AL-LITH: The secret history of Al-Sereen, one of the most important ports of Makkah from the 3rd to the 8th century AH, has been revealed by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH).
“Al-Sereen” refers to two valleys, Al-Arj and Elleib, which are the most famous valleys of Makkah, and the area is fertile agricultural land. But it contains many archaeological treasures about historical periods dating back to the pre-Islamic era.
The site of the city is 245km south of Makkah. It represents the nearest meeting-point for important administrative regions in the Kingdom: Makkah, Baha and Asir.
Ali Al-Ghubban, vice president of the SCTH and supervisor of the Program of Caring for the Kingdom’s Cultural Heritage, explained that the site of Al-Sereen is characterized by many fractured “celadon,” a kind of porcelain that was imported from China 1,000 years ago.
A team from the Chinese Antiquities Department visited the area, he said, and were “impressed by the nature of the site and the archaeological formations available in it. They are enthusiastic to begin the implementation of a survey and field exploration.”
Discover Al-Sereen, the pre-Islamic port of Makkah
Discover Al-Sereen, the pre-Islamic port of Makkah
Northern Borders rock art reveals ancient life
- Among the most notable remains are stone structures scattered northwest of Arar
- Evidence ranges from the Neolithic era to Islamic times, forming a chronological record
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region contains numerous archaeological sites, reflecting a long history of human settlement dating back to early periods, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Among the most notable remains are stone structures scattered northwest of Arar.
Varying in shape, size and design, specialists believe these structures date to the end of the Neolithic period and the beginning of subsequent eras. They are thought to have been used as stone tombs to preserve the remains of the dead.
Evidence ranges from the Neolithic era to Islamic times, forming a chronological record that highlights the diversity of communities that once lived in the region and how they interacted with their natural environment over centuries.
Ajab Al-Otaibi, director general of antiquities at the Heritage Commission, said the stone structures and rock art sites in the Northern Borders region represent an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s national cultural heritage and serve as an important resource for archaeological studies and scientific research.
He highlighted the importance of surveys, documentation and protection efforts to preserve these cultural landmarks as a historical legacy for future generations.
The region is also home to several important rock art sites, such as Shu’ayb Hamer, which features a wide and diverse collection of drawings carved on natural rock surfaces, marking it as a key site that documented early human activity in the area.
The artworks depict scenes of hunting, horsemanship, dancing, daily life and social rituals. They were created using a variety of artistic styles, most notably framed and abstract forms, and produced through different techniques including incizing and pecking, both direct and indirect.
The carvings portray human figures and a range of animals, including camels, horses and gazelles, as well as some wild and predatory species that have long since disappeared.
These images provide insight into the richness of the natural environment in earlier periods and help researchers understand the evolving relationship between humans and their surroundings.
