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Saudi Arabia

Al-Okhdood

Ruins of ancient trading hub and massacre site

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Al-Okhdood, located in Najran Province, Saudi Arabia, is an archaeological site that reveals the layers of its rich history. Dating back to at least 500 BCE, the town once thrived as a bustling trading hub. Archaeological evidence shows that significant structures, such as a fort dating to the 1st century BCE, and religious buildings like churches and mosques, were part of the town's landscape. Al-Okhdood is notably remembered for the tragic massacre of its Christian inhabitants in the 520s CE by the Himyarite king Dhu Nuwas, an event that left a deep imprint on its cultural and historical narrative. The site continued to evolve through the early Islamic period, evidenced by the construction of a mosque. Today, the ruins offer invaluable insights into the town's dynamic past, from its commercial significance to its religious transformations.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Al-Okhdood

FileAlUkhdood_Village_04.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Defensive Structures

Trenches

Burial and Funerary Structures

GravesTombs

Religious and Ritual Structures

ChurchesMosques

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Towns

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Saudi Arabia
Source
Wikipedia