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Rare artifacts excavated in
Kingdom’s Al-Maqar area
By P.K. ABDUL GHAFOUR | ARAB NEWS
Published: Aug 24, 2011 00:18 Updated: Aug 24, 2011 00:18
JEDDAH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on Tuesday expressed
his satisfaction over the discovery of rare antiques during recent excavations that
revealed that people in the Arabian Peninsula were interested in horses 9,000 years
ago.
Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, and
members of the excavation team briefed the king on the importance of the artifacts that were
found in Al-Maqar in the central region of Saudi Arabia.
"The antiquities proved that Al-Maqar was the oldest place in the world so far with people
interested in horses," an official statement said, adding that the artifacts also showed the
cultural activities of people in the region during the Stone Age.
King Abdullah praised the excavation team and wished them greater successes in their
efforts. He also urged the SCTA to publish the results of the excavation that proved that the
Arabian Peninsula had precedence in taking care of horses.
Later speaking to reporters, Prince Sultan commended the keenness shown by King Abdullah
toward the preservation of the Kingdom's antiquities. He said the excavation of new antiquities
reflected the historic and cultural importance of the land of Saudi Arabia.
Prince Sultan underscored the commission's efforts to excavate antiquities in various parts of
the country and protect them in a scientific manner. He also disclosed plans to establish new
museums in various parts of the kingdom.
"The results of the excavation show that taking care of horses has been an old tradition
inherited by Muslims from their forefathers. There is no wonder that during the time of the
Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Caliphs special areas had been allocated for breeding
and rearing horses," he pointed out.
Ali Al-Ghabban, deputy chairman of SCTA for antiquities and museums, said the organization
began excavations in Al-Maqar after receiving information about the area from a Saudi last
year, adding Saudi and international experts took part in the excavation.
He said DNA and C-14 tests proved that the artifacts found during the excavation were 9,000
years old. He said the team had found 80 valuable artifacts from the area. Previous
excavations showed people in Central Asia took care of horses 5,000 years ago.
© 2010 Arab News