Our Story: From The Past to The Present
Overview
Saudi Arabia traces its roots back to the earliest civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula. Over the centuries, the peninsula has played a significant role in history, both as an ancient trade center and as the birthplace of Islam, one of the world’s major monotheistic religions. Since the foundation of the First Saudi State to its unification by King Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1932, the Kingdom witnessed a remarkable transformation.
Ancient Civilizations, Paleolithic Age 1,300,000 – 100,000 BP
The land of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long been distinguished by its geographical location on the Arabian Peninsula, where many civilizations have succeeded one another throughout the ages, each leaving its mark with material traces scattered across the land.
Archaeological discoveries have revealed that the earliest human settlements were established around 1,300,000 years ago during the Paleolithic Age, also referred to as the Oldowan Age. Archaeological evidence of this can be found in northern Saudi Arabia at the Shuweihtia site, which is regarded as the second oldest archaeological site in Asia. Other sites that date back 700,000 years are the Algaza cave site in Hadhramaut and the Shuaib Dahdah site in Najran.
There are other prehistoric sites that date back to the Acheulean period, which spans up to 300,000 years. Safaqa near Al-Duwadimi in Riyadh Province and Shuaib Aladagham in Wadi-Fatima are two notable locations from this era.
Archaeological discoveries have revealed that the earliest human settlements were established around 1,300,000 years ago during the Paleolithic Age, also referred to as the Oldowan Age. Archaeological evidence of this can be found in northern Saudi Arabia at the Shuweihtia site, which is regarded as the second oldest archaeological site in Asia. Other sites that date back 700,000 years are the Algaza cave site in Hadhramaut and the Shuaib Dahdah site in Najran.
There are other prehistoric sites that date back to the Acheulean period, which spans up to 300,000 years. Safaqa near Al-Duwadimi in Riyadh Province and Shuaib Aladagham in Wadi-Fatima are two notable locations from this era.
50,000 BP
Mesolithic Age
10,000 – 4000 BCE
Neolithic Age
3,000 BCE
Kingdoms of the Arabian Peninsula
50,000 BP
Mesolithic Age
Jubbah, located in Hail Province, features a series of paleolakes that contain animal sediments and fossils dating back to the Epi-Paleolithic Age, which began around 50,000 years BCE, according to archaeological evidence.
The Advent of Islam, 610 AD
The advent of Islam marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, as the message of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) began to unite its diverse regions for the first time, leading to the establishment of the Islamic State in Al-Madina. Archaeological discoveries from that period include cities, inscriptions, and early Islamic sites along trade and pilgrimage routes. Notable sites include the Zubaydah Trail, Al-Rabatha, Al-Mabiyyat, Al-Door, and the Al-Jar port. Additionally, numerous settlements near mining sites in the southwest have been discovered, along with dams, lakes, wells, forts, and other Islamic relics that reflect continuous habitation and cultural connections, contributing to the development of the First and Second Saudi states and the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
(1726 -1818 AD)
First Saudi State
(1824 -1891 AD)
Second Saudi State
(1902 AD)
Third Saudi State (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
(1726 -1818 AD)
First Saudi State
The First Saudi State was founded by Imam Muhammad bin Saud, with Diriyah serving as its capital. The 22nd day of the month of February of every year is designated as “Founding Day,” an official holiday.
