NAJRAN: The Najran Museum of Archeology and Heritage, located at the famous Al-Ukhdoud site, contains a remarkable range of exhibits charting the history and cultures of the region. Opened in 1975, the museum offers visitors insight into the ancient south Arabian kingdom and the frankincense trade, the history of Wadi Najran and Al-Ukhdoud, and has special displays on the pre-Islamic era, the Islamic era and the unification of the Kingdom. Along with the permanent displays, the museum is replete with exhibits narrating the region's archeological wonders, the history of Al-Ukhdoud, the old caravan routes, ancient languages and pre-Islamic inscriptions. Maps detail the ancient states of Haimaireen, Gasassina and Al-Manizerh. Other exhibits include clay relics unearthed at Al-Ukhdoud and dating from the third century BC to the sixth century AD. Of special interest is a bronze lion's head, found at Al-Ukhdoud. Stone inscriptions recovered from across Najran are on display along with ancient engravings depicting animals, and visitors can also view ancient traditional tools used by the people of Najran and unearthed by archaeologists.
