Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza, Ancient Nabatean tomb in Madain Salih, Saudi Arabia.
The tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza is a monumental Nabatean burial structure in Madain Salih with a facade carved into sandstone standing about 72 feet high. The front displays intricate columns, decorative details, and a distinctive crowned top that was painstakingly cut from the natural rock.
The tomb was carved into the mountain during the first century AD as a burial place for a prominent Nabatean figure. It demonstrates that the Nabateans of this era were skilled stone workers who created monumental structures for their leaders.
The inscribed name of Lihyan son of Kuza is carved into the stone, showing how the Nabateans honored their dead in this way. These writings turned the tomb into a permanent memorial that families could visit and remember.
The location is accessible on foot and can be viewed from multiple vantage points around Madain Salih. It helps to visit early in the day to get the best light for photographs and for exploring the carved details comfortably.
The lower portion of the facade still shows chisel marks and unfinished surfaces, offering a rare window into ancient construction methods. These marks reveal that workers carved from the top downward and some sections were left incomplete.
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