Hegra (Archaeological Site)
Country: Saudi Arabia
Region: Middle East
Period: 1st c.CE
Location: 26.791667°N, 37.952778°E
Description
Hegea was an ancient city associated with the Kingdom of Thamud, a South Arabian civilization that thrived between the 1st millennium BCE and the 1st millennium CE. Located in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, near modern-day Saudi Arabia, Hegea was part of a network of Thamudic settlements known for their rock-cut architecture and inscriptions. The city was an important center for the Thamud people, who were renowned for their skills in carving elaborate tombs and structures into rock faces.
Modern Remains
The remains of Hegea, along with other Thamudic cities, are scattered across the desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia. Archaeological findings in the region have uncovered numerous rock inscriptions, petroglyphs, and carved structures that showcase the Thamud people's architectural and artistic achievements. While the city itself has largely disappeared, the remnants provide important clues about their society, religion, and craftsmanship. The Thamudic inscriptions found in the area remain an essential source for understanding pre-Islamic Arabian cultures.