Old Dongola

Old Dongola, a significant archaeological site in Northern Sudan, was a central hub in medieval Nubia. Founded in the 5th century CE as a fortress, it served as the capital of the Makurian state from the 4th to the 14th centuries. The city experienced its heyday between the 9th and 11th centuries, with numerous churches, palaces, and a large monastery dedicated to St Anthony. The Throne Hall, a monumental structure, was converted into a mosque in 1317 CE. Despite its decline in the 13th and 14th centuries due to Arab attacks, Old Dongola remained a significant religious and cultural center. The relocation of the economic center to New Dongola in the 19th century marked the end of its prominence. The site today reveals a rich tapestry of defensive, domestic, and religious structures, offering insights into the medieval Nubian civilization.