Columns of Rajajil

About this place

The Columns of Rajajil are an archaeological site in the Qara suburb south-east of Sakaka, with about 50 groups of standing stone pillars on a broad sandy plain, among the oldest sites in Al-Jawf. They are dated to the Chalcolithic period, around 6,000 years ago, and are sometimes called the Stonehenge of Saudi Arabia, though they are older. The name Rajajil means men, because from a distance the stones look like a gathering of people. Some researchers think they formed a ritual complex of the 4th millennium BC, with each group linked to a tribe or people. Others suggest an astronomical function, as the groups align roughly with sunrise and sunset, or markers on the Wadi Sirhan caravan route. Nothing is settled, and the site needs more excavation. Each group holds two or more trimmed sandstone pillars, some over three metres high and about 60 cm thick, with others leaning, broken or lying on the ground. Some carry Thamudic inscriptions. The scene is simple: red sand, a wide horizon and scattered stones, some behind fencing, so don't climb them or touch the inscriptions. Sunrise light gives the finest view, with shadows stretching across the plain. The columns are 34 km from Marid Castle in a straight line, so they suit a tour combining Sakaka and Dumat al-Jandal. There is no shade and few services, so bring water and a hat and come by car. A local guide helps with explanation, as there is little information on site.