Definition: The ancient caravan site of Qaryat al-Fau is located at an oasis in central Saudi Arabia. It was part of the spice trade route on the trail between Yemen and south Arabia about 2000 years ago. The area is also known for rock inscriptions. The University of Riyadh excavated there in the 1970s; more recently, excavations have been undertaken at Qaryat by the Director of Antiquities and Dr Abdul Rahman Al-Ansary at King Saud University. Dr. Al-Ansary believes its possible that Qaryat al-Fau is the ancient site called Gerrha and mentioned by Pliny and Strabo, although scholars are certainly not united in this belief.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
Also Known As: Dhat Kahil; possibly Gerrha
