Nuri is a pyramid cemetery site located on the right bank of the Nile c. 10km north of modern Merowe. It contains more than 60 pyramids made for Kushite kings and queens, and remains of several mortuary chapels. The pyramids and chapels were built from local Nubian sandstone. The site of Nuri was chosen by Taharqo after his return from Egypt in 690 BC, and his is the earliest pyramid present. The cemetery was in use until the reign of Nastasen (c. 315 BC) and was occupied again later during the medieval Christian period. The largest and best- preserved pyramid is that of Taharqo, measuring c. 51.75m2, with a height of 67m and an angle of inclination of 69 degrees. Beneath the pyramid is a burial chamber with six columns and arched ceilings.
