Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex
Iron Age (900-100 BCE)·Lihyanite/Dedanite·🇸🇦 Al Ula, Medina, Saudi Arabia
About
About Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex
Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex in Al Ula, Medina, Saudi Arabia is a Iron Age (900-100 BCE) rock_cut attributed to Lihyanite/Dedanite. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal necropolis 9 × 6 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 26.6240N 37.9078E controls access to Al Ula, Medina resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey rock_cut for Al Ula, Medina, illustrating Lihyanite/Dedanite construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ancestral burial reuse over centuries
- 02Astronomical alignment hypothesis
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 600 BCE
- Period
- Iron Age (900-100 BCE)
- Culture
- Lihyanite/Dedanite
- Purpose
- Rock-cut tomb / hypogeum with funerary function
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 600 BCE
Initial construction of Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex main structure
c. 852 BCE
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically at Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex
2001–2010
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
26.6240° N · 37.9078° E · 806 m · 4 mapped features
Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex — Main Rock_Cut Feature
reservoirPrimary reservoir at Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex — rock-cut facade with stratified deposits
26.6257° N · 37.9070° EAl Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex — Secondary Enclosure
moundAncillary mound at Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex — central chambered cairn with stratified deposits
26.6237° N · 37.9084° EAl Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex — Outlier Rock Art Panel
dromosOutlier dromos panel linked to Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex ceremonial landscape
26.6250° N · 37.9086° EAl Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex — Hydraulic/Cistern Annex
structureHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir at Al Ula Dedan Necropolis Lion Tomb Access Ridge — Northern Annex with plastered basin
26.6244° N · 37.9069° E