An excavation and survey by the Saudi Heritage Commission, in the desert landscapes of Al-Faw (Al-Rub’ Al-Khali), at the side of Mount Tuwaiq South-West of Riyadh, was carried out recently. During the excavation, the Commission discovered the remains of an ancient rock-cut temple, 8000-year-old Neolithic settlement along with 2,807 graves of different times. Apart from this, a deity of Al-Faw has been mentioned through an inscription available at the site.
The study was done with high-quality aerial photography, and guided drone footage which utilised ground control points, a topographic survey, remote sensing, ground penetrating radar, laser scanning, and geophysical surveys. Along with these, an extensive walkover survey was also done. The ground was adorned throughout, with devotional inscriptions, giving a glimpse into the religious beliefs of the people of Al-Faw.
Background
The archaeological study is being done over the past five decades. The results of the studies had been published over time in seven volumes. A series of rock art and other inscriptions on Mount Tuwaiq were earlier found, which described the tale of a man named Madhekar Bin Muneim and they illustrated daily scenes of rituals like hunting, travel, and battle. In the past, too, there were mentions of a cultural life at Al-Faw, citing residential and market areas, temples, and tombs. The recent discoveries are much more comprehensive.
The Finding
The rock-cut temple found on the side of Mount Tuwaiq, has the similarities with Hindu and pre-Islamic temples. Situated on the edge of Mount Tuwaiq, known as Khashem Qaryah, East of Al-Faw, the temple clearly points out the rich heritage before the reign of Islam in the region. Many inscriptions and picture-images found in the sites resemble its ancient Hindu counterparts. The findings have many similarities with the ancient Hindu-Indic civilization also. There are parts of an altar, which indicate that the people then had ceremonies, worship, and rituals that were intrinsic to the locals of Al-Faw once upon a time even before the advent of Islam.
Thus, the discoveries support the widely accepted notion that the Islamic conquest civilised the desert people of Arabia.
There were 2,807 graves of different times that have been found at many different places. These graves have been documented into six distinct groups.
About Al-Faw
Al-Faw was once the capital of the Kingdom of Kindah. The kingdom was a confederation of North and Central Arabian nomadic tribes in the fifth and sixth centuries. Historically, it has been recognised as the first nomadic Arabian monarchy. The Saudi-led multinational team of archaeologists had conducted a comprehensive survey of the site using state-of-the-art technology.
The site also confirms the existence of a complex aesthetic and well-planned city with foundations of four monumental buildings. This could have potentially functioned as a resting place for weary travellers and their caravans. It also reinforces the idea of a trade-based relationship after assessing the architecture, internal plans, and open-air courtyards.
The study also found out an intricate irrigation system including canals and water cisterns. It also had hundreds of pits in the world’s most arid lands and harsh desert environments. It proves that locals had dug these pits to carry rainwater to the fields in addition to canal and water tanks.
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