28.6°
Al-Ahsabah
Makkah
A Valley Preserving the Names of Rulers and Tools of Life
Makkah
Al-Ahsabah valley is located approximately 30 kilometers south of Al-Qunfudah Governorate. It includes two ancient settlements (old villages) situated about 11 km apart. Both lie within the valley's extension itself.
Each settlement contains ruined stone houses, which indicates the existence of stable urban habitation in the past.
The site features an ancient cemetery where a number of inscribed stones (gravestones) were found. They date back to the 6th century AH, and belong to prominent figures, sultans of the Al Awid and Al Ashyam tribes,
In addition to the tombs, pottery fragments and millstones (for grinding) for crushing grains and metals were found at the site, which indicates the existence of local economic activity tied to agriculture and artisanal industry.
Al-Ahsabah valley does not only document the names and titles of bygone notables; it also reveals a comprehensive lifestyle: dwelling, governance, burial, and work.
