Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has uncovered more than 1,700 archaeological objects at the historic site of Miqat Al-Juhfah, and honestly, the scale of the discovery sounds huge. The site sits around 182 kilometres northwest of Makkah and once served as an important stop for pilgrims travelling through the region centuries ago. Now, archaeologists are finding traces of those journeys buried underground, from pottery pieces and beads to ancient tombstones and even old water systems.
Saudi Arabia Uncovers Over 1,700 Archaeological Finds At The Historic Miqat Al-Juhfah
One of the most interesting things about the findings is where some of the objects appear to have come from.
Experts say artefacts linked to places such as Egypt, the Levant and Abyssinia were found at the site, suggesting that pilgrims travelled through Miqat Al-Juhfah from different parts of the world.
For many historians, that detail matters a lot because it shows just how international pilgrimage routes already were during the early Islamic period.
Everyday Objects Are Telling Bigger Stories
The discoveries include shells, beads, glass fragments, metal objects and broken pottery used in daily life.
Archaeologists also uncovered six pottery kilns, along with a water canal believed to have helped travellers and pilgrims crossing the area.
That said, some of the most significant discoveries may be the 13 tombstones found at the site. A few reportedly date back to the Umayyad and Abbasid periods, connecting the location directly to major moments in Islamic history.
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The Site Was Once A Busy Stop Along The Hijrah Route
Historical records suggest Miqat Al-Juhfah became an active centre with shops and water facilities between around 719 and 816 CE. It also sat along the migration route linked to the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Makkah to Madinah.
The latest excavation and survey work was carried out by the Saudi Heritage Commission alongside the University of Exeter during the first phase of documentation efforts.
Officials say the wider goal is to better preserve and study historic landmarks along the Hijrah route while also expanding archaeological research across the Kingdom.
For many people, discoveries like this are not only about old objects. They’re about understanding how people lived, travelled and connected hundreds of years ago, often in ways that still shape the region today.
Cover Image Courtesy: MOCHeritage/Instagram