Saudi Arabia unearths first-century Islamic mosque in Al-Baha

The Saudi Heritage Commission has discovered a granite-built mosque dating back to the first century of the Islamic calendar. The structure was found at the Al Maallamah archaeological site in the southwestern Al-Baha region during the fourth season of excavations.

The mosque measures 16 metres north-to-south and 10 metres east-to-west, featuring a design that includes a mihrab, entrances, and a minaret. Adjoining stone rooms, which likely served social and commercial functions, include storage areas and basins. Archaeologists also recovered various artifacts, such as pottery vessels, soapstone fragments, stone tools, and grinding stones, providing insight into the daily lives and craftsmanship of the ancient settlement.

Al Maallamah has historically been a significant site for the extraction of gold, silver, and copper ores. Laboratory analysis indicates that mining activity in the area began in the pre-Islamic period and flourished between the late sixth and ninth centuries AD, driving the development of various settlements and economic towns in the region.