Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge
Iron Age (900-100 BCE)·Lihyanite/Dedanite·🇸🇦 Al Ula, Medina, Saudi Arabia
About
About Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge
Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge in Al Ula, Medina, Saudi Arabia is a Iron Age (900-100 BCE) rock_cut attributed to Lihyanite/Dedanite. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal enclosure 8 × 3 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 26.6088N 37.9299E controls access to Al Ula, Medina resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey rock_cut for Al Ula, Medina, illustrating Lihyanite/Dedanite construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Tribal capital and ritual aggregation
- 02Seasonal gathering locus
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 600 BCE
- Period
- Iron Age (900-100 BCE)
- Culture
- Lihyanite/Dedanite
- Purpose
- Rock-cut tomb / hypogeum with funerary function
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 600 BCE
Initial construction of Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge main structure
c. 896 BCE
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically at Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge
19th–20th century
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
26.6088° N · 37.9299° E · 820 m · 3 mapped features
Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Main Rock_Cut Feature
plazaPrimary plaza at Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — burial gallery with stratified deposits
26.6092° N · 37.9297° EAl Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Secondary Enclosure
reservoirAncillary reservoir at Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — burial gallery with stratified deposits
26.6093° N · 37.9291° EAl Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Outlier Rock Art Panel
moundOutlier mound panel linked to Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge ceremonial landscape
26.6069° N · 37.9299° E