Charting AlUla's Rich History
Amongst the most significant discoveries in all of AlUla is the city of Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms. The city, which was built meticulously from stone and astride the valley’s oasis, dates back between the late 9th and early 8th century BCE (Kingdom of Dadan) and 5th–2nd century BCE (Kingdom of Lihyan).
One of the most exciting displays at Dadan is more than a dozen tombs cut into the red-rock cliff faces, east of the city. From afar, these look like simple dark rectangles. A closer look reveals skilfully crafted funerary monuments, including the seated lion sculptures that mark the famous Lion Tombs. Lions symbolised power and protection and may have marked the burial of an elite member of society, perhaps even royalty. These tombs are up to 50 metres above ground level, spurring the imagination of how they were carved without modern construction equipment.
Inscriptions also feature terms relating to agriculture, including the seasons, types of produce, water and parcels of land. Around this ancient valley, you can observe other inscriptions in Dadanitic. These writings detail the everyday lives of these once-great civilisations, from their religious practices and social activities, to the laws and edicts that governed them.
One of the most exciting displays at Dadan is more than a dozen tombs cut into the red-rock cliff faces, east of the city. From afar, these look like simple dark rectangles. A closer look reveals skilfully crafted funerary monuments, including the seated lion sculptures that mark the famous Lion Tombs. Lions symbolised power and protection and may have marked the burial of an elite member of society, perhaps even royalty. These tombs are up to 50 metres above ground level, spurring the imagination of how they were carved without modern construction equipment.
Inscriptions also feature terms relating to agriculture, including the seasons, types of produce, water and parcels of land. Around this ancient valley, you can observe other inscriptions in Dadanitic. These writings detail the everyday lives of these once-great civilisations, from their religious practices and social activities, to the laws and edicts that governed them.
National Geographic Documentary Premiere
Watch Lost Treasures of Arabia: The ancient city of Dadan, the first ever feature length documentary uncovering the secrets of this ancient 9th Century BCE civilisation. The Ancient City of Dadan is an amazing story of a more than 2000-year-old civilisations produced by National Geographic CreativeWorks.
Visitor Information
The only way to visit Dadan is through an organised tour, either in a vintage Land Rover or on a bus tour.
ALL-NEW EXPERIENCE ALULA APP
Check out the new Experience AlUla app to really make the most of your visit to this extraordinary destination. With fast and easy-to-navigate information, interactive features and bookable experiences, you have the best of AlUla at your fingertips.
