Al-Okhdood, the historical landmarks of Al-Okhdood in the city of Najran tell the story of human settlements in the region from the first millennium BC to the end of the fourth century AD.
This period led to the prosperity of civilization in South Arabia at the most important stop on the ancient incense trade route.
The 5-kilometer archaeological area of Al-Okhdood is located amidst residential neighborhoods in Najran. The square castle has two main gates connected by a corridor, on both sides of which are rooms and sub-corridors. Throughout the castle, numerous symbols, inscriptions, and rock drawings are engraved. In the northeastern part of the site is a large granite millstone that was used for grinding food grain at the market and in the mosque area. It was discovered in 1996.
Excavations in Al-Okhdood began at the end of the 20th century. Archaeologists discovered many artifacts and tombs, some of which date back to the pre-Christian era. Some artifacts found on the southern side of the site date back to the early Islamic period.
The main fortress, Al-Hosn, contained inscriptions, drawings of animals and people, as well as names of people engraved on the walls. Excavators also discovered a mosque dating back to the first century AH on the northern side of the site, in addition to stone tools that were used by people since the Stone Age. Pottery, glass, and jewelry made of silver, copper, and gold were also discovered.