Saudi Heritage Commission uncovers 103 archaeological sites in 'Alya Najd'

The Heritage Commission has announced the completion of the first season of its project to survey and document inscriptions and rock art in the Alya Najd region, resulting in an archaeological discovery that reshapes the historical map of central Saudi Arabia.

Field operations continued for 30 consecutive days, identifying 103 archaeological sites containing a wealth of stone structures, rock art, and historical inscriptions. The scientific team focused its efforts north of the Al-Ard mountains in Dawadmi governorate, a strategic starting point within the Alya Najd region, which spans large parts of Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Makkah, Madinah, and Asir. This enabled the documentation of diverse archaeological sites and the identification of new findings that support a better understanding of the region's historical sequence.

According to the project's findings, stone structures, written inscriptions, and rock art depicting animals, humans, and other forms were discovered, reflecting the site's rich cultural and environmental heritage and the diversity of human activity across different historical periods.

The discoveries have provided clear evidence for understanding patterns of human settlement and interaction with the natural environment, as seen in the inscriptions—Thamudic and Islamic—and rock art created using various techniques, including engraving and colored drawings.

The Commission stated that the project's results represent a significant scientific step in documenting Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage sites. The next phase will include further surveys, specialized studies, and the registration of the discovered sites in the National Antiquities Register.