Jebel Umm Rowag, set within the sharp bend of the Nile between Dal and Amara, dominates its surroundings. Its almost perfect conical form and its isolated situation make it a prominent landmark for miles around. Attaining a maximum height of 454 metres, it towers above the rough, broken countryside. The lower slopes are very steep while the summit is narrow and littered with rock outcrops and massive boulders.

Surveying on the very rough summit was difficult and the wind, often gusting to gale force, added to the problems. The feet of the Total Station’s tripod were piled high with stones to stop the wind dashing the expensive equipment onto the rocks below.

Team members loaded up ready for the descent down to base-camp.

The jebel seen from across the Nile at Amara East.

A casual visit to the top of the jebel a few years ago resulted in the surprise discovery of a complex archaeological site on the summit. In February 2001, survey and recording of the main monuments were undertaken and the pottery was retrieved. The hilltop location presented its own problems for the archaeologists and the logistics of carrying the necessary equipment to the top, of conducting the archaeological work, and of moving all the equipment and the many kilos of pottery back to the base camp, were daunting.