Arabia : the past

For hundreds of years, popular perceptions of Arab culture have been dominated

by Islam.

But recent excavations in what is now modern-day Saudi Arabia are revealing evidence

of sophisticated and ancient civilizations that are redefining the pre-Islamic era.

A new exhibit in Washington shows off an unknown side of Saudi art :

and promises to kick off a revolution :

of cultural and historical pride in the region. 

                   

This basalt tombstone is from Mecca, 9th Century

                             

Mada'in Saleh archaeological site, also known as al-Hijr, in Saudi Arabia :

is a Unesco world heritage site  :wink:

                 

The Saudi government wants more tourists to visit pre-Islamic sites like Mada'in Saleh

                     

This is part of a horse figure, found at Al-Magar, dated 7,000 BC