Al-Rabadha
An early Islamic site, located some 200 kilometers north east of AL- Madinah Al-Munawarah. Archaeological excavations conducted by King Saud University team, concluded that Al-Rabadha has emerged as pasture reserve (Hima) during the time of the four Caliphs. Then; it developed into a town during the Omayyad period. Consequently; the town reached its peak and turned into an important urban center during the early Abassid era; 3rd century A.H.(9th century A.D.), when it became a major station on Darb Zubaydah; the pilgrim route linking Kufa to Mecca.
Archaeological remains in the site, comprise well-arranged and fortified residential quarters, palaces, two mosques, an industrial area and a circular water reservoir (Birka). A large numbers of domestic water tanks were also found.
Excavations at the site yielded a large number of pottery vessels, stone objects, coins, Islamic inscriptions and other written materials. A substantial number of jewelry and metal objects were also recovered.
Al- Rabadha revealed some new information on the nature of certain elements of the Islamic Civilization during the early phase of Islam.