Mada'in Salih - the pre-Islamic civilization

        








Mada'in Salih — the pre-Islamic archaeological site located in the al Madinah in Saudi Arabia. The complex consists of 130 massive rock tombs and associated facilities. In the heyday of the Nabataean Kingdom in the first century of our era these places were incorporated into the Roman Empire. This is one of the most outstanding examples of the construction of hydraulic structures of the time, as well as valuable historical heritage, preserved to our times.

In the heyday of the Nabataean Kingdom stretched from its capital Petra, to the present territory of Jordan deep into the Arabian Peninsula. Here lay the largest trade route which carried spices, incense and other aromatic plants. Of Mada'in Saleh reached its peak as a major transshipment point between the trade routes of the North and South.

After being captured by the Romans in 106 ad, these ways of trade moved from land in the Arabian Peninsula to the sea, passing through the Red sea. Thus, the city Hegra, which was Mada'in Salih, began to lose its importance and gradually decline.









History Gehry and burial complex from the decline in the period of the Romans and before the advent of Islam remains unknown. Sometimes these places are visited by rare travellers and pilgrims of Mecca. The city was a religious station of the route and ensured the supply of water for the pilgrims.

The Nabatean Kingdom was not just situated at the crossroads of Commerce and culture. This is reflected in the styles of the facades of Mada'in Salih. Here you can see the stylistic elements of Assyria, Phoenicia, Egypt and Hellenistic Alexandria. All this combined in one single style. There is also traces of Roman intervention. In contrast to the elaborately decorated facade, the interior of the rock-cut structures are very simple and serious.





This place is officially protected since 1972 as an archaeological site with great potential for tourism. UNESCO included Salih in the world heritage list among the first objects from Saudi Arabia.









 

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