Riyadh, March 22, 2025 – The Heritage Commission has completed the third season of archaeological excavation at the AlSirrain site in Al-Lith Governorate, Makkah Region, in collaboration with the National Cultural Heritage Administration of the People’s Republic of China. This marks the continuation of an agreement between the two parties to enhance cooperation and share expertise in archaeological excavation, as stated in a recent press release from the commission.
As part of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025, this project is one of many joint cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening the cultural and civilizational exchange between both nations. It underscores the historical connections that linked the two civilizations through the Silk Road. This collaboration also reflects the shared commitment of Saudi Arabia and China to advancing scientific and historical research, preserving heritage, and documenting the rich human legacy uniting the peoples of the East.
The project’s goal is to gain deeper insights into the site’s historical and archaeological context by examining the residential area, studying social and historical life through the analysis of construction patterns, urban planning, and the function of its components, as well as its connections with other urban centers. The excavation also seeks to document architectural features, such as large sections of city walls, towers, and gates.
The release highlighted that the excavation led to several significant discoveries, including various archaeological finds, such as ceramic and stone vessels, decorative tools, a gold dinar from the mid-2nd Hijri century, a collection of Chinese ceramics, and gravestones with raised and sunken decorative patterns.
The archaeological survey uncovered numerous architectural features, such as foundational elements of walls and gravestones, reflecting the site’s significance as a key station on the Maritime Silk Road. The site’s port was part of a city that experienced economic activity until the end of the 3rd Hijri century, later emerging as a commercial port in the early 4th Hijri century, reaching its peak prosperity in the 5th and 6th Hijri centuries. It remains one of the largest archaeological sites along the Red Sea coast to this day.
“This project reaffirms the commission’s efforts in preserving heritage through archaeological and research projects across the Kingdom and enhancing global cooperation,” the release stated.