Archaeologists uncover 1,200-year-old treasure along medieval Hajj route

Archaeologists have discovered a clay vessel containing more than a hundred pieces of jewelry made of gold, silver, and precious stones in Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh.

Known as the “Diriyah Treasure,” the find is believed to date from the 8th century, according to Live Science, which references Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission.

Researchers suggest the hoard may have been buried by a pilgrim traveling to Mecca along a medieval Hajj route. Radiocarbon analysis indicates that the settlement existed between 743 and 753, during the early decades of the Abbasid Caliphate.

The jewelry features intricate craftsmanship, including embossed gold sheets, semi-precious stone inlays, and floral and geometric patterns.

Even under limited visibility and challenging conditions, archaeologists were able to confirm the uniqueness of the find, which emerged after six years of excavation work.

By Jeyhun Aghazada