Cave Resorts in Saudi Arabia Offer Unique Tourism Experience

Cave resorts in Saudi Arabia offer unique tourism experience. (SPA)
Cave resorts in Saudi Arabia offer unique tourism experience. (SPA)
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Cave Resorts in Saudi Arabia Offer Unique Tourism Experience

Cave resorts in Saudi Arabia offer unique tourism experience. (SPA)
Cave resorts in Saudi Arabia offer unique tourism experience. (SPA)

Nestled amidst the mountains and valleys of Saudi Arabia's southwestern Al-Baha Region, a unique form of tourism is taking shape: cave resorts.
These creative accommodations, carved into the mountainside by local residents, offer visitors a chance to experience living in nature and the beauty of the region, SPA said on Sunday.
Shada Al-Asfal Mountain, where the cave resorts are located, is a geological marvel. At over 1,700 meters high, the mountain is one of the oldest geological formations on the planet, dating back 763 million years.
The mountain is home to a variety of natural wonders, including ancient caves that were once inhabited by indigenous people, fascinating rock formations, and stunning waterfalls.
The cave resorts offer guests a chance to explore these natural wonders while enjoying all the comforts of modern living. The caves house bedrooms, kitchens, living areas, and balconies with breathtaking views.
In addition to the stunning scenery, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, climbing, and biking.
The cave resorts are also a sustainable source of income for the local community. These resorts showcase the beauty of this region, without encroaching on its natural resources.



Danish Archaeologists Unearth 50 Viking Skeletons

Massacred 10th century Vikings found in a mass grave at St John’s College, Oxford. Photograph: Thames Valley Archaeological Services/PA
Massacred 10th century Vikings found in a mass grave at St John’s College, Oxford. Photograph: Thames Valley Archaeological Services/PA
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Danish Archaeologists Unearth 50 Viking Skeletons

Massacred 10th century Vikings found in a mass grave at St John’s College, Oxford. Photograph: Thames Valley Archaeological Services/PA
Massacred 10th century Vikings found in a mass grave at St John’s College, Oxford. Photograph: Thames Valley Archaeological Services/PA

The excavation of a large Viking-era burial site in Denmark has unearthed 50 unusually well-preserved skeletons that archaeologists expect will help shed light on the lives of the Nordic people best known for their seafaring exploits in the Middle Ages.

The skeletons, discovered near Denmark's third-largest city Odense, were kept intact by high water levels and favorable soil conditions that prevented them from decomposing, according to Michael Borre Lundoe, the excavation leader from Museum Odense, Reuters reported.

"Normally when we excavate Viking graves, we'd be lucky if there were two teeth left in the grave besides the grave goods. But here we have the skeletons fully preserved," said Lundoe.

"The skeletons are so amazing. They are so well preserved. There are five fingers, five toes. And that opens up a whole new set of possibilities for discoveries," he said.

Rare artifacts such as knives, glass pearls and brooches dated between year 850 to 970 were also found at the excavation, which began six months ago.

Lundoe said the grave gifts indicate most of the people were part of a small community of farmers, although a woman of higher status was buried with a silver-ornamented knife and a piece of glass which was rare in the Viking Age.

Archaeologists took soil samples to search for pollen to determine which season the person was buried in and what textiles they wore.

An x-ray of a soil block from the site revealed an oval brooch, an iconic Viking Age jewelry piece associated with women's garments, covered with wood and human remains.

On the back of another brooch with period-specific ornaments, mineralized woven textile fragments provided evidence of the type of dress worn in the Viking Age, the archaeologists said.

Most of the skeletons have been removed from the graves and packed in cardboard boxes at the museum to dry out before the examination and final cleaning.