The Rock of Al Naslaa is a limestone outcropping in south-central Jordan that features numerous inscriptions dating between c. 800 – 200 BC. These inscriptions are believed to represent some form of a non-standard system of writing, and the rock is now considered one of the most important sites for Ancient Near East studies.

The rock itself is an impressive feature; standing at approximately 100 meters tall with a base measuring about 60 by 30 meters, it looms over the surrounding landscape like a sentry guarding this remote corner of southern Jordan from invasion or corruption.

ARCHEOLOGICAL ENIGMS

Despite its size and imposing presence, however, what makes this site truly remarkable are the myriad carvings that seem to cover every inch of its surface: small circles and lines, larger spirals and symbols, but most notably large depictions of animals. Not necessarily what one would expect to find on a rock in the middle of the desert, these carvings are important historical records that provide insights into trade relationships between civilizations near Israel and Jordan at this time period.

Before delving into the nature of these carvings and what they might mean, it is essential to note that the earliest inscriptions on the rock appear around 800 BC. These historical records suggest that the city of Petra, a prominent capital for one of the most well-preserved Ancient Roman trade routes in existence today, was likely founded between 1300 – 1000 BC during the early Iron Age.

1. The Rock of Al Naslaa is a limestone outcropping in south-central Jordan that features numerous inscriptions dating between c. 800 – 200 BC

2. These inscriptions are believed to represent some form of a non-standard system of writing, and the rock is now considered one of the most important sites for Ancient Near East studies

3. Despite its size and imposing presence, however, what makes this site truly remarkable are the myriad carvings that seem to cover every inch of its surface

4. Not necessarily what one would expect to find on a rock in the middle of the desert, these carvings are important historical records that provide insights into trade relationships between civilizations near Israel and Jordan at this time period

5. The earliest inscriptions on the rock appear around 800 BC, suggesting that the city of Petra was founded between 1300 – 1000 BC during the early Iron Age

The Rock of Al Naslaa is a limestone outcropping in south-central Jordan that features numerous inscriptions. These inscriptions are believed to represent some form of the non-standard system of writing, and the rock is now considered one of the most significant sites for Ancient Near East studies. It has been noted as an archaeological site since 1909 by Henry Hall but was only thoroughly studied after World War II due to political instability in Jordan at the time. The surrounding area also contains other monuments such as tombs or temples which have not yet been fully explored or excavated, so there is plenty more work left to be done here.

 The Al Naslaa tribes of Saudi Arabia

The Al Naslaa tribe is one of the oldest tribes in Saudi Arabia. They are mostly pastoral nomads who have migrated to various parts of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Kuwait. They are mostly camel herders and date growers. The Al Naslaa tribe is a unique group because they have been migrating for centuries from place to place yet still maintain their culture and traditions. I am going to be discussing some information about this fascinating tribe that you may not know about them before reading further into this article, so please keep reading!

The Al Naslaa are divided into two subtribes, the Al Khulaifat and the Dhafeer. The Dhafeer tribe is mostly located near Al Qudra Lake, which is around 70 kilometers outside of Riyadh. The members of this tribe are known to be intelligent and cultured people who have had more interaction with city life. The Al Khulaifat tribe on the other hand is a more nomadic branch who still practices a more traditional lifestyle.

Distribution of the Al Naslaa population in Saudi Arabia:

The Al Naslaa are mostly located in two parts of Saudi Arabia, near Riyadh and towards Abha which lies close to the Yemeni border. As I mentioned before, they are mostly camel herders and date growers. They have become a very well-known tribe in certain parts of Saudi Arabia due to their unique lifestyle, which has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries.