1,700 Artefacts Unearthed at Historic Miqat Al Juhfah Site
Finds from the early Islamic site reveal connections with Egypt, the Levant and Abyssinia along the ancient pilgrimage route.
More than 1,700 archaeological objects have been uncovered at the historic Miqat Al Juhfah site, located 182 kilometres northwest of Makkah, following the first phase of surveys and documentation carried out by the Saudi Heritage Commission in partnership with the University of Exeter.
The discoveries include fragments of pottery, glass, stone and shells, as well as beads and metal objects believed to have been used in everyday life.
Archaeologists also identified six pottery kilns and a water canal thought to have served pilgrims and travellers passing through the site.
Thirteen tombstones were also found, some of which date back to the Umayyad and Abbasid periods.
Analysis of the artefacts revealed links to several regions, including Egypt, the Levant and Abyssinia, reflecting the movement of pilgrims travelling along the Egyptian Hajj route.
Miqat Al Juhfah was an important station during the early Islamic period and lay along the route followed by the Prophet Muhammad during the Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah.
Historical records indicate that the area was home to shops and water facilities between 719 and 816 CE, serving travellers and pilgrims heading to the holy cities.
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