DHAMD: Archeologists have discovered a fort and other signs of settlement in Jizan dating back to the third century of the Gregorian calendar. The fort or ‘palace', according to historian and tourism official Ahmad Al-Munshi, is located on a hill overlooking Wadi Al-Kaddi, a tributary of the Great Wadi Dhamd. “It is 150-meters high on a hill over the wadi,” he said. “There are engravings that have yet to be deciphered.” He said the fort contains three rooms and has small apertures believed to be used to guard the site. “There is also a pool for the collection of rainwater and a wide courtyard built from stone and with a strong Doum Tree roof. The ruins are still clearly visible to the eye.” The vicinity also contains the remains of other structures and what are believed to be graves. “The buildings have been exposed to the weather and other environmental factors and suffered erosion,” Al-Munshi said. “It requires proper exploration by archeologists to uncover its historical treasures.” – Okaz/Saudi Gazette Caption : Historic fort The remains of the hilltop fort, believed to date back over 1,700 years, recently discovered in Dhamd in Jizan. (Okaz photo) __
