Al-Daql Archaeological Castle
Al-Daql Archaeological Castle, is one of the archaeological castles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which had strategic military importance in earlier periods in the city of Abha in the Aseer Region in the south of Saudi Arabia. It was built between 1914–1916 and is located on the summit of a mountain to the north-west. Its elevation above sea level reaches 2,343 m, and the height of the mountain itself above Wadi Abha extends to 143 m.
Significance of Al-Daql Archaeological Castle
Al-Daql Archaeological Castle acquired historical significance from the role it served after it was built on that same mountainous site; as the castle’s north-western front suffered from gaps and weak points through which it was easy to inflict damage on the city of Abha. It also made it possible to protect the entire area from infiltrators into Abha by closing all routes and entrances that run along the mountain paths, represented by ravines and valleys, from both the northern and western sides of the castle. Its elevated location also enabled it to repel potential attacks from the northern side.
Specifications of Al-Daql Archaeological Castle
Al-Daql Archaeological Castle was constructed with sufficient details enabling it to withstand all possible means of defense, and with large storehouses containing equipment, provisions, munitions, and all the necessities for critical circumstances, so that it could hold out for long periods in wartime conditions, such as the possibility of the city coming under siege. It was abandoned in the middle of the fourteenth century AH, after it had endured as one of the region’s prominent fortifications; and with the passage of time, some parts of it were demolished and destroyed.
Sources
Prof. Gaithan bin Ali bin Jreis, Urban development in the city of Abha and its evolution, Abha: the capital of Asir (a documentary study), Al-Farazdaq Press, 1417 AH / 1997 CE.