The Mystifying Tombs Of Dumat al-Jandal: Saudi Arabia's Historic Gem (image/johtt.com)
Located in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Al Jawf region, the mystifying tombs of Dumat al-Jandal is the place to visit if you’re looking for an architecture marvel with several archaeological secrets hidden in every nook and corner.
Dating back to more than 2,000 years, the tombs’ purpose and origin continue to be a subject of debate amongst historians and archaeologists. Dumat al-Jandal finds itself mentioned in by several 19th and 20th century explorers.
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The discovery of a 35m long platform on the al-Burj headland in the western side proved as evidence for the first human presence around 6th millennium BC. Data from radiocarbon dating of the bones recovered from the tombs suggest that humans lived in Dumat from the second half of the 6th millennium till the 1st millennium BC.
Another recent study found evidence of the oldest known scale plans of man-made megastructures illustrating desert kites, estimated to be between 7,000 and 8,000 years old, in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Desert kites were man-made mega structures used to trap wild animals.
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Interestingly, the region is believed to have operated as a major trade crossroads between South Arabia and North Mesopotamia in the Iron Age, based on recent findings. Although following the early Islamic period, the oasis eventually lost its status as a crucial crossroad.
Yet, the region continues to unravel its historic mysteries.
The tombs of Dumat al-Jindal are a key historical place that traces trade, development and growth all the way back from prehistoric to early Islamic times. The Kingdom’s rich archaeological heritage with beautiful landscapes assures a wonderful and enriching experience for visitors.
