Ancient Dedan is known as Al Ula today. In the ruins of the old city there are inscriptions that indicate the Dedanites were preceded by a Minean settlement. The Mineans established a center at this desert oasis in order to protect the incense trade. Dedan is situated between Medina and Tabuk in central Saudi Arabia. It was one of the largest and most important centers of civilization in ancient Arabia. Located on a main trade route, it played an important role as a link between the civilizations of South Arabian and the civilizations in the north. It remained an important center from ancient times until the 1st century BC. Its importance declined when the Nabataeans adopted Meda’in Saleh as their second capital. Near this Dedan there are magnificent carved tombs in the mountains which are decorated with beautiful geometrical motifs. This site also contains many important inscriptions in Dedanit, Minaen, Lihyanite, Thamudic, and Nabataean script. This site also has ancient wells, springs, forts, and dams. Below: The old town of Dedan.
Photo by Silvija Seres, 2002. Used with Permission.
The red sandstone cliffs close to the ruins are pitted with simple square Minean tombs, among them the famous lion tombs. Photo by Silvija Seres, 2002. Used with Permission.
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