• Archaeologists uncover 18 architectural units and a trove of artifacts at the ancient mining settlement
• Among the finds was a rare stone weight inscribed with the word “ratl” in early Jazm script, dating to the first or second century AH
Riyadh, – The Heritage Commission, one of 11 sector specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, has unveiled fresh discoveries from the fourth season of archaeological excavations at the Hillit archaeological site in Al-Dawadmi Governorate, Riyadh Region, as part of its ongoing efforts to uncover and preserve the Kingdom’s archaeological heritage and spotlight its historical and cultural significance.
Tucked some 110 kilometers northwest of Al-Dawadmi Governorate, Hillit is an ancient mining settlement listed in the National Register of Antiquities in the Riyadh Region.
During the fourth excavation season, archaeologists applied rigorous scientific excavation methodologies to uncover a warren of 18 architectural units — including rooms and passageways of varying sizes — along with a rich haul of movable artifacts. The standout find was a stone weight inscribed with the word “ratl”, a historical Islamic unit of weight, in early Jazm script, dating to the first or second century AH.
Additional discoveries included personal adornments — part of a metal bracelet and beads of various shapes and colors — alongside fragments of glazed and plain pottery, soapstone vessels, glass bottle pieces, and stone tools such as grinding stones and pestles.
These early findings follow on from previous seasons’ results and reaffirm that the settlement flourished in the first century AH and may also have continued into the second.
The archaeological discoveries in Hillit reaffirms the Heritage Commission’s commitment to expanding archaeological survey and excavation projects across the Kingdom, while further strengthening documentation and conservation practices. These efforts help safeguard Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and cement its role as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s vast history and national identity.
