RIYADH: The Saudi Heritage Commission, in collaboration with experts, has concluded an archaeological survey and excavation project at a site in the town of Al-Qurainah, located northwest of Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday.
Among the discoveries were pottery fragments and stone tools dating back over 50,000 years, originating from the Middle Stone Age.
The excavation also revealed circular structures resembling tombs from the third and second millennia BC, as well as the remains of an ancient road running from the valley floor to the top of the plateau at Al-Qurainah, continuing on towards Riyadh.
These discoveries form part of the Al-Yamama Archaeological Project, an initiative launched by the Heritage Commission to redraw the archaeological map of the Riyadh Region and surrounding areas.
The project makes use of precise surveying methods and advanced research techniques to document previously unexplored sites and analyse patterns of human settlement across various historical periods, highlighting the region’s deep cultural and civilizational roots.
The survey and excavations were conducted with the aim of gathering as much data as possible to support scientific studies of the Al-Qurainah site. Researchers focused on understanding the site’s cultural and historical development, identifying architectural styles and construction methods, and documenting the artefacts uncovered during the project.
This initiative is part of the Heritage Commission’s broader mission to document, conserve, and protect national heritage sites.
It also aims to raise public awareness of their importance and promote Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage as both a cultural treasure and an economic asset.
The Commission emphasised that its ongoing archaeological surveys and excavations throughout the Kingdom demonstrate its sustained commitment to preserving the nation’s heritage.
It highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s cultural legacy is deeply rooted in the many civilisations that have inhabited the region over time, reflecting the Kingdom’s rich history, heritage, and cultural identity.
