Leading international archaeologists and academics’ recent discoveries have shed new light on the intricate cultural environment of ancient Ula and the larger region of northwestern Arabia.
The research was published in the new book “Revealing Cultural Landscapes in North-West Arabia,” which was edited by Dr. Rebecca Foote, Director of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Research at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), and a group of esteemed international experts.
The articles, which were first presented in a Special Session of papers organized by Foote at the 54th Seminar for Arabian Studies, highlight the rich archaeological legacy of AlUla and demonstrate how the influence of ancient societies extends beyond well-known landmarks such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, the oases, and long-established settlements.
The book, which was released not long before RCU will host the AlUla World Archaeology Summit, has a broad appeal to both academics and everyone who value our common human history. Its release completes the broad schedule of activities that will be held at AlUla’s Maraya location from September 13–15 as part of the first summit.
A specially invited international audience of experts and specialists in archaeological discovery, research, preservation, conservation, and more will participate in the three-day AlUla World Archaeology Summit and reflect on the discipline and its potential transformational role in society while also having the opportunity to tour the ancient landscape and cultural urban centers of AlUla.
The findings described in “Revealing Cultural Landscapes in North-West Arabia” show how comprehension of life in north-west Arabia is essential to understanding the complexity of the various peoples who lived throughout the greater Middle East region from the Palaeolithic to the Islamic era.
The book provides information of an excellent aerial and ground-based archaeological landscape survey that was conducted, highlighting findings made in AlUla, Khaybar, and other locations. Outstanding discoveries include a Neolithic site in Sakaka with unmatched life-size camels carved in high relief that give Saudi Arabian rock art a new perspective. A different article discusses excavations in AlUla that uncovered incredibly intricate rituals and interactions with the natural world in Neolithic circular and mustatil household structures. Pre-Nabataean habitation of the site is inferred from a range of pre-Nabataean numismatic and ceramic artifacts found at egra.
“AlUla is an exceptional archaeological frontier, drawing attention from a wide range of audiences, from specialized experts to tourists eager to explore the world’s largest living museum,” stated Dr. Foote. In addition to the upcoming AlUla World Archaeology Summit and the recently released book “Revealing Cultural Landscapes in North-West Arabia,” AlUla has long played a crucial role in the region. Each new discovery and line of inquiry helps us learn more about the history of north-western Arabia.
Source- Travel daily
Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/complex-cultural-heritage-of-north-west-arabia-especially-alula-revealed/