Riyadh, Sept. 14 (SANA)Saudi Arabia’sHeritage Commissionhas uncovered a mosque dating to the first century AH, along with a collection of artifacts, during archaeological excavations at theAl Maallamahsite in theAl-Baharegion.

The mosque was discovered in a residential area on the western side of the site during the fourth season of excavations and was built from dressed granite stones, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The commission said Islamic inscriptions were found on the mosque’s walls, including one invoking blessings upon Prophet Muhammad. The structure features a simple but precise architectural design, including a mihrab, entrances and a minaret.

Measuring about 16 metres from north to south and 10 metres from east to west, the mosque is surrounded by adjoining stone rooms believed to have served social and commercial purposes. The structures include storage areas, basins and supports reflecting local construction techniques of the period.

Archaeologists also uncovered artifacts offering insights into daily life at the site, including fragments of soapstone and pottery vessels, grinding tools, pestles and parts of millstones used to process grain.

Evidence found at Al Maallamah suggests the site was also involved in extracting and processing gold, silver and copper ores, helping it develop into an economic center linked to metal traders, craftsmen and workers during the Islamic period.

The commission said the mosque and related finds provide new evidence of religious, social and economic life in the region during the early Islamic era.