Saudi Arabia: Dadan archaeological site offers artefacts, narratives and connections
Step into the story of Dadan and
explore the artefacts, narratives and connections that shaped its role as a
thriving crossroads along the ancient Incense Road. Illuminating Discoveries
– Revealing the Layers of Dadan’s History is a new permanent exhibition
inviting visitors to journey deep into the Dadan archaeological site and
encounter more than 100 artefacts uncovered over five years of meticulous
excavation—many shown to the public for the very first time.
Exclusively available as part of the
Dadan and Jabal Ikmah Tour or the Dadan and Jabal Ikmah Premium Tour, the
exhibition is presented in Arabic, English and Mandarin. It forms a central
highlight of this immersive guided journey through two of AlUla’s most
significant heritage sites.
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Alongside ancient inscriptions and
dramatic cliffside tombs, visitors now discover a thoughtfully curated display
illuminating Dadan’s legacy as a centre of cultural practice, international
exchange and continuous settlement dating back to before the 1st millennium
BCE.
The exhibition unfolds across five
thematic zones: Crafts and Daily Life, Exchange and Trade, Ancient
Beliefs and Rituals, Scripts in Stone, and Umm Daraj. Highlights
include a Roman or Byzantine bone hairpin, a Greek-style terracotta head, and
inscriptions carved in distant languages—powerful evidence of Dadan’s
integration into one of the ancient world’s most influential trade networks.
Unearthing
Dadan’s Secrets
The collection also showcases the
sophistication and creativity of local society. Metalwork and spinning tools
reflect refined daily practices, while rock-carved statues, incense burners and
monumental inscriptions reveal the depth of ancient spiritual life. A striking
sandstone figure—its eye still set with inlaid bone—stands as a testament to
ceremonial artistry during the Lihyanite period.
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These remarkable discoveries are the
result of collaboration between Saudi archaeologists and leading international
institutions, including the Royal Commission for AlUla, CNRS and AFALULA.
Visitors can experience the
exhibition by booking the Dadan and Jabal Ikmah Tour or the Dadan and Jabal
Ikmah Premium Tour through the Experience AlUla website, gaining exclusive access
to this extraordinary window into the past.
Source: Experience AlUla
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