Riyadh: On Thursday, Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission announced two discoveries at archaeological sites in the Farasan Islands. The archaeological sites lie 40 kilometers away from Jazan city.
We look forward to writing the latest chapter of Farasan Islands’ magnificent heritage. ✨
— هيئة التراث (@MOCHeritage) August 4, 2022
#SaudiHeritageCommission pic.twitter.com/hRbjIxo3gs
Excavation works by a joint Saudi-French team of the University of Paris resulted in several architectural finds and artifacts dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
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The excavations were part of the commission’s scientific efforts in surveying and excavating heritage sites in Saudi Arabia and preserving them as a cultural and economic resource.
As part of our excavation and exploration efforts across #SaudiArabia, the newly discovered archaeological sites in the Farasan Islands heritage sites tell us more about the area’s the cultural and historical significance.
— هيئة التراث (@MOCHeritage) August 4, 2022
#SaudiHeritageCommission pic.twitter.com/DxAWIAp1AV
نتائج أثرية تكشف عن مدى العمق الحضاري في جزر فرسان؛ ضمن جهود الهيئة العلمية في مجال المسح والتنقيب عن مواقع التراث الثقافي بالمملكة، وصونها والاستفادة منها كموردٍ ثقافي واقتصادي.#هيئة_التراث pic.twitter.com/0c1Ei75yjN
— هيئة التراث (@MOCHeritage) August 4, 2022
The scientific team found rare pieces of Roman folded armor made of copper ingots and an armor known as “Lorica Squamata.” Lorica Squamata was common during the Roman era between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD.
In addition, the team discovered an inscription of garnet for “Genos,” a famous Roman figure in the Eastern Roman Empire, and the head of a small stone statue.
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A Saudi-French team surveyed Farasan Island in 2005 and identified locations of archaeological interest before work began on the island in 2011.
Home to breathtaking landscapes and historically significant sites, the Farasan Islands tells the unique civilizational story of southern #SaudiArabia
— هيئة التراث (@MOCHeritage) August 4, 2022
#SaudiHeritageCommission pic.twitter.com/eYv7QL2lp2
Other explorations between 2011 and 2020 yielded several archaeological discoveries dating back to 1400 BC. Farasan Island exploration has contributed to several archaeological discoveries.
We’re proud to announce new archaeological discoveries in the Farasan Islands. They date back almost 2,000 years and confirm #SaudiArabia’s historical significance as a cradle of many early civilizations.
— هيئة التراث (@MOCHeritage) August 4, 2022
#SaudiHeritageCommission pic.twitter.com/j2NtmqabK7
These discoveries give deep insights into the role of the historic ports in the southern part of the Kingdom and their role in controlling the Red Sea trade and the ancient marine routes.
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The archaeological discoveries also highlight the depth of civil life on the Farasan Islands, Saudi Arabia’s importance, and its strategic location as a hub of various civilizations.
We are excited to announce that a team of Saudi and French archaeologists have uncovered new findings in the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in southern Riyadh, providing significant information about ancient human settlement.
— هيئة التراث (@MOCHeritage) July 26, 2022
#SaudiHeritageCommission pic.twitter.com/ilRX9C0CLF
Our team of archaeologists used state-of-the-art technology to survey the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area, uncovering a range of hidden treasures.#SaudiHeritageCommission pic.twitter.com/mHziAvF8po
— هيئة التراث (@MOCHeritage) July 26, 2022
The Heritage Commission continues its efforts to administrate the cultural heritage and protect and maintain cultural sites.
It also benefits these sites with sustainable development through accurate broad-based local and international partnerships.