Antiquities Sites
Safaga
Sagafa Located in the southeast of Dawadmi, about 280 kilometers from the city of Riyadh, it is an area surrounded by small hills and the steep endges of the valleys and low escarpments. Recent archeological excavations have revealed several stone tools and flakes indicating remnant of a settlement dating back to the period between the Paleolithic to the Neolithic periods.
Jabal Baidatain
Jabal Baidatain is located 13 kilometers southwest of Dawadmi. On this site were found traces of ancient settlements near the base of the hill. Several engravings of animals and Talmudic inscriptions and paintings on rock facades were found.
Jabal Baraga
It is located 70 km north of Al Bajadia. On this site were found the remains of ancient tombs and settlements receding back to 2000 years. Another interesting find is the remnants of stone buildings in the shape of service centers. The full purpose of these buildings is yet to be decifered.
Jabal Qanoofah
Located at a distance of 70 km from Dawadmi is an archaeological caves on the faces of which are inscriptions and drawings which are well preserved.
Thumammah Archeological Site
A first survey was done in 1402/1981 by a team of archeologists and they had found that this region had witnessed a superior civilization during the Neolithic period (8000 years ago). This ancient site is part of the Al-A’arid area in Najd region in Central Province. The housings of Thumammah settlement are found on the banks of the wadis and on the slopes of the mountains. A large groups of stone tools and the peridotitic remains (dark coarse-grained igneous rock consisting principally of olivine) on this location exhibit great skills of its resicents in the art of primitive industrialization.
Kahaf Burmah
This cave is located at a distance of 66 km northeast of Riyadh and the interface of the cave shows many inscriptions and rock paintings of intricate designs. The specialists from SCTA have reproduced about 15 of them which are as old as 2,400 years in the antiquity.
Al Bajadiyah Site
Located at a distance of 68 miles (112 km) west of Dawadmi, was found the ruins of an old dilapidated settlement and a number of inscriptions, and some waste of pottery are traced. Also found on the site some bits of iron ore indicating the presence of an iron mine near the site.
Al Faw / Al Qariyah Site
Qariyah Site which is also known as Al Faw, its old local name, about 700 kilometers southwest of the city of Riyadh and about 150 kilometers southeast of Al Khmasin of Al Dawasir valley and on the north-western point of Empty Quarter in a valley, at the point of intersection of Wadi Al-Dawassir with Tuwaiq Hills. It is location on the ancient trade route known by Najran – Jerhae.
The location of Al Qariyah is one of the most important archaeological finds at the level of the Arabian Peninsula, if not the world, as it embodies the example of the Arab neighborhood city before Islam with all its components, from the housing and roads, markets and temples, graves and wells, still intact.
Al-Aflaj
Al-Aflaj is located in the south-west of Najd plateau sandwiched between the main mountain - Twaiq hills in the west and the low escarpment in the plains about 300 km from Riyadh. The most important effects of the site is Al-Eiwoon which is about 18 km from Lilla. It contains a remains of a settlement covered by lot of pottery and the remains of graves and irrigation systems dating back to early Hellenistic period.
Al-Hani
Located in the city of Riyadh on the south side on the banks of Wadi Hanifa. It is an ancient settlement dating back to the pre-Islamic period, an area of 1000 m × 500 m. On the surface of the site are seen the remains of houses, fences, wells, dams and fractured pottery of ancient times. The Antiquities and Museums department of Ministry of Education conducted archaeological excavation at the site e in 1418 / 1997 that resulted in discoveries of the existence of various housing units and some archaeological finds.
Caravan Road (Ab Al-Gad)
Located in the heart of Twaik mountain range south of the Gusoor Almoqbil town. A distance of 4 km long camel caravan route that runs through the mountains of Twaik from the bottom to the top to a height of 969 meters, paved with stones and rocks. It is dating back to the pre Islamic era.
Wadi Fatimah
It starts from the mountains of northern Arabian Shield, north of Mecca and extends to the south-west towards Tihama coastal plain along the Red Sea shores. Many archeological sites are recorded belonging to the Ashuwili age. Excavations have revealed some stone tools such as machetes and hand axe, spade, among others. Also a number of minor sites were discovered in the province of Jeddah dating back to Al Mustiri Age (80000 – 35000 years ago).
Jabal Al-Rediah
Located at a distance of 20 kilometers north of Jeddah, there are carvings on rocks representing human figures that are very clear and well preserved on the hill at an altitude of approximately 6 m from the surface of the earth
Jabal Al-A'arfa
This site is located 35 km in the northeast of Taif. It is one of the largest sites of the rock carvings that include rock-goats, deer, cattle and other animal figures dating back to pre-second millennium BC. Site includes some Thamudic inscriptions and Kofi writings.
Shuaiba Port
It is located 50 kilometer in the south of Jeddah. Al-Kalbi says that Al-Shaibah was the main port in the Arabian Peninsula in the pre-Islamic times. It is believed that Calif Osman ibn Affan had established the present port in Jeddah in the year 26H /616 to receive convoys of pilgrims.
Mina Al-Sarin
It is located 50 kilometer in the south of Al Laith Province. This sea port was abandoned and sand buried most of its effects with many of the historic monuments, literature and the remnants of glass and pottery industries, dating back to the third century AH (9th century CE) are excavated.
Al-Ma'adan Village
It is located in the South of Taif Province. It was famous for its stone industry. Confirming to this, various stone utensils of multi-use of ancient times like censors, sop boxes were found here.
Souq Okaz
Is the biggest market for pre-Islamic Arabs, and was held for the purposes of literary and commercial, political and social activities. It is located outside the city of Taif to the north-east on the road to Riyadh.
Thalbah Dam
This dam is located in a narrow valley, about seven kilometers distance from Taif. It was built of stones of square shape in the form of two parallel walls.
Al-Samlagi Dam
This is the tallest dam in the Lee valley in the outskirts of Taif at a distance of 35 km south of the city. It is an ancient bridge likely to have been built in the pre-Islamic period. On some of its rock faces are early Kufi writings listing most of the advantages of the dam. This is a very large dam with prodigious length of over 200 meter and width 10 meter, which demonstrates the art of architecture and construction in the ancient Arab tribes.
Sesid Dam
It is located in the south-east of Taif in a naturally protected area. Its construction is different from the other dams as being built with rectangular sized stone as large horizontal building blocks in the walls which are solid, steady and broad. This dam is famous having been built during the reign of Caliph Umayyad Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan. Around this dam there are inscriptions and engravings dating back to year 58H (677-678 CE).
Al-Lasab Dam
It was built in a Wadi east of the highway to Jeddah. The walls are wide and strong and built on an elevated area in the middle of 5 meter wide narrow stream of the wadi. There are remains of some abandoned houses besides the dam where early Islamic pottery shreds are discovered. In addition to the dams mentioned above, 34 other old dams are also located in the Taif area.
Birkat Al-Kharaba
It is one of the water reservoirs located on the famous Darb Zubaydah (Zubaydah pilgrimage route). It lies 95 km northeast of Al-Taif and consists of two reservoirs, one is circular and the other rectangular shaped. A canal carried water to both of them.
Al-Kharabah Pond
It is one of the best preserved ponds near the famous Zubaidah Pathway located 95 kilometers away in the north-east Taif. It includes two ponds – one circular and the other one rectangular shaped with a canal for transporting water to them.
Aqeeq Pond
It is a very large square-shaped pond. It is part of the main archaeological stop on the main Zubaidah Pathway. The station is located 45 kilometer in the north-east of Daribbah site at Aqeeq Valley.
The site is on the western slopes of Aqeeq Valley. The buildings installations are protected against eastern floods. On the eastern side of the valley there are a number of ponds, canals and some building structures. Zubaidah Pathway is clear on this site.
Um Al-Dameeran
It is located at a distance of 1.5 kilometers in northwest of the village Salla, a modern village, north-east of Mecca about 45 km above the, steep Yamina Hill in the northeast and southwest of Valley Shamia. Um Al-Dameeran is one of the biggest stations on Zubaidah Pathway. The station has two ponds and surface canals, underground canals, buildings and two fortresses.
Al-Hajar "Madain Saleh"
Madian Saleh (Al Hajr) is located 22 kilometers in the north-east of Al-Ulla. It is known as Madian saleh since ancient times. Its historical reputation rests as a signatory to the ancient trade route linking the southern Arabian Peninsula and the Levant (Eastern Mediterranean at large). The Nabutian Kings lived in this area and took this as their southern capital for their Nabutian state when they dominated the north-west of the Arabian Peninsula. Petra was their Northern capital.
Madian comprises of rock faces carved with palatial facades hills. After the Nabutains, Madian saleh was abandoned when the trade routes through Red Sea were discovered in the Roman era. The site regained its importance again in the Islamic era as an important pilgrimage route coming from Syria.
This area is known as Madain Saleh (Saleh's Towns) – it was named so by an Andalusia traveler in 737H / 1336CE.
Al-Kheraibah
It is one of the areas located within Madian Saleh. Thomedians lived in this area and then followed by Nabutians.
Miscellaneous groups of isolated walls of mud with stone foundations are found in this area, in addition to this plenty of utensils and beads were discovered here. Stone basins used for watering sheep and keeping water birds are available. Small mud figurines in the human forms were also found. Large amount of wooden, metals and ivory articles were discovered beside ancient coins and various kind potteries.
Islamic Mabiat Site
It was known as (Garah), a site dating back to the Umayyad and Abbasid era, one of the most important early Islamic sites in the north. Explorations made in 1984 have indicated that a large Muslim city existed here. The survey revealed rich components of archaeological and cultural value. Narrow streets with shops on both side and houses decorated with wooden doors and windows and other graffiti written in fresco style, reminiscent of the famous Samarra culture were discovered. Al Magdasi described it in the 4th century Hijri, as the second largest city after Mecca. Antiquity excavations in 1985 have revealed archaeological remains of a mosque believed to be an Eid Mosque (Annual festival Mosque). Besides this, the remains of the city wall and complete housing units are found. The town was flourishing in 3rd and 5th Hejiri century but it declined by the 6th Hejiri Century (12th century CE).
Khaif Al-Zahra Site
As an important settlement of the old Dydania state, it is situated north of Khraybe about 1 km and it is surrounded by a stone wall on all sides. It was a settlement at the end of a rural agricultural valley in the vicinity of the modern Khraybe. It was definitely an agricultural rural settlement near the end of the Al-Ama'atidal valley that gave Al-Khraybe lush surroundings and views. This site provided new dimension to archaeological research for the Dydania state, which flourished during the first millennium B.C. It is located in the north of Al-Ulla (Khraybe in the old Diydan). The site and surrounding lands reflect the development that took place in the field of agriculture and irrigation and also language and civilizations as revealed in the inscriptions found. The remnants of surrounding walls disclosed the importance the city as a leading position in defense of the capital of the Khraybe – the capital of Dydania State.
Taroot Island
It is an Island located on the Arabian Gulf near Al-Qatiff. It is linked by a natural bridge – 10 to 20 meter wide and four kilometer in length. Its area is not more than four square kilometers. The historic Taroot town is located in the middle of the Island and it has important implications, for in the island as some antiquities dating back to the era of the first strains of Mesopotamia (i.e., before a period in 4000 and 5000) are found. Some other discoveries are related to contemporary Elam of Persian civilization and Almohnjaddaro culture, the Indus valley civilization, and the Fire Civilization which dominated in the southern area of the Arab Gulf.
Ein Ganas
It is located near Al-Murah Village in Al-Ahsa. It is founded in the Slave era. It contains multi-storied residential units belong to the Neolithic period, with an impetus on slave culture that had evolved here and spread north into Mesopotamia. Sufficient proof of a thriving slave culture at Dussariyah area in the south of Jubail City and at Abukhamis and on the adjacent islands such as Maslameyah Island and JANA Island is available. By the end of the Slaves Age (prior to 5550 years), the civilized ages started in the Mesopotamia and commercial and cultural contacts between the centers of civilization around the Arabian Gulf and the Fire area south of the Arabian Gulf thrived.
Thaj Archeological Site
Thaj is located about 80 kilometers to the west of Jubail. Today Thagg is a small village on the border of Sabkha known as Thagg Sabkha. The archaeological researches was conducted by the Danish Mission in the year 1388H /1968 and the other one conducted by the Antiquities & Museums Agency at the Ministry of Education later during the year 1403 – 1404H / 1982-83 – revealed that there was a full city surrounded by a huge external wall made of stones. The length of the side of this wall was 900 meters. This site is located as a mound and remains of foundations wall and the residential houses are distinctly visible. Pottery and glass pieces as well as decoration tools were also discovered. The construction of the city dates back to the Greek era, which is known as the Salugi period and the history of the area, is referred to the early 3rd century B.C / 9th century CE).
Ibrahim Palace
It is located in the town of Hofuf and attributed to the Governor Afissan Ibrahim bin Amir Al-Ahsa during the time of Imam Saud Al Kabeer, who lived in this palace. The construction history of the town is referred to the year 974H / 1577G as being built in phases until the year 1000H /1591G. The total area of the palace is 16,500 m2. The construction method of this palace mingled both the military and religious style. Inside this palace is a mosque called Al-Quba Mosque which has only one dome resting on top of the entire building. This dome is of unique style in Saudi Arabia, unknown before.
Huzam Palace
It is located in Hafuf town and it is constructed in the year 1220H /1805G in the time of Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz Al kabeer. Its total area is 12,000 m2. The military style dominates the construction method of this palace for the place was mostly a military barrack.
Al-A'aqeer Sea Port
Al'aqeer is the main sea port in Jubail on the East coast of Saudi Arabia. It is an archaeological site that links with many adjacent archaeological sites in the area. There are old buildings such as Governorate center, Customs building and the Mosque, built in the beginning of the reign of King Abdulaziz, and it is believed to be an old market that dates back to pre-Islamic times. This market is correlated to Almeshir market and Hajr market. This market has seen the abandonment Al'aqeer sea port and witnessed the launching of the Islamic armies that conquered Persia and India until it arrived at the borders of the country of China.
Aldoor Archeological Site
It is in the south-eastern part of Al Ahsa, in the form of buried ancient hills. The site contains foundations of dilapidated buildings. Remains of many buildings were found in the center of the site; most likely it was a market place. A dilapidated old and ancient mosque was found in front of the market, indicating that this ancient site was an Islamic village. Presently the place is known as Aldoor. It dates back to 9th – 10th Hijri Century / 15th -16th century CE.
Juwatha Mosque
Joatha mosque is located about 20 km north east of Hofuf and about 5 km north of the Kallabah village. This mosque is built during the early Islamic period, around 2nd century Hijira – which makes it 1200 years old structure.
The Town of Garash
Garash is located 15 kilometers to the south of Khamis Meshayt. Remains of huge buildings were found here which were built with stones and mud. Several artifacts were discovered that belong to a period stretching from the pre-Islamic time to the 11th Century Hijiria / (6th-17th century CE). Pilgrimage road linking Yemen passes through this village. It was a famous site for leather and military tools industry and also known for the use for manganese in making armor. Garash village was very famous during the time of holy Prophet as an important commercial center. The people of Garash village embraced Islam in the prophet’s time itself being the earliest Muslims. Abu Sifiyan had acted as in charge of the governorate in that period.
Tathleeth Valley
Tathleeth valley is an important area for archeological content as dozens of different archaeological sites were found here. Some of these sites date back to the Paleolithic Age to Neolithic Age in the south of the Arabian Peninsula. Several rock engravings and inscriptions were discovered and many topographic features evidence the existence of mining activity among its ancient inhabitants.
Shamsan Fortress
Shamsan Fortress is located at the base of mountain where a number of ancient grave stones were found in addition to some foundations of buildings and their walls still intact. Stones and mud was the primary building material of the time. Scattered on the surface of this area were stone tools with different shapes characterized by mastery and accuracy dating back to 3rd millennium B.C. Set of fracture of a ceramic made of red clay was also found – belonging to the 1st millennium B.C. Shamsan known as “Shamsan Castle", is a large rectangular building with an area of 90 × 50 meters with three towers and the main entrance on the western side overlooking the city. A four meter wide door on the western wall opens into a central courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by rooms and facilities inside the fort. Most of the walls of the fort are still in place, though aged over 3-4 thousand years old.
Al Makhsmah Archeological Site
Makhsmah is located in the south of the road linking Khamis Meshayt with Al-Qara, on a granite rock which is mostly brown. Collection of stone tools and broken pottery were found here, in addition to foundations of old buildings constructed of broken stone of various shapes and sizes are discovered. The history of Makhmassah covers a period of 3rd - 2nd millennium B.C.
Al-Hayyan Village complex
This site is famed for a number of rock paintings and drawings on the surfaces of a huge rock. Ancient drawings of horses and riders carrying spears in their hands, representing military drawings are found, possibly of knights. Spread around this rock are scattered animal and human figuriness made of stones. To the north and east of the site, at about 2 km away there are other rocks with various inscriptions. The prominent of these are the ‘al-Mani rocks’, depicting a camels caravan carrying Al Howdah.
Sarba'al Site
Sarba'al is located in Ba'al valley in the northeast of Tathleeth, about 30 kilometers from it. Remains of residential utilities and foundations of many multi-purpose buildings with square, rectangular and circular foundations are found. These dwelling were built using black stones that dominate the site. Sarba'al is rich with surface elements consisting of broken pottery made of red and brown clay. There are some small trappings and decorations that are painted green and blue. The artifacts are believed to belong to the Abbasid period.
A'ia Valley
A'ia Valley is in the Bisha region of Assir Privince. This is a rich archaeological site in the form of several villages scattered on the banks of the valley: like Duhla, Rahuwa, Aljuhor, Al-Ma'allah and Madfat, several castles, forts, mosques and cemeteries are found here. All these structures were built of stones and timber of Seder and trunks of palm, coated with layers of mud and hay spread over several layers. The structures were carefully designed with a masterly construction. The site includes Mishraf, Humaidan and Ibn Jubaih Fortress.
Al-Jahawa Archaeological City.
It is located on the bank of Al-Namas valley to the south. Hamdani has mentioned in his book “Arabian Peninsula in 320H (932G)” that Al-Jahawa was the largest city of Jarash. It was the base of a small Sultanate. The foundations of the old walls and fortification built with large stones remain to date. Its old market, known as Al-Ras has now vanished, and nothing is left of it due to the urban and agricultural expansion. One important remain, is an old furnace used for melting slag and iron, suggesting that the dwellers of the city exercised mining of iron ore as a profession.
Badiya Beni Umru
Badiya Beni Umru is located to the east of Halba in Al-Namass Province. It is one of the areas rich in ancient rock-reliefs dating back to pre-Islamic periods. There are several carvings of different animals, battle scenes, hunting and combat scenes visible on rock facades, in addition to inscriptions in Kofi scripts dating on three historical periods of Islamic importance 125/127/155(H) corresponding to 742/745/ 771(G).
Marid Palace
Marid is a giant palace located in Al-Assyah (Ein Bin Fehaid). It is a square building with an area of 45m x 45m, with its our-wall thickness of about 1.2 meters. Almost all of this palace is painted white. From the constructions style it is inferred that it belongs to the early Abbasid period.
Dariyah
It was an old town before the advent of Islam and during the Islamic period it rose to fame as the region's largest Hajj station of the several pilgrimage stations extending from Basra to Mecca.
Zubaidah Archeological Site
It was s an important pilgrim route across the Qassim area. It was the old Hajj route used by the pilgrims coming from AL-Kufa in Iraq to Mecca. One of its important archaeological features is, in the western part of the structure is the Al Jufinah lake, which is still intact.
Dhariya Towers at Shiqa
It is a control tower of a great height. It was used as a watch tower and it belongs to the Pre-Islaimic times. This tower was mentioned in the poetry of the sncient poet Amrei Al-Qaiss.
Shanana Tower
Was built of mud abodes and it was multi-storied. At its base the diameter is six meter then it gradually tappers to reach 1.5 meter at the summit. This tower was built in the year 1111H (1699G) and it was thirty meter in height when built.
Al-Entriyatt at Qusaiba
The site is located at the west of Qusaiba (Guloah) about 94 kilometers to the north of Buraidah. It is known as the Castle of Antar Bin Shiddad Al-Absi. It was built in the shape of a palace with towers made of stones and gravels.
Alkhalaf and Alkhalaif
Located in the province (Guloah), two sites of neighboring cities, separated by a distance of 2 km are discovered. There are remains of two different neighborhoods as well as the remains of Alkhelaif mosque, which was built on an area of 324 square meters with tall walls of thick and robust construction. The mosque Al-Khalife has vanished leaving no trace now. There are ancient cemeteries on these sites, as well as 27 Hahdia inscription found on them covering a period from first half of the third century until the second half of the fifth century AH (860 – 1050 CE). All these graves are engraved in Kofi style.
A'asham
This archeological site is located on the ancient pilgrimage route in the south of the Arab Peninsula from Yemen to Mecca, along the coast of Red Sea. Prior to Islam this place was famous for metal industry. It is on an area of 1500m x 600m from east to west. The houses in this area were built of volcanic stones, hence most of them are in black color. The rock blocks were arranged on each others without the use of mortar. About 100 houses are identified. These houses have one room to many rooms. And there is a cemetery in the east of the village in an area around 150m × 150m. The graves are richly inscribed with Kofic inscriptions (26 are identified). At A'asham are found a large number of pieces of broken pottery belonging to the periods of pre-Islamic centuries to the early fifth century AH (11th century CE).
Al-A'ablah Site
A dedicated archaeological missions at the Antiquities & Museums Agency, Ministry of Education, attached special priority for research and study of this site as it was a model of the old mining industry. Many mining enterprises and mines were revealed in this site in addition to its role in agricultural activity and trade is visible in region throughout the area.
Zi Ein
It an archeological village located in the southwest of Al Baha to the right side of the road linking to Majhwa, about 20 kilometers from the city. The village was built on top of a hill. The village itself has some 31 houses and a small mosque. The houses are of two to seven storeys tall. Stones were used in building the houses and roofed with Juniper trees being brought from the adjacent forests. The balconies of the houses were decorated with quartz stones cut to solid triangles. The houses themselves were decorated with triangular stones. There are also some of defensive fortifications to protect the village from raids or perhaps for surveillance purpos. Zi Ein is famous for cultivation of various fruits, especially the bananas, which are grown even today. This village is estimated about 400 years old.
Al-Eikhdood (The Ditch) Site
Al Elkdood’s name is mentioned in the Holy Qura - Surah Al Buruj: ”In the Name of the God Most Benevolent and Most Merciful”- "Cursed were the People of the Ditch" – "Of fire fed with fuel" – "When they sat by it (fire)" – "And they witnessed what they were doing against the believers" - ”God Almighty is Truthful”.
The last Kings of Al-Tebaieh (Zu Nuwass) – a Jew who retaliated on the Christians of Najran had insulted and killed them. The persecuted christians sought help from the King of Ethiopia who had sent a military garrison led and commanded by Arbatt who defeated Zu Nuwass and ended his regime.
The Antiquities and Museums Agency at the Ministry of Education, conducted exploration of this former mining site in the year 1402H /1982G and the results were very encouraging. The castle had huge external walls and these were made of square cut stones with an identical square top as a balcony for defense. Enclosed in walled area there are many stone buildings. Besides this, animal drawings and inscriptions were found at the site. Outside the castle are a number of graves, ruins of the foundations of buildings and miscellaneous artifacts belonging to the Byzantine times, the Umayyad, Abbasid and post-Abbasid periods.
Archaeological excavations revealed that the site was important - as a commercial center and agriculture had flourished here through dams and irrigation systems that has left its foot prints. Numerous inscriptions were found here testifing that this site was an important center of trade and caravans in its heydays.
Hima Well
It is one of the historically important sites. Abundance of the archaeological elements of diverse historical periods have appeared here dating back to Musteri era (80,000 to 400,000 years ago). There are some other sites that contain archaeological elements that belonged to the Paleolithic to Neolithic Age. At Kawkab Hill (Mount Planet) piles of graves belonging to historic epoch called the Civilization of the Arabian Peninsula are found.
These sites furnished the Archaeological Survey Mission with sufficient information through the rock carvings and inscriptions which have been well documented. This period extends from the seventh millennium BC to the first millennium BC. On these sites, we get sufficient information on human life of that period. For example that the population of the region had hunting dogs (Suluqia) and they had domesticated Astedua camels, cows, goats, ostriches and sheep. They used to hunt using weapons including spears, sticks, bows and dual tipped arrows.
Old trade rout of Drab Al Bakhoor
The old trading routes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been of great importance to the researchers who are interested in studying the history of the Arabian Peninsula. One of these trading routes is the old trading route (Darb Al Bakhoor). This road was very famous because the army of Abraha Al-Habashi used it when he was leading his garrison to destroy Mecca in the year of the Prophe’s birth (Peace and Blessings of God be upon him). Also this rout is named as Asaad Kamil after one of the Tababah Kings (Abu Karab Asaad 385–420 BC).
The survey and documentation campaigns resulted in discovering and documenting many parts of the road. The length of the distance being documented in the first stage is 44 km towards Makkah. About 23 sites and stations have been documented in the first stage. In the second stage a distance of 160 km and 30 sites on the road are counted. The surveying missions found stone shapes, small mosques and wells. Some of these wells are still being used by the nomads. Also there are some engravings and inscriptions as well as Kofi writings. The survey missions in addition, found some paved parts on the road as being demarcated with stones. We can say that this road was constructed in the beginning of the 1st millennium B.C. that witnessed the historic visit of the Queen of the biblical King Solomon, peace be upon him.
Jibbah Basin /Sandy Desert
Jibbah Basin is located 60 to 80 kilometers inside the Al-Nifud area. It is a vas desert – about 300 kilometer stretching in the east and west. The rocky engravings and inscriptions are scattered on some stone faces in this area. Around Hail there are series of hills full of engravings and Thomedic drawings that belong to the 3rd or 4th Century B.C. The archaeological researches and surveys showed the existence of Islamic city in Jibbah.
Feid / Ruins of Khrash Palace
Situated 120 kilometers to the southeast of Hail and it is called the ruins of Khrash Palace which is believed to be the site of an ancient city dating back to pre-Islamic times. The Hajj route "Zubaidah Path” passes through the Feid village where there are remains of some ponds and architectural structures. In Feid there are three famous springs which are Ein Alnakheel, Ein Alhar and Ein Albardah that and the famous palmed Al-Ain, hot and cold well, all belonging to the Islamic period.
Mount Al Meliheyah
It is located 40 kilometers east of Hail. On the facades of the rocks of this hill are interesting inscriptions and engravings that include drawings of cows, camels, black ostriches and lions indicating that these animals were abundant during the period.
Al-Sufun Palace
It is located in a small valley on the foot of Mount Aja, northwest of Hail. The antiquities in this are the Old water canals and basins that were constructed for draining the water of the valley and also for watering the farms. The engravings and inscriptions available on the Aja hill show that this site dates back to 2500 years B.C.
Hatim Al-Tae's Palace
There is a village ‘Turan’ at the foot of Mount Aja. It is known to contain the ancient Tae tribe inhabiting the region from pre-Islamic era. Dedicating this Palace to Hatim Al-Tae is not confirmed because this palace has seen successive periods, as the building of architectural remnants show.
Al-Rajajeel Archeological Site
This site may be linked to some kind of stone circles when compared with other surface materials. This site deserves special attention due to its unique features. Tiath Rajajil site is at a distance of ten kilometers south of Skaka site and it consists of about 50 separate set of columns that are approximately three meters high. These columns are randomly located on a series of low terraces (300 - 500) and overseeing the vast valley. There is a wide valley intersected by a road leading to Al-Nufud area. Each of the group of these columns consists of 10 – 12 columns and it is believed that these were used during funeral rites.
Jabal Barnes (Prince Hill)
It is located in the west of Za'abal Palace. This site has engravings of dance scenes along with confused Arabic inscriptions.
Beer Sesir (Happy Well)
It is a well known site in the vicinity of the Za’abal palace and the well is carved out on a rock platform. At the bottom of the well there is a rectangular hole followed by a very large hole below. The purpose of this structure is still not known.
Al-Garah Site
Al Garah site is located 5 kilometer away in the south of Sakaka. It contains many Thomedic writings and inscriptions strange animal forms.
Al-Sarhan Valley
In the past it was called as Al-Sir Valley. Al-Sarhan Valley was a crossing corridor for caravans. Commercial name of this place as Al-Ma'arifah and Al-Mausilla (link-point) connecting between Tema, Dadan, Tadmar and Basri as well as commercial caravans coming from Al-Jarha on the coast of the Arab Gulf from Babylon heading to Gaza on the Mediterranean cost. According to the available evidence it is viewed that this region had settlements from different eras of history and is one of the Stone settlements in the Arabian Peninsula.
Alongside the remains of walls at Badia some tools belonging to the Neolithic age were found. Near these sites, drawings and engravings estimated to be thousands of years old on rocks are found.
Al-Sharrah
It is mentioned in the book of Arab Lands of author Al-A'amri who said that Al-Sharrah, Afeyah and Abaidh belonged to Balgin land who had permitted their women to grow and eat and where men outnumber women. Al-Sharrah is a village located at 35 -37 longitude and 27 -31 latitude. An English traveler, Mrs. Blunt had visited this site during late September 1879. She says that Al-Sharrah village is a twin of Kaf village located in the east. This voracious traveler indicates that Al-Sharrah is smaller than Kaf but it is famous for its old buildings inside a mini castle styled in the house of Haroon Al-Rashid. In Al-Sharrah there are many antiquities found inside the village like the Raslaniya Palace, Um Qaseer, Al-Asrab, water channels and the old cemeteries. In addition to the remains of buildings on Mount Radwa, remnants of architectural elements, ancient coins and jewels and some other tools were found.
Tema
It is located to the south-east of the city of Tabuk is about 264 kilometers from the ancient oasis which includes many antiquities dating back to the pre-Islamic period. Several inscriptions and rare artifacts are found that date back to 8th century B.C. Other antiquities dating back to the early Islamic history are the most important artifacts found here.
Great Wall of Tema
Great Wall of Tema surrounding the old city from the west, south and the northeast except the northern side where it is enclosed by salt lake called Al-Sabkha. The wall extends for ten kilometers. It is made up of stones, bricks and mud. The wall is more than 10 meters tall in some places and less so in some parts. It is built of stones and mud. The width of this wall is 1 – 2 meters. Its construction dates back to the sixth century BC.
Al-Hamra Palace
It is located in the northern side of Tema and considered as one of the key archaeological monuments. This palace was constructed by stones. It is divided into three sections – one section used for worshipping and other two sections for serving the residents of the Palace. It was constructed in the middle of the sixth century B.C.
Al-Radm Palace
Al-Radm Palace is almost square in the middle there is a well. Its walls were built of stone pillars and it is dating back to the first millennium BC.
Hadaj Well
Hadaj well is considered as one of the largest wells in the Arabia Peninsula. It was dug and constructed in the sixth century B.C. It is said that the well had been buried when the flood disaster hit Tema and remained buried for centuries until a man named Suliman Bin Gunaim came and re-constructed the well once again.
Al-Ablaq Palace
The site of this palace is still buried under rubble except for some of its upper parts which show that the walls of the palace were built with stones.
Al-Hadiqah Hill
‘The Garden Hill’ when translated is located in the modern residential town. Its history belongs to the second century B.C. Some of its parts were excavated – that contained many potteries. This indicates the high density of population then and the flourishing pottery industry.
Old Cemeteries
It is known as Senyaie Site (Industrial Site). This name is a modern name because the cemeteries are located in the Industrial Zone. This area contains many graveyards. Some spiritual materials and tools were found in the area which was used for the burial purposes. The site goes back to first millennium B.C.
Qariyah Site
It is located 90 kilometers in the northwest of Tabuk. Qariyah is a residential and agricultural settlement that belongs to the first millennium B.C. Many stone tools were found in this area besides kilns for making potteries. The walls extend from the valleys and rises to the top of the hills. There are temples and water irrigation trenches which resemble the water irrigation system well linked to agricultural and industrial sections.
Rawafah Temple
It is a temple located 115 km in the western-south of Tabuk and in the middle of Hassmi area. This temple is an old Roman temple (Nabutian) and dates back to second century B.C. and this temple is similar to the Temple of Romans in Wadi Rum in Jordan and both are located on the old western commercial road.
Al-Badie (Shaib's Cave)
To the northwest of Tabuk at about 225 kilometers is an oasis called Ptolemy as Eiyyenah. There are tombs carved in the rocks that belong to the Napti era. There is also the site of the ancient city of the early Islamic period known as Al-Malgatah. The scattered ruins are a clear indication that many nations have flourished in the Oasis during the commercial and agricultural boom several centuries ago in BC.
Einonah Oasis
It is an oasis located 20 km to the north of Duba city. On its coast is the famous Port Nabuteans (Loky Komy) – the white city. The debris of the port is still visible at Einonah oasis. Near Einonah Oasis at a place called Al-Kuffar caves on the Red Sea coast are available, in a place called Bakheriba. There are many Islamic artifacts found.
Dissah Site
It is located in the north-west of Tabuk city. On the rocky facades of this site there are Islamic and Nabuteans engravings and inscriptions in addition to the remains of foundation walls of residential buildings.
Hassimi Area (Alooz Hill )
Hassimi area is located in the west of Tabuk. One of its important antiquities is the debris of Alooz Hill which is the highest hill in Hassimi area. The hills is an extension of the Al-Sarawatt Hills near Tabuk and from west of Tabuk until Rum Valley in Jordan. Alooz Hill is named because the almond trees are grown here – hence the name - Mount almonds. Spread in the region are the rock engravings dating back to 10,000 BC, in addition to the ancient Islamic inscriptions and engravings. The area had witness extensive business activity.
Al-Azlam Fortress
It is located forty five kilometers to the south of Dhuba town. It was considered as one of the main Hajj stations on the road for the Egyptian pilgrims during Uthman Mamluk era. It was constructed by Sultan Mohammed Bin Qallawoon and then reconstructed in the time of Sultan Qansuwah Al-Gori in 916H. It was consists of units and internal courtyard and rectangular rooms and semi-circular big sitting place, the Office of Chief.
Al-Muwaileh Fortress
Al-Muwaileh Fortress is located 40 km in the north of Dhuba town. Near the fortress there are two wells. The fortress was constructed in the year 968H / 1560G. It is one of the main Hajj stations on the road for the Egyptian pilgrims. It was built by Sultan Suliman Al-Ganuni over 550 years ago.
Al-Wajeh Fortress
This building is consisting of rectangular shape with the control tower and the entrance to the courtyard overlooking the small rooms and facilities. It was built in 1115 H / m 1700 CE.
Al-Zraib Fortress
It is located in Al-Zraib Valley about 20 km in the west of Wajeh town. It was used as rest hose complex for the pilgrim caravans. It was built for the convoys of pilgrims in the era of Sultan Ahmed (year 1026 H). It is rectangular in shape with four towers and entrance at the western side of the fortress. Inside the fortress are rooms surrounded by the open courtyards of the fortress, a mosque and residential units.
Tabuk Fortress
Tabuk Castle is one of the important Hajj stations on the road coming from Al-Sham, the modern Syria and going to Almadina Al-Munwarah. It includes fortresses and stations starting from the Saudi-Jordanian borders until ending in the holy city of Medina to receive the pilgrims. It was used by the pilgrims for rest and preparation for onward march during the pilgrimage. The fortress dates back to the year 976H / 1559G. It was renovated in the year 1370H / 1950 G. A lot of repairing work and rehabilitation works was performed on the fortress in 1413H / 1992 by the Antiquities & Museums Agency – Ministry of Education.
The fortress consists of two storeys. The ground floor contains open courtyard and a number of rooms, mosque, a well and stairs leading to the first floor that in turn contains an open courtyard, a mosque, a number of rooms and stairs leading to the adjoining towers which were used as watch-towers for security and guarding purposes. The fortress is one of the most important monuments in the area.
Al-Moazam Fortress
Al Moazam Fortress or the Holy Castle is located 65 km in the southeast of Tabuk. It was constructed in the year 1031H / 1622 G in the reign of Sultan Osman Al-Thani. On the facades of the fortress there are four engravings detailing the construction constituent.
Al-Hawura
It is located 10 kilometers in the north of Amlaj town. During the early Hejiri centuries it was the first port fir the domestic cities in the hinterland villages Al-Qura Valley and the Khaiber area. The antiquities are spread at Al-Hawura site. A part of a house built of stone was excavated – that is dating back to the 4th – 5th century Hijra (10-11 century CE).
Bade Archaeological Site
Located to the east of the Al-Wajeh province about 72 km distance, an archaeological site is found in a small village. Spread on its surface are the ruins of Islamic pottery and ceramics dating back to 3rd and 4th Hijiri centuries. Found on site is a pond and the traces of irrigation canals along with early Kufi writings and rock inscriptions. Bade was the main station on the Egyptian pilgrimage route.