Latest news with #historicalsites
Zawya
a day ago
- General
- Zawya
Eritrea: Tour to Developmental and Historical Sites
Members of the PFDJ in the Southern Region conducted a three-day tour to developmental and historical sites in the Northern Red Sea Region. During their visits to Gahtelay Dam, where 98% of the construction has been finalized, Massawa Airport, constructed with internal capacity, a plastic and tin factory in Massawa, and the port, they were provided with briefings by managers and experts regarding the objectives of the institutions and their future plans. They also visited Dese Island, the Naval Base in Gedem, and the Northern Red Sea Museum. Noting that the program was mainly targeted at the youth, Ms. Amete Neguse, Secretary of the PFDJ in the Southern Region, commended those who participated and contributed to the successful implementation of the program, particularly the Eritrean Navy. The participants expressed satisfaction with the progress of the institutions they visited firsthand and noted that the experience will significantly enhance their involvement in national affairs. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Arab News
7 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Ancient Saudi city of Qurh a historic stop for pilgrim and trade caravans
ALULA: Qurh, an ancient city in Saudi Arabia's AlUla governorate, is one of the most prominent historical caravan stops, having served for centuries as a vital hub along the routes of pilgrims and traders, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Located about 20 kilometers south of AlUla's old town, near the village of Mughayra, Qurh is one of the Royal Commission for AlUla's archaeological sites. AlUla's other main heritage sites are Dadan, Hegra and the Old Town. Qurh's ruins spread across an expansive plain surrounded by medium-height mountains. The ruins include remnants of architectural structures, marketplaces, streets, and palaces, all of which highlight the city's once-thriving economic and urban life. Architectural features dating back to the early Islamic periods also suggest that settlement and cultural growth continued after the advent of Islam. Known for its commercial activity since pre-Islamic times, Qurh was the capital of Wadi Al-Qura and a center for Arab markets, as described by the historian Hisham ibn al-Kalbi, who identified it as a commercial and cultural center and a cradle of the arts. The city was located on the route of the historic Incense Road, a trade artery used to transport precious goods from the southern Arabian Peninsula to the north, passing through Wadi Al-Qura. According to Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, the RCA's vice president for culture, the excavations in Qurh have so far proved "that there was some interaction with China at the beginning of the Islamic period." "Evidence exists of interactions and trade extending as far as China. With the China, for example, merchants who brought porcelain, medicines and silk to Arabia with incense for sure, ivory, while other valuables travelled in the opposite directions," he said in an interview produced by FT Longitude in partnership with The Royal Commission for AlUla. AlUla, at present part of Saudi Arabia's western province of Madinah, has been home throughout history to the ancient Dadanites, Lihyanites, Nabataeans, Sabaeans, Minoans, Egyptian, Romans and Arabs.
Arab News
26-05-2025
- Science
- Arab News
Saudi-French archeological mission uncovers ancient sites on Farasan Island
RIYADH: A joint Saudi-French archeological mission to excavate ancient sites on Farasan Island, in the Jazan region, has been concluded by the Heritage Commission. The initiative, in collaboration with Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne University, featured a team of experts from the French National Centre for Scientific Research, the Saudi Press Agency reported. It aimed to reveal settlement phases and chronological sequences at the excavation sites — Qusar, Ghurrayn, and Wadi Shami, which date from the first to third centuries — as well as study various burial grounds. The work is part of a scientific project highlighting the historical and strategic importance of the Farasan archipelago, particularly its key role in maritime trade across the Red Sea through various historical periods. It included male and female students from national universities, as well as participants from Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne University. Previous excavations under the same project, which took place from 2011 to 2024, have yielded significant findings dating back to the Bronze Age and the periods of Southern Arabian states. Discoveries have included watchtowers and industrial sites believed to be remnants of a camp dating back to the second century B.C. The findings underscore the rich cultural exchange that took place on Farasan Island, highlighting its pivotal role in connecting Southern Arabian civilizations with those of the Mediterranean. Prehistoric shell mounds and human settlements further emphasize the islands' historical significance.
Asharq Al-Awsat
26-05-2025
- Science
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Joint Saudi-French Archaeological Mission Completes Excavations on Farasan Island's Ancient Sites
The Heritage Commission has concluded a joint Saudi-French archaeological mission that excavated ancient sites dating back to the period between the first and third centuries AD on the Farasan Island in the Jazan Region. The effort was conducted in collaboration with Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University and featured a team of experts from the French National Center for Scientific Research. The excavation sites, including Qusar, Ghurrayn, and Wadi Shami, were integral to the project, which sought to complete the archaeological works in the area. The mission aimed to reveal the phases of settlement and chronological sequences at the archaeological sites, alongside studying various burial sites. These efforts are part of a scientific project that spotlights the historical and strategic importance of the Farasan archipelago, particularly its pivotal role in maritime trade across the Red Sea during different historical periods. The mission involved male and female students from national universities as well as participants from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, engaging in a field training program under the guidance of academics and specialized experts. Previous excavations conducted from 2011 to 2024 under the project have yielded significant findings dating back to the Bronze Age and periods associated with the states of Southern Arabia. Discoveries included watchtowers and industrial sites believed to be remnants of a camp established in the 2nd century BC to monitor and protect maritime trade routes. These archaeological findings underscore the deep cultural exchange that occurred on the Farasan islands, showcasing their pivotal role in connecting the civilizations of Southern Arabia with those of the Mediterranean. Prehistoric shell mounds and human settlements further emphasize the islands' historical significance.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- The Sun
National Trust reveals its top family-friendly attractions for May half term with fairytale castles and ‘book jungles'
HALF term holidays are nearly here and before you know it, the summer holidays will have arrived. With this in mind, you might be looking for different things to do as a day out. 5 Tom Freshwater, head of visitor programming at The National Trust has rounded up the top family-friendly attractions in the UK. Bodiam Castle, East Sussex Bodiam Castle is one of the most popular family attractions in 1066 Country in Hastings. Tom said: "The castle looks like a classic storybook castle complete with a moat, but through the massive door and beneath the imposing portcullis, and it's basically an empty ruin. "Meaning this is a place where you let your imagination run riot. "Windows where arrows were once loosed, a tower that was once a look-out and ruins that were once walked upon by knights." Bodiam also hosts a range of events, so always check the website to see what's on. Upcoming activities include, medieval encampment, have-a-go archery, storytelling, crafts, living history performances, and a How to Train Your Dragon trail (perfectly timed for the film which comes out 9 June). It is also home to wide parking spaces, baby changing facilities by the car park, picnic benches and buggy-friendly paths. Sutton Hoo, Suffolk Sutton Hoo is England 's Valley of the Kings and the Anglo-Saxon ship burial found in the King's Mound is the richest burial ever found in northern Europe. "Tales of kings, mysterious mounds and buried treasure make Sutton Hoo, Suffolk the site of one of Britain's most important archaeological discoveries, a must-visit for families," commented Tom. The pretty pink UK castle that is loved by Disney and Britney Spears Around 1,400 years ago, a king or great warrior of East Anglia was laid to rest in a 90ft ship, surrounded by his extraordinary treasures. "Its discovery revolutionised understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period and provided a lens through which to examine this fascinating era of history," explained Tom. "There's a great mix of indoor and outdoor experiences to enjoy. The courtyard, paths to Tranmer House and the route to the Royal Burial Ground are all pushchair and buggy-friendly." Visitors can walk around the atmospheric Royal Burial Ground and enjoy views from the 17-metre viewing tower to discover the history of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions. They can also discover the archaeological work that took place at the site in the 1930s in Tranmer House - the former home of Edith Pretty. At the High Hall there is also an exhibition to see replica and original objects. 5 5 Tom added: "Again, events bring Sutton Hoo to life – Anglo Saxon Storytellers, Costume Making, Sand Tray Archaeology and Gruesome Graves Tours to name a few. "And for older kids/parents and carers there's a chance to catch Time Team Live (19 May, finishing on 13 June) and The Dig: A Story Unearthed is a new temporary exhibition at Sutton Hoo and tells the untold stories of the real people featured in Netflix's The Dig. "It will feature some of the original costumes, jewellery and props used in the film." The site also has a quiet hour on the first Sunday of every month, where the sounds are turned down for those who enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed visit. There is a quiet play area available during school holidays and at weekends and is located in the Old Stables, where you can find soft play toys and books to read. The King's Mound treasure is now displayed in Room 41: Sutton Hoo and Europe, AD 300-1100 at The British Museum in London - the 27-metre Anglo-Saxon ship no longer exists. The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire Staff and volunteers worked with 100 young ambassadors, aged up to 12 years, to devise and test ideas for The Children's Country House. 5 "Step inside the historic country home of the Vernon family a place where grand architecture and history mix with interactive activities for the whole family to get involved in," said Tom. "Practice your deportment and pose for your own portrait in the Long Gallery, partake in some dancing in the Saloon, and have a game or two in the Drawing Room." There are different spaces in The Children's Country House Museum - which celebrate the escapades and challenges of childhood across the centuries. Visitors can take a lesson in a Victorian Classroom and learn about childhood through the ages, or head to The Book Jungle - a second-hand shop selling pre-loved items, such as books, toys and clothing. There is also the Mystery Rooms Experience, which is a child-led escape room based during World War Two. The Sun also recently revealed The National Trust's best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks. Plus, the top 25 activities for a perfect day out, according to kids – including going in a hot air balloon & 'riding to the Moon'. 5
