Where were we?
AlUla, February 1th. After spending Christmas in Italy, we returned to Arabia to resume our work on the study and cataloging of the tombs of Hegra.
The first two months dedicated to the project were crucial, not only to familiarize ourselves with the site, which is truly extensive (about 52 hectares), and the conservation issues affecting the monuments carved by the Nabataeans two thousand years ago in the sandstone massifs.
The start-up phase was also important to define the data collection methods, vocabulary, the use of sources, and how to graphically map different themes.
Searching for petroglyphs
Upon returning from Italy, immediately after Epiphany, we dedicated ourselves to a thorough and careful reconnaissance of Jabal Ithlib, not far from Al Banat. For us, it was a real archaeological trek!
It is an area characterized by a group of massifs that seem almost inaccessible, and where the sun, especially at certain times of the day, creates incredible light plays, especially in the narrow access corridor. Here, even Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to take a photo during his visit to the Hegra site in December.
It is presumed that the innermost area, surrounded and protected by mountains, was the religious area of ancient Hegra. Here, the majority of the site’s religious monuments are located: niches, small altars, betyls, and petroglyphs, which are carvings in the rock created with various sharp tools, representing caravans, hunters, geometric symbols, and animals.
Within Jabal Ithlib, the wadi is also clearly visible — a term in Arabic referring to a valley or a dry riverbed where water flows only during short periods of intense rainfall — now covered with abundant vegetation.
Our inspection allowed us to locate, photograph, and then catalog the petroglyphs, numerous inscriptions from different historical periods, and small shrines adorned with more or less complex decorative elements.
Communication on the site
While the on-site work continues in Arabia, Daniel in Italy is working on developing informational material that will help visitors understand our conservation project. Near the archaeological site’s ticket office, there will be a panel introducing the conservation project. Additionally, near the work area where we will be positioned from time to time, some roll-up banners will be placed with a brief description of ongoing activities and access, through QR codes, to the website and multimedia content. This infographic material will “speak” to Hegra’s visitors, much like inscriptions and petroglyphs “spoke” to travelers on ancient routes passing through this area.
A comprehensive and clear dissemination of the project, both online and on-site for tourists and the local community, has been an important objective for us from the beginning.
To achieve this, we rely on the collaboration and technical support of the team led by Adam Ford, responsible for communication at the Royal Commission for AlUla.
The magic of Elephant Rock
In addition to the animals engraved on the rocks, there are also some massive zoomorphic formations here in Arabia. Evidently, the practice of associating rock formations with specific animals knows no boundaries. This is the case, for example, with the famous Elephant Rock, known in Arabic as Jabal Alfil.
Beneath this massive formation sculpted by wind and water into the shape of a giant elephant, we spent a delightful evening seated at tables in a venue that welcomes many visitors with delicious fruit smoothies. Elephant Rock is indeed one of the main attractions in the county of AlUla and, especially as evening descends, an absolutely enchanting place.
Our working experience here in Saudi Arabia is truly an ongoing discovery, both within and outside the Hegra site.
