pyramids of Sudan are equally remarkable. They narrate the tale of a formidable civilization that once governed Egypt, merging its own vibrant culture with elements from the pharaohs. Spread throughout the sands of Nubia, these neglected monuments remain as quiet reminders of an empire that has long disappeared from the annals of history.

The Kingdom of Kush was a significant African superpower that flourished from 800 BCE to 350 CE. Situated in present-day Sudan, the Kushites were formidable fighters, adept merchants, and expert constructors who managed essential trade routes along the Nile River. At its peak, Kush not only rivaled Egypt but also subdued it. Circa 770 BCE, the Kushite monarch Piye marched his troops northward, seizing Thebes, Memphis, and the significant temples of Egypt (The British Museum). His dynasty, referred to as the 25th Dynasty, governed Egypt for almost a century, acquiring the nickname of the Black Pharaohs.

When the Kushites finally left Egypt, they did not give up on their aspirations. Rather, they constructed their own cities filled with pyramids, guaranteeing that their monarchs would be remembered forever. One of the most stunning remnants of the Kushite empire is Meroë, a royal city situated close to modern Khartoum. Meroë features the biggest concentration of pyramids globally, with almost 200, but it is still mostly unfamiliar beyond Sudan.

In contrast to Egypt’s enormous pyramids, the pyramids of Kush are smaller and more steeply designed, frequently situated closely in compact burial areas. Numerous ones feature beautifully adorned chapels, fusing Egyptian hieroglyphics with Nubian artistry (UNESCO). These edifices functioned as graves for 41 Kushite monarchs and royalty, interred with riches intended to accompany them in the afterlife.

However, Meroë was not merely a burial site—it served as the core of the Kushite empire. A vibrant hub for commerce, iron manufacturing, and cultural exchange, Meroë linked Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. For centuries, its leaders governed gold mines, ivory, and rare commodities, establishing it as one of the mightiest cities in the ancient world.

Hope remains. In 2011, UNESCO designated Meroë as a World Heritage Site, highlighting these overlooked treasures (UNESCO World Heritage Centre). Archaeologists and conservationists have initiated actions to secure the structures, yet financing continues to be a significant obstacle.

Tourism may serve as a vital support for these pyramids, yet the political climate in Sudan and inadequate infrastructure hinder progress. For daring travelers, the reward is unmatched—a unique opportunity to discover one of the most breathtaking and least-frequented archaeological sites on the planet, away from the bustling crowds of Giza.