Built by an African civilization that constructed even more pyramids than the Egyptians, these unusual monuments rise from the harsh deserts of an area known as Nubia in modern-day Sudan.

Nestled within the expansive Nile Valley, this area was ruled by a powerful people known as the Kushites. Their pyramids were constructed as tombs for mighty kings and warrior queens over a period of centuries, and some are believed to date back as far as 800 BC.

Despite enduring abrasive sandstorms, harsh desert winds, and even the efforts of determined looters armed with dynamite, many of these pyramids have stood strong for millennia.

The leaders of the ancient Kushite kingdoms erected more than 255 of the monumental structures.

Compared to the famous Egyptian pyramids, those found in Nubia are taller and narrower. They have a smaller footprint, and their exteriors consist of horizontal blocks of stone, forming a steep 70-degree incline.

These pyramids range from a modest 20 feet in height to a more impressive 100 feet. Many also have a unique, small offering temple structure at their base, allowing followers to leave offerings and pay their respects.

Analyses of the pyramids around Nubia have determined them to be constructed primarily from sandstone and mud bricks. Still, rarer and more precious materials, along with other mysteries, can be found within…