Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.

By Nicole Morgan (Investigative Reporter)
Contributor profile | More stories

Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Extraordinary Drone Footage Of Sudan’s Mysterious Nubian Pyramids (Video)

Thursday, May 28, 2015 5:12

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.

(N.Morgan) The most famous pyramids are those of Egypt, however, thousands of kilometers further south along the Nile stands another impressive group of ancient structures, which have survived in the Sudanese desert for the past 3,000 years.

And thanks to this new drone footage captured by National Geographic, we’re finally able to get some insight into the sheer scale of these incredible and little-studied pyramids.

Constructed by the Nubian civilization, there are about 255 of these mystic and beautiful pyramids in 3 known spots scattered across the Sudanese desert, but most tourists never see these wonders or are even aware of their existence.

There has been very little research done in exploring these structures.

National Geographic filmed this video as part of a new documentary following one of the first archaeological investigations at the El-Kurru pyramid site in almost 100 years.

As reported by Fiona MacDonald of Science Alert: El-Kurri was one of the royal cemeteries built for the Nubian royal family during the time of the ancient Kingdom of Kush, and it contains structures that date back to 1070 BC.

Just like the Egyptians, the Kushites entombed their royalty below lofty pyramids – presumably to help their souls reach up to the heavens – but structurally, the buildings are quite different.

For starters, the Nubian pyramids are far steeper and narrower, and they’re built from stepped stones, as opposed to the smooth surfaces of the wider Egyptian pyramids.

They’re also smaller, ranging from around six to 30 metres in height, compared with the 139 metre Great Pyramid at Giza.

The Nubian pyramids also came around 500 years after the Egyptians had stopped building pyramids of their own.

But there’s still a lot to learn about the ancient structures – including exactly how and why they were built, and insight into the downfall of the Kushite kingdom around 300 AD.

It’s hoped that observing the site from the air will help to provide some perspective.

“The best part with the helicopter is I can fly over and gain this connection between all the other burial sites, between the pyramid and the temple, and get an understanding of what that is from the air,” National Geographic Society engineer and drone pilot, Alan Turchik, explains in the video above.

Drones aren’t the only machines helping to reveal more information about the site – the archaeologist leading the expedition, Geoff Emberling, is also using a remote-controlled robot to excavate caves that are impossible for humans to access.

A similar device has helped scientists to photograph never-before-seen secret chambers in Egypt’s Great Pyramid at Giza.

We’re looking forward to seeing what the team unearths on the ground, but in the meantime, we’ll enjoy watching these 3,000-year-old pyramids from the sky.

References:

http://www.sciencealert.com/watch-incredible-drone-footage-of-sudan-s-mysterious-nubian-pyramids

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Kush

http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2015/05/21/amazing-drone-footage-of-nubian-pyramids/

More Stories Contributed By N. Morgan

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

LION'S MANE PRODUCT

Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules

Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.

Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.

Comments

Online:
Visits:	1,685,966,687
Stories:	8,384,485