Unveiling The Mysteries Of Al-Okhdood: A Portal To Saudi Arabia's Ancient Civilization

A journey to the Al-Okhdood archaeological site in Najran, located in the southern part of Saudi Arabia, offers a unique glimpse into the ancient past. This site, once the bustling city of Najran, played a crucial role as a center of civilization and a key stop on the historic Arabian trade route. The layout of the city, with its 235-meter-long and 220-meter-wide fortified wall, showcases the architectural prowess of the southern Arabian Peninsula during its time.

The remnants of buildings with foundations made from carved stones, some reaching up to four meters in height, dot the landscape. The fort, dating back to the 1st century BC, stands as a testament to the settlement's significance during its peak. Within its walls lie various structures, some better preserved than others, revealing rectangular and square facades made from impressive carved stone blocks.

Since 1979, the Saudi Ministry of Culture's Heritage Commission has conducted extensive surveys and excavations at Al-Okhdood. These efforts have uncovered numerous architectural units displaying a variety of construction styles. Among the significant finds is the region's oldest mosque and a clay jar filled with silver coins, discovered in the northeastern part of the site.

The site also boasts an array of unearthed artifacts, including intricately carved vessels made of soapstone and sandstone, fragments of metal animal statues, and metal plates inscribed with religious texts in ancient South Arabian script. A notable discovery was gold rings with intricate butterfly-shaped settings, a first for Al-Okhdood.

Professor Awad Al-Asiri from Najran University provided insights into the historical context of Al-Okhdood. He confirmed that it was indeed the original location of Najran before its relocation in the 4th century AH. Archaeological inscriptions dating back to 680 BC offer the earliest documented evidence of the city's existence. Classical figures such as Strabo, Pliny, and Ptolemy have also mentioned Najran in their works, highlighting its significance along the ancient incense route.

The allure of Al-Okhdood has attracted European travelers like Joseph Halévy, John Philby, and Philippe Lippens over time. Their documented explorations and translations contribute to understanding the site's enduring legacy.

Naif Musallam, CEO of Najran Society for History and Archaeology, mentioned that recent discoveries trace Najran civilization back to the Upper Paleolithic period. The city emerged as a prominent commercial hub in the 1st millennium BC and saw continuous settlement throughout history.

Al-Okhdood not only serves as a window into the past but also stands as a potential catalyst for future development. Its cultural and historical significance makes it an important tourist attraction that could foster creativity and contribute to economic and cultural growth in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

With inputs from SPA