Arabian Rock Art Heritage

The Application of Advanced Imaging Technology to Saudi Arabian Rock Art

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  • Camel

    The Dromedary camel can be easily identified because of the single hump on its back. It is also the largest of all camels, having longer limbs than the Bactrian, or two-humped, camel, C. bactrianus. The Dromedary is extremely well adapted to hot, arid conditions, and is capable of surviving up to 21 days without water. Dromedaries vary in color from nearly white, to tan, to [...]

    • Split Rock at Ghouwtah, near Jubbah

      • Split Rock, Ghouwtah

        • Shuwaymis East, Camel Panel

          These camel petroglyphs are much more recent than the Neolithic petroglyphs found on the west side of the valley at Shuwaymis. Here, the full beauty of the panel is illuminated by the setting sun.

          • Petroglyph Bonanza, Jubbah

            Hidden amongst the sandstones of this rugged terrain are multiple petroglyph panels spanning thousands of years of cultural evolution in northern Saudi Arabia.

            • Sandy Point, Shuwaymis East

              A dramatic sandstone outcrop on the east side of the Shuwaymis valley hosts several assemblages of petroglyphs of more recent dates, including many camels.

              • Uqulqh, Tayma

                Uqulqh is a large sandstone outcrop not far from the ancient city of Tayma. It features Arabian horses with tasseled tails that resemble those of donkeys or camels.

                • A’Abar Harema, Bir Hima

                  This dramatic and complex panel shows a vivid battle scene with infantry, cavalry, and camel corps fighting with sabers and long lances. Whether this depicts one enormous battle or several smaller ones is difficult to say.

                  • A’Abar Harema morning, Bir Hima

                    This dramatic and complex panel shows a vivid battle scene with infantry, cavalry, and camel corps fighting with sabers and long lances. Whether this depicts one enormous battle or several smaller ones is difficult to say.

Stories in the Rocks

Saudi Arabia possesses world-class rock art in a dazzling desert landscape replete with majestic natural formations. Stories in the Rocks: Exploring Saudi Arabian Rock Art is a beautifully illustrated book written in an easily accessible manner. Its goal is to enlighten readers about the records created by ancient artists on the sandstone cliffs and outcrops distributed widely down Saudi Arabia from north to south.

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Layan Cultural Foundation Project © 2010 - 2025 Sandra L. Olsen