ALULA: The ancient city of Dadan is “one of the most significant historical discoveries in AlUla governorate and a key landmark reflecting the depth of human history in northwest Arabia,” according to an article published by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

Dadan served as the capital of the Kingdom of Dadan and later of the Kingdom of Lihyan, from the late ninth century to the early first century B.C., the report stated.

Among the site’s most striking features are tombs carved into red rock cliff faces. Some are distinguished by rectangular facades crowned with lion carvings, a symbol often associated with power. “These structures reflect a sophisticated level of artistic and architectural skill, highlighting the advanced craftsmanship of the region’s ancient inhabitants,” the SPA wrote.

Constructed primarily from local stone, the city developed into an important hub for agriculture and trade. Its strategic position along the Incense Route — one of the most vital trade routes in the ancient world — enabled Dadan to flourish economically while facilitating cultural exchange.

Merchants, travelers and envoys passing through the city contributed to the circulation of goods and ideas across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.

Archeological excavations at Dadan are ongoing, with teams of specialists conducting “systematic research in successive scientific phases to uncover additional structures, inscriptions and artifacts that may further clarify the city’s historical role and daily life,” according to the SPA.

AlUla’s recorded history spans more than 7,000 years of human presence. Discoveries at Dadan — including inscriptions and written records — continue to reshape understanding of the region’s social, economic and political development, “reinforcing AlUla’s status as an open-air archive of ancient civilization,” the SPA concluded.