Dadan and Lihyan Ancient Kingdoms
Discover the ancient kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan that flourished in the Al-Ula oasis over 2,500 years ago, exploring carved lion tombs and inscriptions that reveal civilizations predating the Nabataeans.
- 1
Dadan Archaeological Site
Visit the Dadan archaeological site, capital of the ancient Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms that controlled this vital oasis on the ancient Incense Road, with remains going back to the 9th century BCE.
- 2
Lion Tombs
Marvel at the famous Lion Tombs, rock-cut burial chambers with carved lion figures above the entrances, unique in the ancient Arabian world and revealing the sophisticated artistic culture of the Lihyan kingdom.
- 3
Dadan Inscriptions
Study the ancient Dadanitic and Lihyanite inscriptions carved into the rock face, an early Semitic script related to but distinct from Nabataean, recording the names and prayers of an ancient Arabian people.
- 4
Ancient Temple Remains
See the remains of the ancient Dadan temple, including carved column bases and fragments of what was once a significant religious complex serving the oasis community over 2,500 years ago.
- 5
Incense Road Viewpoint
Stand at the viewpoint overlooking the valley floor where the ancient Incense Road passed through Al-Ula, the trade route carrying frankincense and myrrh from southern Arabia to the Mediterranean world.
- 6
Rock Carving Gallery
Find the gallery of ancient rock carvings featuring animals, human figures, and script that local inhabitants carved into the valley walls over thousands of years, a visual archive of Arabian prehistory.
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