Meroe

Maroe was a wealthy metropolis mentioned in Periplus Maris Erythraea, a First Century merchant's manual.  It was the capital of the kingdom of Cush, located in present day Sudan.  It is famous for its Nubian style pyramids built as royal tombs. 

The site is famous for its steep pyramids, advanced iron-smelting industry, and powerful ruling queens known as kandaces.