RIYADH: The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has said that the artifacts found next to Al-Maala cemetery in Makkah were historical gravestones and pottery pieces all dating back to the early Islamic era.

“The artifacts are being delivered to SCTH so that experts can examine and study them thoroughly,” said the director general of the Registration and Protection of Antiquities Department In SCTH, Dr. Nayef Al-Qanoor. “The SCTH specialized team will continue to follow up on the excavation work on the site daily in anticipation of the emergence of any new historical landmarks or artifacts. It will do so in direct coordination with the city’s municipality and the operating company,” he added.

Makkah’s municipality had announced on Saturday on its official website: “As the excavation contractor carried out work on a new smart parking lot project next to Al-Maala cemetery, artifacts were found.”

SPA