Al-Lith: The Heritage Commission has completed the third season of archaeological excavation at the AlSirrain site in Al-Lith Governorate, Makkah Region, in collaboration with the National Cultural Heritage Administration of the People’s Republic of China. This is part of the agreement signed between the two parties to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise and knowledge in the field of archaeological excavation, according to a recent press release from the commission.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this project is one of many joint cultural initiatives under the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025, aimed at strengthening cultural and civilizational exchange between the two nations. It highlights the deep historical ties that connected both civilizations through the Silk Road. This collaboration also reflects Saudi Arabia and China’s shared commitment to advancing scientific and historical research, preserving heritage, and documenting the rich human legacy that unites the peoples of the East.
The project aims to provide broader insights into the site within its historical and archaeological context by studying the residential area, and understanding social and historical life through the analysis of construction patterns, urban planning, the functions of its components, and its relations with other urban centers. It also seeks to document architectural phenomena, which included the discovery of large sections of the city wall, as well as several towers and gates along its length.
The release highlighted that the excavations resulted in the discovery of various archaeological finds, differing in material and use, including ceramic and stone vessels, decorative tools, a gold dinar dating back to the mid-2nd Hijri century, a collection of Chinese ceramics, and gravestones featuring both raised and sunken decorative patterns.
The archaeological survey revealed a significant number of architectural phenomena, including foundational elements of walls and gravestones, reflecting the site’s importance as a key station on the Maritime Silk Road. Its port was part of a city that saw economic activity until the end of the 3rd Hijri century and only emerged as a commercial port in the early 4th Hijri century, reaching its peak prosperity in the 5th and 6th Hijri centuries. It is also considered one of the largest archaeological sites along the Red Sea coast to this day.
“This project reaffirms the commissions’ efforts in preserving heritage through archaeological and research projects across the Kingdom and enhancing global cooperation,” the release read.
