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All United Arab Emirates Al Ain Hili Grand Tomb
AO Edited

Hili Grand Tomb

In an Emirati park near the Omani border, a reconstructed Bronze Age tomb with impressive reliefs.

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Added By
Fred Cherrygarden
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  Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
  Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
  Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Relief detail.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
  Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
  Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Relief detail.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
  Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The city of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its palm oasis and ancient beehive tombs, but there is another archaeological monument dating back to the Bronze Age. Located next to the Omani border, the Hili Archaeological Park is a popular hangout for local families, but as the name suggests, it’s a lot more than just a children’s playground.

Hili is considered the largest archaeological site in the United Arab Emirates. Its crown jewel is the Grand Tomb, believed to be over 4,000 years old. The tomb is a tower that measures 12 meters (39 feet) in diameter. In its original form, the tower was believed to have stood at least four meters tall and featured a roof. Its surface showcases several ancient reliefs depicting Bronze Age people and animals.

After thousands of years, the tomb had fallen into disrepair. It was restored in the 1970s, but left without a roof.

Related Tags

Ruins Tombs Archaeology Burial Places Bronze Age

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Added By

Fred Cherrygarden

Published

June 28, 2024

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Hili Grand Tomb
Al Ain
United Arab Emirates
24.292194, 55.793841

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Photo of Al Ain

Al Ain

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