The recent archaeological discoveries were announced in connection with the efforts of the Jeddah Historical Revival Project, supported by His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. The project aims to preserve national antiquities and archaeological sites, reveal the historical significance of the Kingdom’s lands, and establish Jeddah as a cultural and tourism center in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan.
During the November 2020 archaeological excavations, a total of 25,000 fragments of objects were discovered. This included pottery shards, animal bones, shells, building materials, glass objects, and metal objects. The discovery, weighing a total of 531 kg, represents a significant addition to Saudi Arabia’s archaeological findings.
The archaeological research uncovered significant artifacts dating back to the Umayyad period, Abbasid period, Mamluk period, and numerous other historical eras. Notably, ebony pillar fragments found in the Othman bin Affan Mosque were traced back to the 7th to 8th century CE, shedding light on the city’s extensive trade connections.
Additionally, artifacts discovered at Al-Shona included ceramics from Europe, Japan, and China, dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries of the Christian era. At Al-Kidwah, parts of the eastern moat dating to the late 18th century CE were revealed, further enriching the historical significance of the area.
In parallel to excavations, analyses were conducted on wood samples, and over 250 samples from buildings were sent to international laboratories for identification and dating. The Jeddah Historic District Program, in collaboration with the Heritage Commission, played a pivotal role in the documentation and listing of the discoveries in the National Archaeological Register.
The Jeddah Historic City Project began in January 2020, focusing on exploratory studies and geophysical surveys across several historic sites in the city, including the Othman bin Affan Mosque, Al-Shona, a segment of the northern wall, and Al-Kidwah.
The program’s efforts to preserve and promote the historical significance of the Jeddah region are evident in the careful documentation and recording of archaeological objects and the creation of scientific databases for their protection.
To view photos of the archaeological discoveries, visit the following link: [link URL]
Furthermore, related news releases from the Jeddah Historic District Program can be found here: [related articles URL]
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