Najran, March 12, 2024, A journey to the Al-Okhdood archaeological site in Najran, southern Saudi Arabia, is a captivating exploration of the past. The site, once home to the ancient city of Najran, offers a glimpse into the region's rich history, serving as a vital center of civilization and a prominent stop on the historic Arabian trade route.
The layout of the city reveals a central area surrounded by a 235-meter-long and 220-meter-wide fortified wall, showcasing the architectural style of the southern Arabian Peninsula during its flourishing era. The remains of buildings, with foundations crafted from carved stones reaching heights of two to four meters, dot the landscape. The most prominent structure is the fort, dating back to the 1st century BC, serving as the heart of the settlement during its peak.
Inside the fort, remnants of various structures are preserved, with lower portions showcasing impressive carved stone blocks forming rectangular and square facades reaching up to three and a half meters. Archaeological mounds containing stone and mudbrick foundations extend beyond the walls of the fort.
Recognizing the site's historical significance, the Saudi Ministry of Culture's Heritage Commission has conducted extensive surveys and excavations since 1979, unearthing numerous architectural units with diverse construction styles. Significant discoveries include the region's oldest mosque and a clay jar filled with silver coins.
Beyond architectural wonders, the site boasts a collection of artifacts unearthed during excavations, including intricately carved vessels made of soapstone and sandstone, fragments of metal animal statues, and metal plates inscribed with religious texts in the ancient South Arabian script. The discovery of gold rings with intricate butterfly-shaped settings was a notable find for Al-Okhdood.
Professor Awad Al-Asiri from Najran University emphasized the historical context of the site, noting its significance as the original location of the ancient city of Najran before its relocation in the 4th century AH. Archaeological inscriptions dating back to 680 BC provide the earliest documented evidence of the city's existence.
Al-Okhdood, drawing European travelers like Joseph Halévy, John Philby, and Philippe Lippens, has a lasting allure. Their documented works serve as a testament to the site's enduring legacy. Najran Society for History and Archaeology CEO Naif Musallam highlighted recent discoveries tracing Najran's origins back to the Upper Paleolithic period. The city's continuous settlement throughout history positions Al-Okhdood as not just a window to the past but also a potential driver of future development. The site's unique cultural and historical significance aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals, contributing to economic and cultural growth as a significant tourist attraction.
