Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has unveiled a treasure trove of history, uncovering 1,774 archaeological discoveries in Madinah Region, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Announcing the conclusion of the second season of archaeological survey work in Al Mahd Governorate, the Heritage Commission said it documented the new finds across Al Suwayriqiyah, Al Muwayhiyah, and Hadhah, highlighting the rich depth and diversity of the governorate’s heritage spanning successive historical eras.
At Al Mahd, we rediscovered the past, documenting the traces left by those who once inhabited this region through enduring signs of their presence that have withstood the passage of time.#SaudiHeritageCommission pic.twitter.com/jKRFTAGMfi
— هيئة التراث (@MOCHeritage) June 9, 2026
The discoveries included 156 new archaeological sites, featuring 461 Islamic inscriptions, 34 Thamudic inscriptions, 1,259 rock art panels, and 11 stone structures, in addition to three historical palaces, two caravan routes, and four wells.
Most notably, the finds involved rock inscriptions bearing the name of Omar bin Al-Khattab, as well as verses of Arabic poetry carved into the stone that have withstood the test of time. This elevates the site’s historical prestige, placing it among the region’s most culturally and historically significant locations.
The discoveries reflect a deeply rooted human presence in Al Mahd across various eras, spanning from the pre-Islamic periods to the early Islamic dawn.
They also mark a substantial addition to the comprehensive archaeological documentation efforts undertaken by the Heritage Commission across the Kingdom’s regions.
In light of this, the Commission underscored its commitment to ongoing archaeological survey and documentation projects across Saudi Arabia, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 to preserve cultural heritage, enrich cultural content, and establish the Kingdom’s status as a homeland for a human legacy extending through the ages.
