Marid Castle, Military fortress in Dumat Al-Jandal, Saudi Arabia
Marid Castle is a rectangular stone and mud-brick fortress with four conical towers at the corners and two main entrances on the south and north sides. The structure sits on a hill and offers wide views across the landscape from above.
The fortress is first mentioned in records from the third century, possibly connected to military events in the region. It served for centuries as a defensive structure to protect trade routes and local settlements.
The fortress shows traces of different settlers whose pottery and artifacts were discovered during excavations. These findings reveal that people from various cultures lived and worked at this location across centuries.
Reaching the top of the fortress involves climbing the stairway on the southern side, which takes roughly half an hour on foot. It is best to visit early in the day before it gets too hot, and wear sturdy shoes.
From the top, the fortress gave defenders a wide view across the entire surrounding area, allowing them to spot approaching threats from far away. This elevated position made it a valuable lookout point for controlling the territory.
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