Khartoum - Sudan

The Sudanese authorities issued a decision to fence and protect the archaeological area of Tempes in the northern state, after years of being subjected to looting, random digging, and encroachments, in a move expected to put an end to the depletion of one of the most important sites in Nubia and the Nile Valley.

Strategic location in the heart of the Kushite civilization

Temps is located at the third cataract of the Nile River, near Kerma, and is considered one of the most prominent sites associated with the Kushite civilization. It includes tombs, rock inscriptions, and the remains of settlements and facilities dating back to different periods, including tombs dating back to the New Kingdom of Egypt and the Kingdom of Napata, which makes it of great value to researchers in the history of Nubia. The region is famous for its black granite quarries, which were used in the past to construct statues and buildings during the reign of the Kushite kings.

Why was protection delayed?
Archaeological sites in the region continue to face multiple risks, including illegal excavations and searches for artifacts, in addition to encroachments that threaten open sites and lead to the loss of parts of the archaeological context. The appearance of a broken Pharaonic statue at the Temps site raised a wave of questions about the conditions for protecting archaeological sites in the northern state, amid calls for urgent intervention to protect the artifacts.

A first step that requires sustainability

Fencing is seen as a first step towards protecting the site, especially if it coincides with securing and monitoring it and preventing digging and encroachments, in addition to documenting the damage or looting that the area has been exposed to. It also highlights the need for continued cooperation between the antiquities authorities and the people of the region, to ensure the protection of the site and the preservation of its remaining antiquities. The importance of the decision remains linked to the extent of its implementation on the ground, and whether it will be followed by permanent insurance and a clear plan to manage the site and protect it from any future encroachments.

A positive step in the process of protecting Sudanese heritage
The decision to fence Temps represents a positive step in the process of protecting Sudanese heritage, which is part of the Arab cultural memory. For the Arab tourist interested in antiquities, securing the site opens the door in the future to an organized tourist experience in one of the most important sites of the Kushite civilization, which links the history of the Nile Valley to Egypt and Sudan. The decision also enhances investment opportunities in cultural tourism in the Northern State, which is rich in multiple archaeological sites and needs integrated tourism infrastructure and services.