Al-Moadham Archaeological Site

Al-Moadham is an archaeological site in Tabuk northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It flourished at the beginning of the 13th century, as one of the main houses on the Shami Hajj Route taken by many Shami pilgrims to reach holy places west of the Arabian peninsula.

The site became of high importance after al-Moadham King Sharaf ad-Din Isa al-Adil I Ibn Ayyub ordered the construction of a big lake on the site. Afterward, the lake rose to prominence, and the whole site was named after the Al-Moadham lake.

Al-Moadham represents a historical pilgrimage stop, it has archaeology of civil institutions that were full due to heavy traffic on the site at the time. This archaeology is represented in a lake, to water hajj and trade caravans, and a military fortress to maintain public security, in addition to a railway station.

The site of al-Moadham held personal care from kings during the Islamic era. As al-Moadham built lake was the biggest lake left on the site for the road course of Shami pilgrims in terms of area. It has been constructed in the year 1214. Moreover, it was restored twice in the Mamluk era which contributed to the survival of the lake to be in a good condition, even when its activity ceased. The lake has stone stairs that get down to its bottom.

Al-Moahdam Castle was built near the lake in 1622, however, it still maintains its overall appearance. As it stood out for its well-built architectural method. It includes a base in a square format, resting on four pillars of its circular towers. It has an internal courtyard that includes an open barn, and residential units built on two floors linked by stoned stairs. close to the lake, there is a railway station. It is a waiting station made of one floor that includes a water tank.