Rock Inscriptions and Drawings in Qassim Province

The Rock Inscriptions and Drawings in Qassim Province are ancient human artifacts found on the rocks of mountains in Qassim Province, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These inscriptions are important historical documents of the ancient civilizations that settled in the Arabian Peninsula. They also serve as a living record of the successive civilizations on the land of the Kingdom.

Qassim Province's geographic location serves as a link between the center of the Arabian Peninsula and its other regions, which is why it hosts many rock art sites. These inscriptions depict themes related to hunting, wars, and social conditions. Most of the writings and inscriptions are associated with the Bedouin script known as "Thamudic."

The rock inscription and drawing sites in Qassim Province span various time periods, starting from the Stone Age, continuing through the Islamic era, and up to the period of the First Saudi State. Between these stages, numerous artifacts and remains bear witness to the diverse civilizations that lived on the Arabian Peninsula.

Several rock art and engraving sites have been discovered in Qassim Province, including: Jabal al-Masak in ar-Rass Governorate, al-Asoudah al-Shamali site in Uyun al-Jiwa, Jabal al-Qattan in Dariyyah Governorate, Jabal Tamiya in Uqlat as-Suqur Governorate, and Jabal Suwaj in ar-Rass Governorate, which features rock carvings depicting plant images. Additionally, Jabal at-Tays in al-Bukayriyyah Governorate contains drawings that depict palm trees.

Islamic inscriptions have been found at several sites in Qassim Province, including Jabal Kuwayfir in an-Nabhaniyyah Governorate and Jabal al-Akaythal in Darriyah Governorate. Additionally, the rock art site of al-Asoudah, located west of Rawd al-Jawa, features two medium-sized rocks side by side, with rock carvings depicting animal and human figures. These inscriptions were made by chiseling and carving into the rock, and they portray camels, ibexes, horses, and human handprints.

In an effort to preserve these rock inscriptions and drawings, the Heritage Commission is responsible for exploration, surveying, and documentation. The commission also fences off and protects several sites through the Archaeological Site Fencing Project in Qassim Province, in addition to installing informational and warning signs at several rock art and inscription sites.