Murals with drawings of Christ and Virgin Mary discovered in northern Sudan

KHARTOUM — While excavating an archaeological site in the Old Dongola region of northern Sudan, Polish researchers discovered stone artifacts dating back to the Middle Ages including ancient murals inscribed with drawings and pictorial motifs of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the archangel Michael.

The researchers described the discovery as unique and unexpected because the images were painted in an unusual way compared to other Christian archaeological discoveries in northern Sudan.

The Polish archeologists said the unique archaeological discovery has great artistic and historical significance for the Old Dongola region. They explained the murals have retained their natural colors and appear as if they were engraved today. They will continue working to decipher the mysterious symbols surrounding the unusual discovery, said the researchers.

The archeology team also found stone blocks with the name “al-Kawa” engraved in hieroglyphics. Al-Kawa is an ancient city located east of the Old Dongola site which contains the temple of King Tahraqa and burial sites from the ancient Kush civilization. The discovery of the stone blocks suggests a close historical link between the cities of al-Kawa and Old Dongola.

Sudanese antiquities expert Abd al-Hay Abd al-Sawi said the Christian murals provide evidence that Nubian artists excelled in drawing and had a unique artistic style and language.