Joint Archaeologists Team From Saudi Arabia And France Reveal Ancient Sites On Farasan Island

JAKARTA - The Cultural Heritage Commission has completed a joint archaeological mission of Saudi Arabia - France to dig up ancient sites on Farasan Island, in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia at the end of the month.

The initiative, in collaboration with Paris University 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, features a team of experts from the French National Center for Scientific Research, the Saudi Press Agency reported, as reported by Arab News June 3.

The goal is to uncover the settlement phase and chronological order at the excavation sites Qusar, Ghurrayn, and Wadi Shami, which date from the first to the third centuries as well as study various burial sites.

The work is part of a scientific project highlighting the historical and strategic importance of the Farasan archipelago, particularly its main role in maritime trade in the Red Sea through various historical periods.

The project involved male and female students from national universities, as well as participants from Paris University 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne.

Previous excavations in the same project, which took place from 2011 to 2024, have resulted in important findings dating back to the Bronze Age and the period for South Arab countries.

The discoveries include surveillance towers and industrial sites believed to be remnants of camps dating back to the second century BC.

The discoveries also underscore the rich cultural exchanges taking place on the island of Farhasan, highlighting its important role in linking South Arabia's civilizations to Mediterranean civilizations.

The longing of prehistoric shells and human settlements further emphasizes the historical significance of the islands.