Ancient Arabic Inscription Discovered in Najran, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's Heritage Commission has announced the discovery of an ancient Arabic inscription in Najran, which dates back to the 4th century.
The inscription, which is located in Al-Haqqan mountain at the Hima cultural area in Najran, was recorded by Ka'b bin Amr bin Abd Manat, an Arabian merchant, in 380 AD.
The inscription, which is the sixth-oldest according to the latest records, contains an Arabic message that was sealed with the date of its implementation according to the Nabataean calendar, using the method of Nabataean symbols with numerical values.
The discovery of the Al-Haqqan inscription is a significant addition to the register of early Arabic writings before Islam and showcases an important stage in the development of Arabic writing.
The Heritage Commission's efforts to discover the heritage of various Saudi regions and preserve protected areas are part of the National Strategy for Culture of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
The commission seeks to benefit from antiquities and national heritage as an important cultural and economic resource.
The Hima cultural area in Najran, which includes caves and mountains containing rock art and thousands of inscriptions, is one of the largest open museums in the world.
It is registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the region.
The discovery of the Al-Haqqan inscription highlights the rich history and cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia, and the commission's efforts to preserve and promote this heritage will continue in the future.