When the kings of Kush ruled Egypt, they took their orders from the god Amun of Jebel Barkal, far away in Napata. This supreme god was thought to live inside the mountain. He spoke through mysterious signs to priests in his temple. In this way, he chose each new king of Kush from among the old king's brothers, sons, and nephews. He also advised the reigning king on matters of making war and running the state. Whatever the god said, the kings were supposed to obey.
Archaeologists have found at least thirteen temples and three palaces at Jebel Barkal. One of the palaces was rebuilt on the same spot at least five times. Although the temples of Napata have been extensively excavated, the city ruins have not yet been explored.
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| Computer generated image of the temples of Jebel Barkal as they might have looked about 700 BCE. The temples today are almost completely destroyed. |
| Computer model by William Riseman. |
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| The ruined entrance of the great temple of Amun at Jebel Barkal, as it appears today, with ram statue in foreground. The ram was the sacred animal of Amun. |
| Photo: T. Kendall. |