
Najran Region boasts rock petroglyphs and inscriptions that recount the story of human civilization throughout the ages and offer a glimpse into the development of the ancient inhabitants.
The Hima Cultural Area is home to a myriad of ancient inscriptions, making it one of the largest open museums for rock art. Every mountain in Najran has several petroglyphs or ancient Arabic and Thamudic inscriptions.
Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), professor of Semitic languages, ancient writings, and archaeology at King Saud University, Dr. Salem bin Tairan, explained that Najran has many sites featuring ancient carvings and rock art that date back to various eras.
These include drawings of animals, such as camels, horses, cows, birds and wild animals, as well as depictions of humans, hunting and battles. This rock art has offered insights on clothes, weapons, and domesticated animals at that time.
He added that archeological surveys in Najran have resulted in the documentation of a large number of archeological sites that include various forms of rock art, such as tribal signs, Thamudic, Sabaean, Himyarite, and Islamic inscriptions, in addition to depictions of humans, animals and plants.
Many of these inscriptions and rock art date back to the Neolithic period and even to the Paleolithic period, according to bin Tairan.
In the light of this, Abdullah Al-Suqour, a tour guide and member of the Najran Tourist Club, said that Najran is home to many inscriptions and rock carvings that tell the story of various civilizations and highlight the cultures and heritage of ancient people.
He emphasized the significance of Najran rock carvings and petroglyphs as an open museum that preserves history and a prominent tourist attraction that showcases human heritage.