1200-year-old gold treasure discovered in Saudi Arabia. He was buried by a pilgrim

Scientists believe the jewels were hidden by an Islamic pilgrim who traveled to Mecca during the Islamic Golden Age.

Saudi Arabian archaeologists certainly remarkable treasure trove of jewels set with gold, silver and precious stones, which are believed to date back more than a thousand years.

The discovery, dubbed “Treasure of Diriyah“, was found at the archaeological site of Diriyah, on the outskirts of Riyadh. Researchers believe the jewelry may have belonged to an Islamic pilgrim who traveled to Mecca during the rule of the Abbasids.

The treasure was discovered inside a ceramic vase buried during the sixth season of excavations led by the Saudi Heritage Commission. The site, which archaeologists studied six years ago, served as an important stop on the Hajj pilgrimage route, which linked Basra, in modern-day Iraq, to ​​the holy city of Mecca.

According to the researcher, an analysis using radiocarbon data from the settlement concluded that the date between between 743 and 753 dCplacing it in the early years of the Abbasid Caliphate. The Abbasids ruled much of the Islamic world from 750 to 1258 and oversaw what historians have often described as the Islamic Golden Agea period marked by great advances in science, culture and commerce.

According to , the jewelry presents floral designs and geometric patternsmade using advanced metallurgy techniques. Experts say artisans likely shaped thin sheets of gold by hand, stamping them and inlaying semi-precious stones to create the ornate pieces.

Although the exact reason the treasure was buried remains unknown, archaeologists believe it may have been hidden for safety of a traveler or resident during a turbulent period in the region’s history. The researcher has not yet confirmed whether the collection belongs to a pilgrim, trader or local inhabitant.

The Saudi Heritage Commission says new excavations are planned in Diriyah as investigators continue to uncover artifacts.