Issue
23
Book
01 Apr 2025
After studying ancient Arabic inscriptions, they have proven to be among the most important historical sources for understanding the past of the Arabian Peninsula’s inhabitants during pre-Islamic eras. These inscriptions document significant topics related to the history and culture of the region. Ancient Arabic inscriptions are a primary source for historians and researchers studying the history of Arabia, and they also serve as tangible evidence portraying various practices of ancient Arab society in all aspects of daily life, including religious beliefs, social customs, political affiliations, and trade relations.
Women had their share in these inscriptions, reflecting their social, religious, and political roles. One of the most notable sites mentioning the diverse roles of women is the Al-‘Ula region’s northwest site of Jabal Ikmah, located just 7 kilometers from the city center. These inscriptions reveal that women held various roles and responsibilities, comparable to men, sharing tasks, and offering sacrifices from their wealth, palm trees, camels, and agricultural lands to the main deity, Dhu Ghaybah.
The significance of this study lies in its focus on Lihyanite inscriptions that mention women’s roles in ancient Arab society, an area that has not received sufficient in-depth study. By examining their cultural content, it is certain that this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the history of the Lihyanite society and Arab society in general. It will particularly shed light on the religious, social, political, and economic conditions prevailing during the first millennium BCE in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula.
The scientific research addresses a set of inscriptions that mention women’s names and roles, especially from Jabal Ikmah in Al-‘Ula Governorate. To date, over 40 inscriptions have been discovered, with the study focusing on 12 of them. The primary aim is to analyze their cultural content to uncover the distinctive roles of women and the professions they held in ancient Arab society.
الأستاذة/ ديم سيف السهلي
أخصائي مساعد الاكتشاف الأثري