The Expanded Narrative
A rocky archaeological village dating to the sixth century CE, crowning a rock outcrop 80 metres high south of the capital, a defensive stronghold of the Hamdan principality in the pre-Islamic period.
Place and history
A rocky archaeological village dating to the sixth century CE, crowning a rock outcrop 80 metres high south of the capital. It was a defensive stronghold of the Hamdan principality in the pre-Islamic period and a model of defensive architecture adapted to the terrain.
Architectural features
- Narrow stepped passages only 60-80 cm wide
- Thick stone walls (1.5 metres) built without mortar
- 80 adjoining stone houses spread over 5 levels
- A water well hewn in the rock 40 metres deep
- Visual command over Wadi Baws and the surrounding valleys
Dating to the 6th century CE80 stone houses over 5 levelsA water well 40 metres deepA defensive stronghold of Hamdan
