Al Kharj-100,000 Year-Old Site In Saudi Arabia (image-facebook/ MUBI Photography (C))

In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia is home to countless marvels. From Diriyah to Hegra, each place narrates a compelling story of history. In the stunning mountains south of Riyadh, in a region called Al Kharj, lies recently discovered sites that hold the story of a region dating back to the Paleolithic period.

This 100,000-year-old site was discovered by a joint Saudi-French mission carried out under the supervision of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage.

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Amongst the discoveries made in the region include the remains of broken pottery, some plain and some painted green, and bracelets made of stained glass colored in Yellow, red, and Blue. The archeologists have also uncovered a number of ancient farms and architectural structures dating back to the fifth century AH. On these structures, Arabic inscriptions without punctuation have been identified, making them the oldest Islamic writings found in the central region of the Arabian Peninsula.

Now, the visitors to the area will get the chance to explore remnants of the ancient civilization, including prehistoric rock art, Nabatean tombs, and Islamic-era settlements. The archeological site provides valuable insights into the diverse cultures and civilizations that once thrived in the region, showcasing their architectural achievements, artistic expressions, and daily life.

The stunning desert landscapes, lush oases, shimmering shores, and magnificent mountain peaks give the kingdom picturesque sceneries. Some of these mountains have plenty of known caves. Ain Heet is one such gem located inside Mount Al Jubyl, in Al Kharj. Ain Heet is known for its sinkholes and an unusual entrance that the cave itself is named after. The entrance is about 20 meters long, leading visitors on a 45-degree slope down into the cave itself.

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The limestone wall of the cave gives the visitors a favourable temperature when compared to outdoors. The cave and the archeological site is a must-visit spot in the Arabian Peninsula.