12/11/2022
Mawan Valley, Saudi Arabia , (100 kilometers) south of Riyadh.
The hidden Mawan Valley is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia.
Located near the city of Ad-Dilam, south of Riyadh, it is also an area of stunning natural beauty. Mawan Valley cannot be seen from a distance but only by standing at its head.The majestic view of the valley consists of two stone structures on both sides. There are also remains of forts and castles and a pair of watchtowers reflect the strategic importance of the area due to its vegetation and water resources.The valley cut west to east through a high plateau and was known for its depth and meanders.Along the valley there are flowing springs, crests, and bodies of water in solid lands that last for a long period of the year.
Mawan Hidden Canyon is approximately less than a mile long, and it reaches a depth of more than six meters. Its width varies from four to eight meters, and it splits into two branches. Along the walls of the canyon, the fascinating interplay of layers of sandstone and limestone is clearly visible, and it forms steps and landings that facilitate the descent to the bottom of the chasm. Footprints left in the slippery layer of mud at the bottom display the presence of canines in the area, possibly desert foxes.
Water is not always present, but it gathers here after the odd rainfall, and the shade provided by the canyon ensures that the water evaporates at a lower rate than elsewhere in the area. Nowadays, there are no human settlements nearby, but given the harsh environment, this site must have been of extreme importance in the past. This assumption is corroborated by the remains of human settlements from the Palaeolithic Age unearthed a short distance from the canyon. The mention of this location in writings from the 6th century further attests to its enduring importance.
Archaeological missions revealed that human presence in the region dates back to the Paleolithic Age and the Upper Paleolithic Age — approximately 100,000 years ago.”
Mawan, according to Arabic sources, meant place of shelter.
