One of the best-preserved Kushite sites in Sudan are the temples of Naqa. Now in ruins, the ancient city of Naqa was once one of the centers of the kingdom of Meroe.
The site has two notable temples, one devoted to Amun and the other to Apedemak which also has a Roman kiosk nearby.
The Temple of Amun
The temple was erected in the 1st century AD by King Natakamani, one of Kush’s most prolific monument builders. It follows a traditional Egyptian floor plan of an outer court with a colonnade approaching a hypo style hall containing an inner sanctuary chamber.
The Lion Temple
The Lion Temple is a beautifully preserved classic of Kushite architecture. It is dedicated to the lion-headed Kushite god Apedemak. The temple is fronted by a massive gateway. To the left and right of the portal are massive carved reliefs of Natakamani and his queen Amanitore in triumphant poses, holding prisoners by the hair. Lions sit at their feet devouring the vanquished.
The Roman Kiosk
It is a showcase for the different influences on Kushite architecture. Its entrance is Egyptian, while the columns and arched windows are Roman in style.