Publications
Tracing the pathways to Yathrib (Al-Madinah): A GIS-based analysis of settlement patterns and ancient trade networks
A GIS-based analysis reveals that ancient human settlement and trade networks in the Al-Madinah region of Arabia were primarily governed by hydrological accessibility and terrain favorability. The study, using Multi-Criteria Spatial Analysis (MCSA) and Least-Cost Path (LCP) modeling, identified proximity to watercourses, slope, and soil as key controlling factors for historical settlements, with 32.01% of the study area deemed highly suitable. Additionally, reconstructed caravan routes converging on Yathrib (Al-Madinah) demonstrated that these environmental variables jointly influenced patterns of ancient mobility, offering a replicable methodology for exploring trade networks in arid landscapes.
A hima traditional ecological knowledge perspective of the sustainability goals in AlUla’s journey through time masterplan
Integrating traditional ecological knowledge, known as hima, into Saudi Arabia's 'Journey Through Time' Masterplan for AlUla could significantly enhance sustainability and cultural heritage preservation. This study reveals that hima practices—rooted in ancient traditions—offer sustainable solutions for water and land management, disaster mitigation, and intergenerational knowledge transmission. By analyzing interviews with elders, traditional practices, and government documents, researchers demonstrate how hima's social and ecological dimensions can bridge heritage conservation with modern urban development. The findings underscore the potential of blending indigenous wisdom with contemporary planning to foster resilient, culturally rich communities in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Hegra.
A probable case of a non-union condylar fracture in an individual from Hegra (Madâ’in Sâlih), AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
A probable case of non-union condylar fracture, characterized by exuberant bone formation and significant morphological remodelling, has been identified in a young adult male from Hegra (Madâ’in Sâlih), dating to the 1st Century CE. This rare finding suggests compensatory biomechanical adaptations due to impaired mandibular function, potentially indicating high-status care during convalescence. The study employed morphoscopic, microscopic, and x-ray examinations to assess trauma, pathology, and oral health, revealing excellent dental condition except for a periapical lesion with an associated odontogenic sinus tract. This case highlights the diagnostic potential of incomplete skeletal remains from UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tourism Development through the Sense of UNESCO World Heritage: The Case of Hegra, Saudi Arabia
Tourists visiting Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, predominantly express positive sentiments toward the site's historical significance and unique cultural value. However, reviews also highlight critical challenges such as isolation, cost, privatization, and competition with other destinations. The study analyzed 267 TripAdvisor reviews from 2020 to 2023 using sentiment polarity analysis (VADER) and machine learning (NMF), offering actionable insights for heritage management. This research stands out for its focus on a recently tourist-accessible site in Saudi Arabia, providing pragmatic solutions to enhance the visitor experience and sustainable tourism development.
A Conceptual Investigation of the Transformation of AlUla into a Global Tourism Destination: Saudi Arabia Rediscovers Its Pre-Islamic Heritage and Bets on Cultural Diplomacy
AlUla, a vast region encompassing the ancient city of Hegra (Mada’in Saleh), is being transformed into a global tourism destination through strategic efforts by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). This transformation aims to valorize Saudi Arabia's pre-Islamic heritage while promoting cultural diplomacy, attracting foreign investments, and diversifying the economy. The study highlights that Hegra, recognized as the kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, serves as a key asset in this endeavor. Using secondary research, the paper systematically analyzes the RCU's strategy since its establishment in 2017, noting significant advancements in sustainable heritage tourism. However, challenges remain, particularly in improving Saudi Arabia's global image socially and politically to fully capitalize on this cultural diplomacy initiative.
A Nabataean Sundial from Madā'in ṣāliḥ
A significant Nabataean sundial has been identified at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra (al-Hijr / Madā'in Ṣāliḥ), offering new insights into ancient timekeeping practices. The discovery underscores the advanced astronomical knowledge of the Nabataeans, who integrated precise solar measurements into their architectural and religious structures. Additionally, a similar sundial was noted on a Nabataean altar from Ḍumayr near Damascus, suggesting regional consistency in such designs. While the study focuses primarily on the Hegra sundial, its broader implications highlight the cultural and technological sophistication of this ancient civilization.
Classification of rock slope cavernous weathering on UAV photogrammetric point clouds: The example of Hegra (UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
A novel approach using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) and three-dimensional geometric analysis successfully maps cavernous weathering on rock slopes with high accuracy, offering a faster and more efficient alternative to manual segmentation. The method, applied to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra in Saudi Arabia, achieved up to 85% accuracy in identifying weathered areas while minimizing false positives. This low-cost, reproducible technique leverages UAV photogrammetric point clouds to assess rockfall hazards, providing a reliable tool for preliminary evaluations and future monitoring of rock-carved slopes.
Jaussen-Savignac 17: The Earliest Dated Arabic Document (A.D. 267)1
A previously overlooked inscription at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hegra (al-Hijr/Madāʿin Ṣāliḥ) has been reclassified as the earliest dated Arabic document, dating to A.D. 267. This challenges prior assumptions that it was Aramaic. The study, conducted during fieldwork in Madāʿin Ṣāliḥ with support from Saudi authorities, employs philological analysis to argue for its Arabic origin. While a fuller examination of the text's history and context is planned for future work, this finding marks a significant advancement in understanding early Arabic epigraphy at this ancient site.
Message. Audrey Azoulay, Director-Generalof UNESCO
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay highlights the significance of Hegra Archaeological Site, located in AlUla oasis, north-west Saudi Arabia. This site, featuring over 100 monumental stone tombs, serves as a testament to the Nabataean civilization and the complex history of Saudi Arabia. The message underscores the cultural richness and historical depth embedded within this World Heritage Site, emphasizing its importance for both academic research and global heritage preservation.
Nabataeo-Arabic: Jaussen-Savignac nab. 17 and 18
A joint expedition to Hegra (al-Hijr / Madāʾin Ṣāliḥ) in 1985 uncovered a previously undocumented Nabataeo-Arabic inscription, the Raqūsh inscription, which dates later than other known inscriptions at the site. This discovery, facilitated by high-quality on-site photography, provided critical insights into the epigraphic culture of the region during the Nabataean period. The research involved collaboration with the Saudi Department of Antiquities and Museums, leveraging expertise in Aramaic inscriptions to contextualize the findings. The Raqūsh inscription was subsequently published in 1989 (appearing in 1992), contributing to the understanding of linguistic and cultural transitions between Petra and Edessa.
Revealing human impact on natural ecosystems through soil bacterial DNA sampled from an archaeological site
Four centuries of human occupancy at the Roman fort of Hegra (Saudi Arabia) profoundly and durably altered soil chemical and bacterial compositions, with lasting effects even 1500 years after abandonment. Researchers compared soil samples from inside the fort to those from a nearby undisturbed area, revealing distinct bacterial functions associated with past human activity. This study demonstrates that soil microbial communities retain signatures of ancient human influence, offering valuable insights into long-term ecological impacts. The findings also highlight the potential of archaeological soils for large-scale initial surveys, with minimal disruption to the site.
Rock Slope Instabilities Affecting the AlUla Archaeological Sites (KSA)
Rock slope instabilities pose significant threats to the preservation of cultural heritage sites in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. A recent study highlights that geomorphological processes and rock degradation, particularly affecting sandstone formations, endanger monumental tombs like those at Hegra, as well as other historical sites such as Dadan and the Old Town. The research evaluates local rock material characteristics, assesses rock mass stability, and identifies degradation patterns to better understand potential hazards. By analyzing these factors, the study provides critical insights for the conservation of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a foundation for mitigating risks to their long-term integrity.
Strontium isotope evidence for Pre-Islamic cotton cultivation in Arabia
Evidence from strontium isotope analysis reveals that cotton was cultivated locally in Arabia as early as the late 1st century BCE, predating Islamic influence. This discovery highlights the region's advanced agrotechnical capabilities during Antiquity and underscores the dynamic nature of trans-Arabian trade networks. The study demonstrates that pre-cleaned archaeological cotton provides a reliable method for tracing plant and textile provenance, distinguishing between locally grown and imported fibers at key sites like Hegra and Dadan in al-ʿUlā. By analyzing strontium isotopes from these remains, researchers not only confirm Pre-Islamic cotton cultivation but also shed light on the socio-economic significance of this non-native crop in oasis agrosystems.
Geomorphological processes and rock slope instabilities affecting the AlUla archaeological region
Rock slope instabilities and geomorphological processes pose significant threats to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, particularly its 110+ monumental sandstone tombs. The study identifies critical degradation patterns and slope instabilities that endanger these ancient rock-cut structures, as well as other archaeological sites in AlUla, such as Dadan and the Old Town oasis. Using an interdisciplinary approach, researchers analyzed rock mass characteristics, degradation processes, and potential mitigation strategies to preserve cultural heritage sustainably. The findings emphasize the need for low-impact monitoring technologies and the rediscovery of traditional local conservation techniques to address ongoing threats effectively.
Tourism development at the Al-Hijr Archaeological Site, Saudi Arabia: SME sentiments and emerging concerns
Tourism development at Al-Hijr, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, has sparked paradoxical sentiments among local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While the site’s 2008 inscription fostered community support for tourism due to new economic opportunities, its recent international opening and proposed large-scale development have raised concerns about 'cultural erosion' and unsustainable growth. A study conducted through semi-structured interviews with local SME owners and managers in early 2020 identified these conflicting perspectives, positioning the research as a novel exploration of stakeholder views on heritage tourism. The findings highlight the need for balanced development strategies to mitigate emerging challenges while capitalizing on economic potential.
Les Cités Maudites Selon le Coran : Un Rude Châtiment
The study reveals that the destruction of ancient cities, as described in Koranic texts, was preceded by divine intervention following persistent societal corruption. The research identifies five key forms of iniquity—idolatry, ignorance, corruption, immobility, and turpitude—that led to the downfall of these civilizations. Archaeological evidence from sites like Hegra (Al-Hijr) in Saudi Arabia and Tall el-Hamam in Jordan corroborates these narratives, linking them to the biblical cities of Madāʾin Ṣāliḥ and Sodom, respectively. The study also highlights a principle of 'right measure and weight,' suggesting that justice and prosperity arise from reforms, while societal stagnation leads to divine punishment. This work bridges textual analysis with archaeological data, offering a unique interdisciplinary perspective on the consequences of corruption in ancient societies.
To Hegra through al-Qusayr. The al-'Ula-al-Wajh Survey Project
Recent archaeological research has uncovered significant evidence of ancient trade networks linking the Nabataean site of Hegra (al-Hijr) with coastal regions via the 'Incense Route.' The al-ʿUlā – al-Wajh Survey Project, focusing on maritime and caravan trade routes between al-ʿUlā and the Red Sea, identified a potential caravan path along Wādī al-ʿamʿ. Findings from Nabataean al-Qusayr suggest active participation in long-distance trade connecting the Mediterranean, Egypt, and the Red Sea during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The study also localized key seaports like Leuke Kome and Egra Kome, shedding light on the economic dynamics of this historic trade corridor.
Banqueting in a Northern Arabian Oasis: A Nabataean Triclinium at Dûmat al-Jandal, Saudi Arabia
A vast Nabataean triclinium, discovered at Dûmat al-Jandal in Saudi Arabia, reveals new insights into the ritual meals practiced by the Nabataeans. This open-air stone structure, dated between the late first century BCE and early second century CE, was found to be part of a broader Nabataean presence in northern Arabia, confirming their control over key trade routes during the turn of the Christian era. Multidisciplinary analysis of pottery, bone, and plant remains from the site provides evidence of feasting activities, offering a comparative perspective when examined alongside similar structures in Petra and Hegra.
The Nabataean timing system
Excavations at UNESCO World Heritage Sites Petra and Hegra have uncovered evidence of the Nabataeans' sophisticated timing system, including water clocks, sundials, and ground shadow clocks. These findings, combined with linguistic analysis of Nabataean inscriptions, reveal a detailed terminology for time measurement: 'day', 'year', 'month', 'hour', 'week', 'night', and 'time'. The study also sheds light on their annual calendar, adopting a comparative historical and linguistic approach to explore how the Nabataeans structured and measured time. This research provides new insights into an ancient civilization's temporal organization, bridging archaeology and linguistics.
Agrarian legacies and innovations in the Nabataean territory
Research at UNESCO World Heritage Site Hegra (al-Hijr) reveals that the Nabataeans, renowned for their trade along the Incense Road, also developed sophisticated agrarian systems. Analysis of carpological and anthracological data from four sites—Bosra, Dharih, Petra, and Hegra—showed a mix of annual and perennial crops tailored to economic needs, including food, raw materials, and fuel. Fruit trees were strategically distributed based on climate and topography, with Mediterranean agroforestry systems in semi-arid areas and an oasis agrosystem in arid regions. Notably, the presence of cotton at Hegra suggests Nabataean agricultural innovation linked to trade, indicating a blend of inherited practices and new technical advancements.
Nabatean Tombs Orientation By Remote Sensing: Provisional Results
A study analyzing the orientation of 32 Nabatean rock-cut tombs at Hegra (al-Hijr / Madāʾin Ṣāliḥ) and Petra, Jordan, reveals no dominant alignment despite notable orientations toward cardinal directions. The research suggests that some tombs align with sunrise, sunset, or solstitial/sunrise events, potentially allowing sunlight to enter intricately sculpted facades—a feature likely designed for elite burial sites. Using Google Earth satellite imagery combined with in-situ compass and total station measurements, the study found a positional error of approximately 20 meters between remote sensing data and ground truth. However, definitive conclusions on deliberate orientation remain inconclusive due to limited evidence.
New discoveries in a Nabataean tomb. Burial practices and ‘plant jewellery’ in ancient Hegra (Madâ’in Sâlih, Saudi Arabia)
Excavations at the Nabataean tomb IGN 117 in Madâ’in Sâlih (ancient Hegra, Saudi Arabia) revealed unprecedented 'plant jewellery'—pierced dates strung with date-palm leaflets on fabric and leather. This rare find, dating to the Nabataean-Roman period (1st–4th century AD), challenges our understanding of funerary practices in the Near East. The discovery, analyzed through interdisciplinary methods, sheds light on burial rituals, including body preservation techniques, while raising questions about the symbolic significance of date palms in ancient funerary contexts.
Honeycomb Weathering of Sandstone Outcrops at Al-Hijrv(Mada'in Salih), Saudi Arabia
Honeycomb weathering, characterized by the formation of honeycomb-like patterns on sandstone surfaces due to salt weathering, significantly impacts the preservation of the Nabataean rock-cut tombs at Al-Hijr (Mada'in Saleh), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia. The study identifies that this phenomenon is driven by variations in the rock's properties and the repeated wetting and drying cycles, leading to the flaking of thin layers from the lower parts of the sandstone outcrops. Investigations using field observations, Optical Microscopy (OM), Polarized Microscopy (PM), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) revealed that Al-Hijr sandstones consist of fine to large grained minerals, predominantly quartz (SiO2), halite (NaCl), ringwoodite (Mg2SO4), and kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4). These findings provide a critical diagnosis for developing effective conservation strategies to mitigate the degradation of this historically significant site.
A Recently-Discovered Nabataean Sanctuary, Possibly Devoted to the Sun-God
A recently excavated Nabataean sanctuary at Hegra (al-Hijr / Madā'in Sāliḥ) may represent the first discovered structure devoted to the sun-god, offering new insights into Nabataean religious practices. The study presents provisional findings from archaeological excavations, revealing architectural and artifactual evidence suggestive of solar worship. Researchers employed stratigraphic analysis and material culture examination to identify the sanctuary's possible function, distinguishing it from other known Nabataean temples. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the region's religious landscape and underscores Hegra's significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kamkam the Nabataean Priestess: Priesthood and Society in Ancient Arabia
A 5th-century CE inscription from Hegra (al-Hijr) reveals the possible status of Kamkam, a Nabataean priestess linked to the goddess Manat. Her funerary text suggests matrilineal significance and offers new insights into the role of priestesses in ancient Arabian society, particularly in northwestern Arabia. The study analyzes her lineage—Kamak daughter of Wa'lu daughter of Harmu—to argue for her elevated social and religious standing. This research contributes to understanding pre-Islamic priesthood traditions by connecting Hegra’s archaeological evidence with broader historical contexts.
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