Ancient mountain inscriptions fascinate visitors to Al-Qassim region

An official points to prehistoric rock art in the Al-Qassim region. (SPA)

AL-RASS: Some ancient mountain inscriptions in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Qassim region are proving a source of fascination for some.
The area is home to a 1,254-meter-high mountain known as Mount Sowaj, and various other names. It contains many inscriptions dating back to the ancient Thamud era.
The sketches that can be seen on the northwestern side of the mountain include drawings of a number of animals, such as camels and cows, and writings that can be translated by specialists.
In other areas, the mountain includes a set of lines and drawings, colored in blue, red and orange.
These unique inscriptions were discussed by academics and history experts at the King Saud University.
Researcher Abdullah Al-Aqeel said the inscriptions, drawings and important writings are often tampered with by individuals who do not know their value and significance, emphasizing the fact that there is need to do more to protect them.
On the southeastern side of the mountain lie the remains of water wells. Elsewhere there is an archaeological painting etched in the rocks, which is one of the largest historical archaeological paintings in Al-Qassim.
From observing these drawings, it is evident that the region was abundant in water and vegetation, and grazed by camels, cows, goats, ostriches, deer, mules and other animals.