Remnants of a mosque and architectural extensions… new archaeological discoveries at the site of Al-Sarin
Declared Results of archaeological excavations for the year 2025 AD by the Saudi mission – On The archaeological site in Al-Layth Governorate in the Makkah region, as part of its efforts to document and study coastal archaeological sites, and to enhance understanding of the cultural landscape of the Islamic historical cities and ports on the Red Sea coast.
The site has witnessed urban and commercial activity since the third century AH, and contributed to linking maritime trade networks between the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa, and the ports of the Islamic world, taking advantage of its geographical location at the mouth of a seasonal valley that provided a natural environment suitable for settlement. Human.
Part of the field efforts of the fourth season of archaeological excavations by the joint Saudi-Chinese mission at the Al-Sarain site in Al-Laith Governorate.
Results of excavation work
Excavation work during the season revealed architectural extensions in a number of excavation squares within the site’s excavation network, which included documenting residential, service and storage units, and pottery stoves that reflect the activities of living life, in addition to revealing a wall surrounding the site and extending to the southern, northern and western sides, which allowed a clearer reading of the site’s organization and its urban boundaries.
Excavation work within the architectural context revealed the remains of a mosque on the southwestern side of the site, and excavation and study work is still continuing there, with the work expected to extend into the next season due to its importance in understanding the religious structure and urban organization of the city of As-Sarrin.
The most prominent discoveries
The season witnessed the documentation of various archaeological finds, including pottery of all kinds, pottery incense burners, stone tools, agate beads, and glass, in addition to organic materials consisting of shells and animal bones, reflecting the diversity of the economic and living activities of the site’s inhabitants.
Among the most prominent documented finds is part of a jar. Chinese ceramics dating back to the Northern Song era (960-1127 AD). It is distinguished by the presence of the remains of a decorative seal bearing damaged and illegible Chinese writing symbols. It is considered archaeological evidence of the commercial contact between southern China and the coasts of the Red Sea during the Islamic era.
The Heritage Authority confirmed the continuation of excavations and studies at the Al-Sarrin archaeological site during the coming seasons. With the aim of building an integrated scientific vision of the history of settlement and urban development and highlighting the cultural value of the site as one of the most important historical ports on the Red Sea coast.
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