Lion Tombs of Dedan

The Lion Tombs of Dedan are rock-cut burial chambers carved into the cliff face of Jabal Dadan in al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, dating to approximately the 5th century BC during the Lihyanite period. The tombs are uniquely decorated with carved lion reliefs, believed to protect the deceased according to the religious beliefs of the era. The lions reflect Mesopotamian artistic influence and are the only tombs in the area adorned this way, suggesting they belonged to elite members of Dadanite society. Inscriptions indicate at least one occupant was a Minaean trader from Yemen.