Saudi French mission reveals sites dating back to 100,000 years in mountains, south of Riyadh

A joint Saudi-French mission to explore archaeological sites within Saudi international missions being supervised by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage has revealed sites dating back to about 100,000 years in a number of mountains, south of Riyadh, specifically in Governorate of Al-Kharj.

The field survey of the mission included the hills surrounding Al-Kharj Mountains overlooking Wadi Nisah,
part of the hills overlooking the Mawan valley, Ein Farzane and the hills overlooking
 the town of Al-Shadidah [Credit: SPA]

The field survey of the mission included the mountains surrounding Al-Kharj Mountains overlooking Wadi Nisah, part of the mountains overlooking the Mawan valley, Ein Farzane and the mountains overlooking the town of Al-Shadidah. The sites are dating back to the Paleolithic period about 100,000 years. It is the first time that sites from the Paleolithic period were discovered in Al-Kharj Governorate, as well as sites dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period.

The mission includes 18 members of the Saudi and French scientists and specialists in the field of archaeological excavations under the supervision of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage.

The joint Saudi-French mission works within the framework of the agreement signed between the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage and the French side on September 21, 2011 for archaeological excavations in Al-Kharj governorate in Riyadh region.

Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President of Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage received at the headquarters of the Commission in Riyadh the team of the joint Saudi-French mission to explore the site of Yamama in Al-Kharj.

He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the mission, stressing the importance of preparing the site for visitors to link citizens with their country's history.

Source: Saudi Press Agency [September 15, 2018]