Nestled on the edge of Arabia’s eastern sands, Thaj stands as one of the Kingdom’ most mysterious and captivating historical sites.
With a unique history that dates back more than 2,000 years, the city proudly secures a special place among the ancient jewels of Arabia.
Thaj has stepped back to reveal its secrets and outstanding cultural heritage after centuries of obscurity.
Today, the site is gaining more attention on both local and global levels through its significant archaeological discoveries.
Thaj’s Ancient Past: Urban Center
Thaj served as a major crossroads in ancient times, connecting three key sites: the port of Jubail, Wadi al-Miyah, and the main caravan route that linked trade centers across the region.
Interestingly, this route extended from southern Iraq down to al-Hofuf, located within today’s Al-Ahsa Governorate in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
What sets Thaj apart is the fact that the site was a vibrant and thriving settlement, which means that it was not actually isolated. Instead, it was a thriving urban center featuring buildings, pottery workshops, and city walls.
Excavations noted that the city was professionally built by skillful hands that boasted an amazing level of craftsmanship at that time.
When Thaj Rose from Obscurity
Thaj began to draw remarkable global attention in 1998 after the Kingdom unveiled an unprecedented archaeological breakthrough: the burial of a young noblewoman, later known as the “Princess of Thaj.”
This single discovery marked a turning point in the history of the city, redefining its history and unearthing its hidden glory.
A glance inside the stone tomb was enough for archaeologists to reveal a magnificent collection of finely crafted jewelry and artifacts.
Archaeologists also found a gold funerary mask, delicate gold-and-pearl necklaces, and other exquisitely made objects.
These findings serve as strong evidence that Thaj was once home to a wealthy, highly skilled society that owned luxury materials and long-distance trade networks.
This breakthrough completely changed the historical narrative of Eastern Arabia in ancient times. It obviously showed that this region had a strong social structure, skilled artisans, and strong connections with other cultures.
Thaj Still Has Secrets to Share
The sands of Thaj continue to uncover new secrets, attracting archaeologists and pioneering international experts to reveal the layers of this ancient city.
Research is ongoing to accurately determine how the city was built, how its people lived, and how it once flourished at this distinctive location.
Based on recent findings, Thaj may have once been the capital of the Gerrhaean Kingdom, a powerful ancient state often celebrated in Greek and Roman writings, according to Al Arabiya.
By enjoying remarkable wealth and influence, this ancient kingdom was a pivotal economic powerhouse in the Arabian Gulf region around 300 BCE.
Currently Preserved, Awaiting Full Discovery
The site is currently well-preserved, largely thanks to the local community’s awareness of its historical value.
Abdulhamid Al-Hashash, former head of Antiquities and Museums in the Eastern Province, noted that the authorities have safeguarded the city from tampering, especially since the ancient settlement lies beneath layers of rubble and sand.
Therefore, the process of uncovering its secrets requires a large-scale, carefully planned excavation effort.
Once excavations are completed and the buried settlement is fully discovered, Thaj will seize a prestigious position among the most significant archaeological sites in the Arabian Peninsula.
Vision 2030 Revives Saudi Ancient Past
The Kingdom’s bold investment in archaeology and heritage tourism perfectly mirrors the ambitious goals of the Saudi Vision 2030, seeking to cut oil dependency and diversify the Kingdom’s economy.
The vision has prioritized the advancement of Saudi cultural identity by transforming sites like Thaj from forgotten ruins into vibrant heritage hubs.
That is why the Kingdom has been intensifying development efforts for heritage sites from establishing visitor centers and museum exhibitions to launching informative educational programs.
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