Old Dongola Cathedral Quarter (Makurian Annex)
Old Dongola Cathedral Quarter · Dongola Cathedral Annex
Makurian Christian (c. 500–1500 CE; cathedral 707 CE)·Makurian Nubian Christian·🇸🇩 Northern State, Nile east bank 120 km south of Dongola, desert–Nile fringe, Sudan
About
About Old Dongola Cathedral Quarter (Makurian Annex)
Annex quarter south of Old Dongolo's famous cruciform church, with 707 CE cathedral (32×28 m) with 6 granite columns, 11th c frescoes of archangels and king portraits, and palace annex built of fired brick on Nile cliff.
Why it mattersKey Makurian Christian (c. 500–1500 CE; cathedral 707 CE) site illustrating Makurian Nubian Christian urbanism and makuria's royal cathedral annex with palace and fort controlling nile–darfur car.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Cathedral vs church chronology — which first?
Theories
- 01Nubian fresco school vs Byzantine
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Cathedral Quarter annex 707 CE under King Merkourios; fresco phase 11th c
- Period
- Makurian Christian (c. 500–1500 CE; cathedral 707 CE)
- Culture
- Makurian Nubian Christian
- Purpose
- Makuria's royal cathedral annex with palace and fort controlling Nile–Darfur caravan
- Excavation
- Excavated
Cathedral Quarter annex 707 CE under King Merkourios; fresco phase 11th c
Initial construction / foundation
20th century
Modern archaeological survey and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
18.2200° N · 30.7400° E · 220 m · 3 mapped features
Old Dongola Cathedral Quarter (Makurian Annex) — Principal Gate
gateMain gate and rampart section at Old Dongola Cathedral Quarter (Makurian Annex)
18.2206° N · 30.7406° EOld Dongola Cathedral Quarter (Makurian Annex) — Central Forum/Basilica
forumForum–basilica complex at Old Dongola Cathedral Quarter (Makurian Annex)
18.2200° N · 30.7400° EOld Dongola Cathedral Quarter (Makurian Annex) — Baths/Cisterns
bathsBaths and cistern cluster at Old Dongola Cathedral Quarter (Makurian Annex)
18.2194° N · 30.7394° E