First we have to note that Merowe most famous archaeological heritage such as Barkal Mountain, and the Pyramids fall after the Dam’s location and are not affected in any way by its structure. On the contrary, the Dam will have a positive effect on these sites, as the Dam by itself, is an area of attraction, and is expected to bring more tourists to the area.

 

In its efforts to preserve the archeological remains at the Dam area,  The Dam’s Implementation Unit in cooperation with the National Corporation for Antiquities & Museums announced a comprehensive project for saving Merowe archaeological remains, On the 6^th of Oct. 2001, according to gradual steps. The Project is expected to complete in 2008.

The Unit and the Corporation released an International Call for institutions to participate in rescuing the archaeological remains in the area covered by the Dam’s lake and the resettlement areas. The area has been divided among the Polish, British, and French missions in addition to the Sudanese Corporation.

 

The work started in the Dam’s site (Mirowe Island) because it is the first affected area. In mid 2002, the archaeological survey in this area revealed a tomb that dates back to the fifth century AD. The excavations include around 11 Christian tombs, and120 archaeological remains that are traced back to the Stone Ages.

Not very far from the first resettlement area which is called the New Hamdab or El-Multaga, the survey unveiled a Christian residence near to the water spot. This indicates that there was a residential town in this location 1000 years ago.

By July 2003, the National Corporation for Antiquities & Museums announced the salvation of all archaeological remains in the Dam’s location and in Multaga area. This was all done with full local funding in which The Archaeology Department at University of Khartoum, and the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Dongola took part.

     

Some of the rescued items have been maintained in the British Museum.

The archaeological salvage has been supervised on the field by Dr. Salah Mohamed Ahmed, the Director of Archaeology, in the  National Corporation for Antiquities & Museums.

On 27^th Sept. 2003, the Minister of Tourism and Heritage accompanied by the Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, and the Deputy Executive Director of the Merowe Dam Project opened the Merowe Dam archaeological findings Exhibition, at the Sudan National Museum.

The the National Corporation in cooperation with the French Mission started the archaeological salvage works at Wadi El Mugadam area (The New Amri). The initial surveys revealed some remains that date back to the Old Stone Age, and the Modern Stone Age (6,000 BC), and the post-Merowe era.

In the period from 16 to 21 Oct. 2003, the Director of the British Museum, Mr. Neil Wak, visited the Exhibition which was made for Merowe rescued archaeological remains at Sudan National Museum.

In Dec. 2003, the General Manger for UNESCO visited Merowe area, and was briefed by  Dr. Salah Mohamed Ahmed, the Field Manager of Archaeological remains. He appreciated the efforts made for saving the remains.