The ram statues include the first discovery of a complete royal dedication in Meroitic script, only found before in fragments. The statues were discovered at el-Hassa, a site close to Sudan's 50-odd Meroe pyramids, about 200 km (120 miles) north of the capital Khartoum.

The purpose of the dam being constructed close to the Fourth Cataract, about 200 kilometres north of Khartoum, is to generate electricity. Once completed, its 200-kilometre long reservoir will displace 50,000 people and inundate countless archaeological sites including Meroe in the African kingdom of Kush.

They discovered a ruined pyramid containing fine gold jewellery dating from about 700BC on a remote un-navigable 100-mile stretch of the Nile known as the Fourth Cataract, plus pottery from as far away as Turkey. Other finds included numerous examples of ancient rock art and 'musical' rocks that were tapped to create a melodic sound. They only made the discoveries after being invited by the Sudanese authorities to help excavate part of the Merowe region, which is soon to be flooded by a large hydro-electric dam. More than 10,000 sites were found.

The Carlos Museum’s new exhibit "Lost Kingdoms of the Nile" showcases artifacts from the ancient North African country. Though some objects are peculiar to the Nubians, there are many that show an artistic propensity for Egyptian art. The exhibit also features photos and records of the excavations that brought these objects to light and the turn of the 20th century.