Researchers study giant petroglyph and church in northern Sudan

Ancient carving sits beneath new church

A life-size figure carved into granite has stood over the landscape for centuries. Researchers suspect the image depicts a Kushite ruler, though its identity remains uncertain. Local builders constructed the Christian structure directly around this much older monument in the seventh century CE.

Survey covers hundreds of sites

The team surveyed nearly 300 archaeological locations across the Miseeda area within the Mahas region. They documented additional rock carvings including lions, elephants, cattle, crosses and ships on the hill. Analysis of pottery styles from the site also revealed several distinct cultural periods.

Study published in Antiquity journal

The findings appear in a new study released by the journal Antiquity. Dr Joanna A Ciesielska from the University of Warsaw led the investigation into local history. The project examined how social significance persisted at the location over millennia.