Columns of Rajajil, Stone column archaeological site in Al Jawf Region, Saudi Arabia.
The Columns of Rajajil is an archaeological site comprising around 50 groups of sandstone pillars arranged in a circular pattern, with each group containing two to ten stone shafts. The pillars reach approximately three meters high and define the landscape of Al Jawf Region.
The columns date to the fourth millennium BC and were erected during the Chalcolithic period when copper working began in northern Arabia. This early age marked the emergence of organized mining and craft specialization in the region.
The name Rajajil comes from the Arabic word for men, as the sandstone pillars resemble standing human figures when viewed from a distance. Visitors notice this human-like quality immediately while walking among the stone groups.
The site lies roughly ten kilometers southeast of Sakakah in a dry landscape that demands weather-appropriate clothing and water supplies. Visitors should plan to arrive early and allow adequate time for exploring the dispersed stone groups.
Excavations near the pillars revealed ancient wells and various artifacts including stone tools, pottery sherds, and burnt ornaments. These objects indicate the site functioned as both a water source and working area over many generations.
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