Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission unveiled important new discoveries at the Al-Abla site in Asir region during the seventh session of archaeological excavations in the area.
The discoveries included reservoirs used to build rainwater stores in homes and for industry. Walls and floors of buildings found at the site were also coated in gypsum, a mineral used in plaster.
They shed light on the prominence of Al Abla as one of the most important ancient mining locations in the south of the country, the Heritage Commission stated.
The scientific team also uncovered reservoirs under some architectural units at the site, which were used to store rainwater.
The reservoirs included roofs built to allow rainwater to travel through gypsum-lined or pottery channels to be stored until needed.
The Commission said that small glass vials, metal pieces, parts of bronze vessels, rings and beads made of ivory and precious stones, were also discovered at the site.
Hammerstones, grinders and pairs of quern stones in various sizes and forms were also found, as well as glazed pottery and bodies, rims and handles of vessels made of pottery and steatite, or soapstone.
