Saudi-Chinese excavation uncovers ancient treasures at historic Red Sea port

Addis Ababa, March 19, 2025 (FMC) – Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission, in collaboration with China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration, has completed the third season of archaeological excavations in the Makkah region, TV BRICS reports citing Arab News.

According to the source, this joint project, part of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025, highlights the deep historical ties between the two nations and their shared heritage along the Silk Road.

The excavation revealed significant discoveries, including pottery, stone vessels, decorative artefacts, and a rare gold dinar from the mid-second Hijri century. Chinese porcelain and intricately carved gravestones were also unearthed, shedding light on the site’s cultural and economic influence.

Structural remains, such as city walls, towers, and gates, provide valuable insights into the city’s layout and its role as a major Red Sea trading hub, the source claims.