Al-Ula, Archaeological complex in Medina Province, Saudi Arabia.
Al-Ula is an archaeological complex in Medina Province, Saudi Arabia, stretching across a desert landscape of rock formations and ancient remains. The site includes tombs carved into cliffs, inscriptions on stone faces, and settlement ruins scattered along valleys and ridges.
Settlement began more than 2,800 years ago and grew into a trading hub linking different kingdoms and routes. Later, the Nabataeans took control and left behind monumental tombs and architectural evidence of their presence.
The name comes from Arabic meaning "the heights", referring to the sandstone cliffs that frame the valley. Local guides now share stories passed down through generations about the ancient trade routes that once connected distant civilizations.
Access is through organized tours that guide visitors across different sections of the site and provide entry to key archaeological points. An airport nearby makes arrival easier for international travelers.
A group of tombs was built exclusively for women, suggesting an unusual level of social recognition in this ancient society. These burial sites are located in a separate section and differ in design and placement from the other monuments.
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