RIYADH: The Najran Region of Saudi Arabia is a treasure of rock carvings and ancient Arabic inscriptions that offer a glimpse into the ancient civilizations.
The UNESCO-inscribed Hima Cultural Area is a large outdoor museum featuring a number of rock carvings, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Thursday.
Almost every mountain in the area has numerous inscriptions or ancient South Arabian and Thamudic scripts.
Dr. Salem bin Tairan, professor of Semitic languages, ancient writings and archaeology at King Saud University, highlighting the region’s rich archaeological heritage said the rock art depicts different subjects, including human beings, horses, camels, ostriches, ibex, cows, hunting scenes, predatory animals and battles.
These carvings provide valuable insights into weapons, clothing, tools, and domesticated animals of the time.
According to Bin Tairan, archaeological surveys in Najran have helped to uncover a vast number of archaeological sites with diverse rock art examples, including tribal signs, Sabaean, Himyarite, Thamudic, and Islamic inscriptions.
Many of these writings date from the Neolithic period and even the Paleolithic period.
Abdullah Al-Suqour, tour guide and member of the Najran Tourist Club, stressed the importance of the rock carvings as historical records and tourist attractions. He added the artistry of the engravings are often accompanied by the artist’s signature or prayers.
