Historical excavations in Saudi Arabia have revealed centuries-old defensive trench and fortification in the city of Jeddah. The Historic Jeddah Program announced Thursday the results of archaeological excavations in Historic Jeddah, within the first phase of the Antiquities Project.
The latest archaeological excavations revealed the remains of a defensive trench and a fortification wall that once surrounded the city. It is located in the northern part of Historic Jeddah, east of Al Kidwa Square and their history goes back several centuries.
Historical sources revealed that Jeddah was a fortified city at the beginning of 11th century, according to preliminary estimates. However, laboratory analyses indicate that the newly discovered trench and wall date back to a later stage of the fortification system, as they were most likely built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Archaeological excavations revealed that by mid-19th century, the trench had become unusable and was quickly filled with sand.
The fortification wall remained standing until 1947, and some parts of the trench’s supporting wall remained intact up to a height of three meters.
Archaeologists found imported European ceramics dating back to the 19th century which indicates Jeddah’s long-term trade ties. They also found a piece of pottery from the ninth century discovered in Al-Kidwa Square.
These discoveries are part of a group of archaeological discoveries announced by the Historic Jeddah Program as part of the results of the first phase of the antiquities project.
A number of specialized national cadres, Saudi experts from the Heritage Authority and foreign experts specialized in antiquities implemented the project to uncover submerged monuments under the ground.
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