January 13, 2009
Sudan skeletons
Reuters didn't want this story yesterday. So here, in an exclusive Meskel Square production, is:
Centuries-old skeletons found at UK's Sudan embassyBy Andrew Heavens
KHARTOUM, Jan 12 (Meskel Square) - Builders uncovered fragments of three, centuries-old skeletons buried deep in the grounds of Britain's embassy in Sudan, officials said on Monday.
The contractors discovered the small pieces of skull and other bones while digging in the central Khartoum compound on Sunday, embassy spokesman Piers Craven told Reuters.
Police called in to investigate found the remains were up to 300-years-old, meaning they pre-dated the foundation of Khartoum as a major settlement in the early nineteenth century, he said.
"It is something of archaeological interest rather than anything more recent or more sinister," said Craven adding officers had not been able to work out the gender of the bodies or their age when they died.
Historians say humans have lived for thousands of years at the site of Sudan's capital at the meeting of the Blue and White Niles.
But it was little more than a fishing village until the 1820s when a Turkish-Egyptian expedition set up an outpost on the spot.
Embassy staff passed on the bones to the Sudanese police who were making arrangements for a re-burial, Craven added.
Posted by aheavens at January 13, 2009 6:34 AM
Comments
Nice yarn. Although I think Reuters may have wanted the story fleshed out a bit more. This is only the bare bones, ahem
Posted by: Rob at January 14, 2009 5:25 AM
Wow, Historic findings in Sudan is an amazing prosepct but it's sad that people are not taking it seriously. I find that Sudan is one of the richest if not most expensive piece of history in Africa. Due to its massive lands yet undiscovered(even if in the middle of the city) there is still a wide unpredictable range of historic atrefacts. I mean even in places where it is thought all has been found(i.e merowoe and north of Khartoum) There are ancient passage ways that are thought yet to be undiscovered in the region of the sudanese pyramids.
Anyway Hope to find out more about where these skeletons originated and if hte british embassy has a plan.
Love the idea of Meskel Square,
Posted by: Amel at January 16, 2009 4:09 PM
I don't understand why western media would refuse to publish this! I mean this is the *the* ultimate proof the Darfur genocide has been going on for centuries and Bashir definitively should be indicted.
Posted by: Peter at February 21, 2009 11:20 PM