User:Soranin/Sandbox4

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Timeline

• Palaeolithic (c. 250,000 BCE)
  • The first anatomically modern humans (Homo Sapiens) migrate into the region. They are hunter-gatherers whose presence is evidenced by archaeological remains, notably in AlUla.
• Neolithic (c. 6000–5000 BCE)
  • Livestock farming develops among mobile communities. The first megalithic structures appear, along with rock art depicting humans and animals.
• Bronze Age (c. 3,000–1200 BCE)
  • Funerary constructions multiply, transforming the landscape.
• Ancient Kingdoms of Dadan & Lihyan (c. 600 - 500 BCE)
  • The town of Dadan establishes itself as the capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms. Water management enables the development of agriculture, while the incense trade is a source of prosperity. The earliest North Arabian scripts emerge.
• Nabataean Kingdom (c. 400 BCE–106 CE)
  • Access to the Mediterranean exposes the incense route to new cultural influences.
    The Nabataean kingdom extends across the region, making Hegra its southern capital. Spectacular tombs are carved into the rock.
• Roman presence in Arabia Petraea (c. 100–600 CE)
  • The Nabataean kingdom is absorbed into the Roman Empire. A small fort is established at Hegra to protect the incense route.
• Islamic Period – Qurh & Old Town (c. 650–1100)
  • Towns emerge: Qurh (c. 650–1100) and then the Old Town (c. 1,200–c. 1980), whose prosperity is driven by both trade and pilgrimages. Irrigation techniques reach their peak, supporting extensive local agriculture.
• Advances in Pilgrim Travel (c. 1600 - 1900)
  • A fortress and other defensive structures are built to protect pilgrims, as well as a railway station and associated structures.
• The Cultural Heritage (today)
  • Archaeological missions are carried out in AlUla. The site's extraordinary heritage is revealed to the entire world as part of a vast cultural promotion and preservation programme.

Codex

A Cultural Hub

Hegra	Memory of an Old Civilization	Dadanites, Lihyanites & Nabataeans
Sanctuary Ruins	The Romans in AlUla	The Overlook Fortress
Heritage and Archaeology

A Natural Wonder

Ramm Valley	Prehistoric Life	Shapes in the Sandstone
Flora of the Oasis	Leopards of Arabia	The Arabian Ostrich

Connecting the World

The Incense Road	Frankincense	Life of a Merchant
The Nomadic World	Masjid Al'Itham	A Crossroads of Cultural Influences

Life in the Oasis

The Old Town	The Thriving Town	Tayyarahs
Farming the Oasis	Mastering the Water	Tantora
Food in AlUla	The Melody Makers	Stargazing

Honoring the Dead

The Ones that Defied Time	A City Surrounded by the Dead and the Gods	Rites of Passage
The Triclinium	The Path to Eternity	Remembrance of the Forgotten
Carving for the Ages

Memories

Intro

Welcome to AlUla, a land marked by ancient civilisations and shaped by a unique natural evolution.

You need to decipher an ancient inscription. It appears to be written in the language of the Nabataeans, one of the civilisations that occupied this land many centuries ago.

Travel across the valley, gain knowledge and help people in the region. In exchange, they will provide you with fragments of different inscriptions that you can use to decipher the ancient inscription.

 "Toast_Map_Start_1": {
   "english": "Hello, I am Roshan and I will guide you throughout your missions.",

 "Toast_Map_Start_2": {
   "english": "When you are ready, check your map and head to the diwan of Ithlib Mountain to start your first mission. ​",

 "TUT_Map_Objective_Content_1": {
   "english": "In order to decipher the ancient Nabataean inscription, you will have to complete eight missions, helping different people across AlUla. In return, they will give you fragments of other inscriptions, which you will have to use to decipher the ancient Nabataean inscription. \n\n\nOnce completed, each mission will be marked as completed in the mission tracker.",

 "TUT_Map_Objective_Content_2": {
   "english": "Each mission takes place in a different location on the map. The icons across the map show where the locations are. \n\nIn each location, you will gain the knowledge needed to complete the mission. ",

Mission 1

The Dinner

• Diwan of Ithlib Mountain

In the diwan of Ithlib Mountain, a woman named Inaya needs your assistance. She is preparing a feast for a group of merchants who have just arrived and asks for your help.\n\nIf you help, she is happy to give you a fragment of ancient Nabataean inscription.

Knowledge

• Database: Food in AlUla
• Database: The Arabian Ostrich
• Database: The Melody Makers
• Database: The Triclinium

The Meal

Inaya begins by asking which meal you think would be most appropriate for her to serve to her guests.

Dates and Roasted LambFried Fish and SaladTomato Dish

You suggest that a dish of dates and roasted lamb would be perfect for the dinner. This is the ideal choice; the ingredients for this dish are local and readily available. She smiles at your idea and immediately sets out to gather the ingredients she will need.

You suggest that you think a light dinner of fish and salad would be nice. Although it would be possible to get hold of fish in AlUla, it would be very expensive as it needs to be transported to AlUla. She looks concerned and thanks you for the suggestion. Local ingredients, such as dates and roasted lamb, would have been a better choice.

You suggest that a tomato-based dish would be good to serve at the dinner. As you explain your idea, she looks at you in confusion. She has never seen a tomato, and they are not grown anywhere near the region. Local ingredients, such as dates and roasted lamb, would have been a better choice.

Egg

She tells you that she is also going to prepare an ostrich egg for the dinner, but she wants to know from you a way of putting the large shells to use later on.

ContainerBallClothing

You suggest that she could fashion the shells into containers for storage and transporting items. She nods in agreement smiling at the idea. The eggshells are thick and hard; they will make an excellent vessel. This is a perfectly suited suggestion.

You suggest that as the shells are hard, they could be turned into a ball for children to play with. She agrees that the shells are tough enough, but they are not round and would make a bad ball. She explains that it would be more sensible to make containers out of them.

You suggest that it might be possible to make some clothing from them. She frowns and tells you that the shells are extremely thick and hard. They would be completely unsuitable for any clothing. She explains that it would be more sensible to make containers out of them.

Entertainment

Inaya wants to make the evening fun for the guests and wants to have some music with dinner. She asks what you think she should tell the musicians to play.

ImproviseSet of ModesMusic

You suggest letting them play whatever melodies they feel fit best, based on a specific idea or emotion. You know that musicians prefer to play improvised melodies based on a theme rather than following a set score - this is the best approach to suggest.

You recommend letting them play some music based on a specific set of modes so that she has control of the structure. She says that it is possible but may upset the musicians, as they normally like to improvise. It would have been better to advise letting the musicians improvise based on ideas or emotions.

To ensure that they play something suitable for the dinner, she should provide them with a specific piece of music. Music in the region is not fixed or written down; whilst she thanks you for your suggestion, she will stick to the traditional way of improvising based on a theme.

Outcome

All correct answersAt least 1 wrong answerAll wrong answers

You have provided exceptional help and advice. Inaya passes on the fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription and says that you are welcome to come back any time.

Despite the occasional confusion, your help and advice are appreciated. Inaya passes on the fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription.

Inaya appreciates your efforts to help, but your suggestions have made it more difficult for her. She still passes on the fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription and is glad to see you leave.

Mission 2

The Merchant

• The Old Town

A merchant asks for your help to find his way around. He is knowledgeable about other languages and offers to give you a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription in exchange for your assistance.

Knowledge

• Database: The Thriving Town
• Database: The Overlook Fortress
• Database: Sanctuary Ruins
• Database: Masjid Al'Itham

The Market

The merchant introduces himself as Saad ibn Yasir. He asks you where he can find the main market in the town.

Outside the TownInside and Outside the WallsYou do not know

You direct him to head outside the town walls. Whilst he will undoubtedly encounter some merchants, you would have been better to tell him that markets can be found both inside and outside the town walls.

You tell him to go both to the town centre and just outside the walls of the town; he will encounter some merchants in both locations. You explain that he will find open-air markets both in the town centre and outside the town walls. He smiles, grateful for your insight and guidance.

You apologise and explain that you do not know where the market is. He looks frustrated but continues the conversation. To help him you should have directed him both to the town centre and outside the town walls.

The Tomb

Pointing into the distance, outside the city, he asks what the large tomb that stands alone is.

Hayyan ibn KuzaAlBanat MountainYou do not know

You explain that it is one of the great Nabataen masterpieces in Hegra, the tomb of Hayyan ibn Kuza. Looking out at the horizon, Saad looks pleased at your knowledge. This was the perfect answer.

You explain that he is probably referring to the Nabataean tombs of the AlBanat Mountain. Whilst visible from the city, the tombs of AlBanat Mountain are a cluster of structures. Hayyan ibn Kuza is the tomb that stands alone. You hope that the confusion will not cause Saad problems in the future.

You explain that you do not know about the tomb but that it is probably very old. He looks irritated by your lack of local knowledge but asks you another question.

The Town

Turning his attention back to the merchandise he is transporting, Saad explains that the goods are valuable and asks if the area is adequately defended from raiders.

The Overlook FortressDefensive WallPeaceful Area

You point to the Overlook Fortress that sits on an outcrop in the centre of the town. With good visibility of the surrounding area, the Overlook Fortress provides a clear and far-reaching defense for merchants and travelers through the AlUla valley. Saad is relieved to hear this. It was the perfect choice.

You point to the defensive wall created around the town by the buildings. Whilst the wall protects the town itself, Saad is more concerned with the area surrounding it. You should have highlighted the Overlook Fortress and its ability to protect a large zone.

You explain that the region and its trade routes are mostly peaceful, and he should not worry. Saad is clearly unconvinced by your statement. He is an experienced merchant and knows that there are many dangers, from bandits to wild animals. You should have highlighted the Overlook Fortress and its ability to protect a wide area.

Outcome

All correct answersAt least 1 wrong answerAll wrong answers

You have provided valuable help and insights to the merchant. Saad ibn Yasir is in your debt and happily gives you a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription.

Your knowledge of the town and local area, though imperfect, was of help to the merchant. He thanks you and gives you a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription.

Though Saad ibn Yasir acknowledges that you tried your best to help, your local knowledge was insufficient. However, he respects his side of the deal and gives you a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription.

Mission 3

The Farmer

• The Oasis

You meet a young farmer called Harith ibn Ghayth, outside the town. He explains that he is the first in his family to try farming and asks for your help to learn how to grow crops in the Oasis. He is willing to share a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription in exchange for your help.

Knowledge

• Database: Dadanites, Lihyanites & Nabataeans
• Database: Farming the Oasis
• Database: Flora of the Oasis
• Database: Tantora

Spring and Summer

Harith explains that he needs to know what to plant. He asks what crops are the best to grow during the spring and summer months.

DatesWheatPotatoes

You suggest that with the warm sun of spring and summer, growing dates would be a good choice. You recall that dates need a lot of sun to grow and ripen, making them a good choice to plant in spring or summer. This is a perfect suggestion.

As wheat is needed all year round for making bread and other staple foods, you suggest that he should begin by planting that. Harith looks doubtful. Wheat is a winter crop, needing cooler conditions and more water than the summer provides. Dates would have been a better suggestion as they need the bright sunlight of summer to ripen.

You suggest that potatoes would be a perfect crop to plant in spring or summer. He has never heard of a potato and looks at you with a confused expression. Potatoes have not been introduced into the region during this period. You would have done well to suggest dates as they need a lot of sun to ripen.

Winter

He looks over the nearby fields and then asks what he should do in the winter after he harvests the first crop.

Wheat and BarleyDatesOryx

You suggest that in winter he should plant a grain such as wheat or barley. You have correctly recalled that crops like wheat and barley need both cooler conditions and more water. They are the perfect choice for winter crops.

Dates are a known delicacy of the region, and you suggest that he should grow them in the winter. Harith seems doubtful but smiles at your suggestion. Dates, whilst common in the region, are not suitable to be planted in the winter. You would have done better to suggest that he plant wheat or barley.

You suggest that the best choice would be oryx. Harith looks confused at your suggestion and explains that whilst the oryx is common in the region, it is an animal, not a crop! Wheat and barley would have been a more sensible recommendation.

The Changing Seasons

After you answer, Harith has another question, he wonders how he will know when it is time to change crops at the beginning of Winter.

SundialWait for the Winter SolsticeWait until it gets colder

You recommend that the best way to know if it is winter is to use the Tantora. The Tantora is a sundial located in the Old Town. It casts a shadow which reaches a rock fixed in the ground on the first day of the winter solstice. This is the ideal suggestion to know when winter begins.

You recommend that he waits for the festival of the Winter Solstice before planting his winter crops. Harith is not fully convinced, since the festival lasts several days. You would have been better to suggest that he use the Tantora sundial to know exactly when the Winter Solstice begins.

You recommend that he waits for it to get cold. That way he will know it is time to plant his winter crops. Harith responds that the winter would indeed likely be colder than the summer and that his problem is knowing when the season has changed. You would have been better to suggest that he use the Tantora sundial as that shows exactly when the Winter Solstice begins.

Outcome

All correct answersAt least 1 wrong answerAll wrong answers

You have provided exceptional help and advice to Harith ibn Ghayth. He gives you a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription in thanks. He also invites you to come back to enjjoy his first harvest of dates.

Though Harith will likely seek some more advice on some of the challenges he faces, he is grateful for the information you have provided. He thanks you and gives you a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription.

Harith ibn Ghayth appreciates your attempts to help even though he doubts the usefulness of your answers. He passes on the fragment of the ancient Nabataean inscription as promised and walks off muttering under his breath.

Mission 4

The Artist

• Lion Tombs

An artist visiting the Lion Tombs asks for information about the carvings there. He is writing a detailed account of them in a manuscript. \n\nHe says that he would be more than happy to give you a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription if you assist him with his research.

Knowledge

• Database: A City Surrounded by the Dead and the Gods
• Database: Carving for the Ages
• Database: Hegra
• Database: The Ones that Defied Time

Sculptures

The artist introduces himself as Fahim. Gesturing to a carving that he has been studying, he asks if you know how the artisans went about creating such large sculptures.

Make an OutlineStart at the BottomStart at the Top

You explain that in order to create a sculpture of this size the artist would have roughly outlined all of it first then added details later on. Fahim shakes his head. That technique would have been extremely difficult to use on sculptures of this scale. The artists most likely began at the top and worked their way down.

After a moment's consideration, you suggest that the artists likely began at the bottom of the sculptures and worked their way upward. Fahim laughs at your suggestion, explaining that it would have been a very difficult approach. Instead, the carvers would have begun at the top of the sculptures and worked their way down.

After a moment's consideration, you suggest that the artists likely began at the top of the sculptures and worked their way down. Fahim nods approvingly as you explain your reasoning. Smiling, he says that this is exactly how he would approach carving a sculpture of this scale. You have found the perfect answer.

Creatures

Fahim is fascinated by the process of carving tomb façades and wants to learn more about the fantastical imagery they feature. He recalls seeing a carving of a snake-haired woman on Al-Banat Mountain and asks what might have inspired such a striking sculpture.

MythologyImaginationHistory

You explain that the creature depicted could be from Greek mythology. Fahim is impressed by your knowledge of cultures beyond the region. This is the perfect answer.

Maybe the creatures are simply the result of the artist's imagination. Fahim remarks that he is often amazed by the vivid imaginations of artists, but he is certain he has seen creatures like this depicted in Greek mythology.

Perhaps creatures like this used to live in the region in the past. The artist does not seem convinced, but smiles politely. The correct answer was that they are from Greek mythology.

The Carvings

Fahim explains that he hopes to create a detailed account of the carvings in the area to go along with his research into ancient methods. He asks if you know of anywhere else where he could see large numbers of carved tomb façades.

HegraMount IkmahElephant Rock

You recommend that he heads north to the tombs at Hegra, to see the carved facades. You explain that Hegra contains nearly one hundred carved tomb facades, the great masterpieces of the Nabataeans. Fahim is thrilled at the prospect of seeing them. This was the perfect recommendation.

You recommend that he heads north to see the inscriptions at Mount Ikmah. Fahim is familiar with Mount Ikmah and explains that whilst the inscriptions are fascinating, he is interested in carvings. It would be better for him to head north to Hegra.

You recommend that he heads to Elephant Rock, which is a rock carved into a huge elephant form. He politely explains that whilst it is impressive, the Elephant Rock was formed naturally by the historical effects of erosion. There was no carving. To ensure that he can see more carvings you should have recommended heading north to Hegra.

Outcome

All correct answersAt least 1 wrong answerAll wrong answers

Fahim closes his manuscript with a smile and a sense of a job well done. He is extremely pleased with the progress he has made. He gratefully passes on the fragment of ancient Nabataean inscription.

Fahim closes his manuscript with a decisive gesture. Your help and insights are appreciated, despite the occasional confusion. He hands over the fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription as agreed.

Fahim closes his manuscript with a resigned sigh. He has more work to do! You hope that his work has not been impacted too badly by your lack of knowledge. He still gives you a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription as promised.

Mission 5

The Guard

• Elephant Rock

A caravan guard asks you to join the caravan he is with and provide him with advice on traveling in the region. The caravan is currently at Elephant Rock. \n\nThe guard agrees to share a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription in return.

Knowledge

• Database: Leopards of Arabia
• Database: Life of a Merchant
• Database: Shapes in the Sandstone
• Database: Stargazing
• Database: The Nomadic World

Navigation

The guard introduces himself as Asim ibn Najm and begins by asking you for advice on the best way to navigate in the desert.

StarsMapsTracks

You recommend that he look up at the night sky, and use the brightest stars to orient himself and find the right direction to follow. Asim nods at the wisdom of your suggestion. Your advice is perfect. The brightest stars in the sky are able to provide crucial guidance for orientation and travel across desert landscapes.

You suggest he looks at a map of the region, to find his bearings and the right direction to follow. Whilst a map provides some good information, there is little detail. It would have been better to suggest that Asim use the stars to navigate as they can provide crucial guidance for orientation and travel across desert landscapes.

You tell Asim that you think the best solution would be to follow the tracks of the other caravans. The tracks of the other caravans could swiftly be blown away in the sand and offer no guidance. It would have been far better to suggest that Asim uses the stars to navigate.

Shelter

Thinking ahead in his journey, Asim also asks what you would suggest he use for shelter when traveling.

TentsCavesShacks

You suggest using tents made of woven goat or camel hair. You reply that he should find a tent like those used by the Bedouins of the desert. It will provide shelter, keep him warm at night, and be easy to carry. This is the perfect suggestion.

You suggest camping in caves along the route. Asim immediately shakes his head at your suggestion, explaining that although caves are common in the region, his caravan will spend many days crossing the open desert. A tent would have been far more useful.

You suggest carrying simple wooden shacks that can be disassembled for easy transport. Asim seems impressed, but reminds you that space and weight are vital for ensuring that a caravan is profitable. You would have been better off suggesting that he take a tent.

Dangers

Asim explains that he has heard the life of a caravan guard can be dangerous, but no one will tell him why. He asks what dangers he should be prepared for.

LeopardsBearsBandits

You warn him of the danger posed by leopards. You explain that the Arabian Leopard is an ambush predator, well adapted to remote, rugged terrain and able to take down larger prey. However, they favor wild prey such as gazelles and ibex, so you would have been better off warning him about the threat of bandits.

You warn him about bears. Asim looks at you with a puzzled expression on his face before explaining that he knows that there are no bears in the region. Whilst there are leopards that would have posed some danger, the most common threat would likely be bandits.

You tell him to be mindful of the many bandits who are likely to be lurking along the trade routes. Despite protection offered by the military forces from AlUla, bandit attacks are common in the region as they prey on the rich trading caravans. Your advice is perfect and will help Asim stay safe.

Outcome

All correct answersAt least 1 wrong answerAll wrong answers

Asim looks visibly relieved by the depth and wisdom of your advice. Thanking you profusely, he presents you with a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription as a token of his gratitude. He then insists that you join him and the other new guards for dinner, eager for them to benefit from your knowledge as well.

Asim thanks you for your thoughtful advice and gladly gives you a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription. Your advice was mostly sound, and you are confident that the other guards traveling with him will make up for any mistakes.

Asim rewards you with a fragment of ancient Nabataean inscription and you thank him. You realise that your advice was not always sound and hope it will not cause him harm on his travels.

Mission 6

The Runaway

• Tent Encampment

You receive a request for help from a young man named Ghassan, who is staying at the tent encampment. Posing as a merchant who has fled an arranged betrothal, he is in need of your assistance.\nA scholar of ancient languages, he promises to reward your help with a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription.

Knowledge

• Database: Frankincense
• Database: Remembrance of the Forgotten
• Database: Incense Road
• Database: The Old Town

AlUla

To pass as a merchant, Ghassan needs to know more about AlUla. He begins by asking what the main source of AlUla's prosperity is, beyond trade.

AgricultureTemplesManufacturing

You tell him that you believe that the prosperous town is also fueled by local agricultural activities. You correctly recall that the thriving town depended as much on the oasis farms as on the caravans that passed through it. Ghassan nods, committing your words to memory. This is the perfect answer.

You tell him that you believe that the wealth of AlUla partially comes from pilgrims stopping in AlUla before continuing their journey. Ghassan looks uncertain. Whilst travelers do pass through the town on pilgrimage, this is not what fills its stores and markets. You would have helped him more by explaining that the town's wealth also comes from the agricultural activities in the oasis.

You tell him that you believe that AlUla has a strong manufacturing industry that contributes to its prosperity. Ghassan frowns at your suggestion. The town's craftsmen serve local needs, but no merchant would speak of AlUla as a place of industry. You would have helped him more by explaining that the town's wealth also comes from the agricultural activities in the oasis.

Frankincense

Ghassan plans to pose as a merchant transporting valuable frankincense. Sheepishly, he admits he is not entirely sure why it is so highly prized.

AromaConstructionDye

You explain that you think frankincense was prized for the pleasant aroma it released when burned. You correctly explain that frankincense is prized for the extraordinary fragrance it releases when burned, and it is traded at great price across vast distances. Ghassan smiles, now able to speak of his wares with confidence. This was the perfect answer.

You suggest that frankincense might be used in construction. Whilst frankincense is indeed a resin, it is in no way suitable for construction. You would have helped him better if you had explained that it is due to the extraordinary fragrance it releases when burned.

You explain that you think frankincense can be used to dye clothes. Frankincense is not colored and cannot be used to dye clothes. You would have helped him better if you had explained that it is due to the extraordinary fragrance it releases when burned.

Tomb of Hinat

To make his disguise convincing, Ghassan must appear familiar with the route through AlUla and its famous landmarks. One of the best known is the Tomb of Hinat. He asks you to tell him more about it.

Hinat and Her DescendantsEnemiesBrothers and Sisters

You explain that it was built for Hinat, her children and her descendants. The inscription specifically states that the tomb was created for Hinat, her children and her descendants, forever. Your answer is correct.

You tell him that it was created specifically for her enemies. The inscription specifically states that the tomb was for Hinat, her children and her descendants, forever. You hope this mistake will not arouse suspicion.

You suggest it was made for her brothers and sisters. The inscription specifically states that the tomb was for Hinat, her children and her descendants. You hope this mistake will not arouse suspicion.

Outcome

All correct answersAt least 1 wrong answerAll wrong answers

Your advice was perfect, and Ghassan is visibly relieved, now feeling fully prepared to pose as a merchant. Before setting off, he gratefully entrusts you with a fragment of ancient Nabataean inscription and thanks you for your help.

Your advice has given Ghassan greater confidence, and he now feels better prepared to pose as a merchant, despite the challenges that may still lie ahead. Before he departs, he gives you a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription.

Your advice to Ghassan may have caused more harm than good, and he remains clearly anxious about posing as a merchant. Before he departs, he absent-mindedly hands you a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription.

Mission 7

The Engineer

• AlBanat Mountain

You come across an engineer who has come to AlUla to learn about its interesting and innovative constructions. He asks you meet him at the famous AlBanat Mountain. \n\nHe offers to give you a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription in exchange for your help.

Knowledge

• Database: A Crossroads of Cultural Influences
• Database: Mastering the Water
• Database: Rites of Passage
• Database: Tayyarahs
• Database: The Path to Eternity

Elevated Structures

The engineer greets you and introduces himself as Tayyib ibn Wasi. He thanks you for your assistance and begins by asking what the elevated structures that appear above the streets of the Old Town are.

ShadeRoomsSupport

You suggest that the structures are built to provide shade for those in the streets below. Whilst the small amount of shade would likely be appreciated by some, this is an accidental effect of the construction of these Tayyarahs. These rooms on the upper floor, spanning the street, provide additional space for the house owner.

You explain that these structures are upper-floor rooms built over the street. You correctly identify the Tayyarahs: upper-floor rooms that span the street, providing additional living space. This is the correct answer.

You suggest that these structures help support the buildings on either side of the street. These structures are built between already constructed buildings and offer no support benefits. You should have explained that they are Tayyarahs, elevated rooms that span the street and provide additional space for the house owner.

Water for Farming

Tayyib turns his attention to the oasis and the farms it sustains. He wonders how farmers channelled water from the aquifer to fields lying at a lower elevation, without the use of pumps.

QanatsWellsRainfall

You explain that they use qanats, a system of underground channels that carry water using only the natural slope of the land. You correctly recall the qanat system, underground channels that draw water from the aquifer and carry it to the fields below using gravity alone. Tayyib is delighted by the elegance of the solution. This was the perfect answer.

You explain that wells were dug throughout the oasis, allowing people to draw water by hand. Tayyib acknowledges that many wells were indeed dug to reach the water table. But wells alone could not supply the distant fields. That was the role of the qanats—underground channels that carried water by gravity, making large-scale farming possible.

You suggest that the farmers rely on the seasonal rains to water their crops. Tayyib reminds you that rainfall in the region is far too unpredictable to rely upon. The farmers use qanats instead, underground channels that carry water from the aquifer to the fields using gravity.

Water at Ithlib Mountain

Finally, Tayyib turns to the sacred spaces carved into Ithlib Mountain, where no wells exist. He asks how the Nabataeans brought water to such a dry and isolated place.

Rainwater CollectionA Hidden WellCarried from the Oasis

You explain that they built a system of channels, cisterns and a reservoir to collect and store rainwater. You correctly describe the ingenious system of channels, cisterns and a reservoir that captured and stored rainwater, supplying the sacred site with water. Tayyib nods, impressed by their foresight. This was the ideal answer.

You suggest that there must have been a concealed well somewhere within the rocks. Tayyib shakes his head. The area is known to have no wells at all. The water was in fact supplied by a system of channels, cisterns, and a reservoir that collected rainwater.

You guess that water was carried up from the oasis whenever it was needed. Tayyib doubts that enough water could have been carried over such a distance for every gathering. In reality, the site was supplied by an ingenious system of channels, cisterns and a reservoir that captured and stored rainwater.

Outcome

All correct answersAt least 1 wrong answerAll wrong answers

Tayyib ibn Wasi is thrilled by the depth of your understanding of the region's ingenuity. He thanks you warmly and presents you with a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription, certain that your shared discoveries will enrich his studies.

Tayyib ibn Wasi is grateful for your help, despite a few moments of confusion along the way. He leaves you with a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription before setting off to continue his studies.

Tayyib ibn Wasi appreciates your attempt to help, but is left with more questions than answers. He entrusts you with a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription before setting off in search of other sources.

Mission 8

The Scholar

• Ikmah Mountain

You come across a scholar at Jabal Ikmah, the great open-air library of the valley, who has spent years studying the hundreds of inscriptions carved into its stones. She is gathering the valley's history into a single record, in order to create a perpetual source of knowledge. \n\nShe asks you to help her complete her work. In exchange, she is happy to give you a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription.

Knowledge

• Database: Memory of an Old Civilization
• Database: The Romans in AlUla
• Database: Heritage and Archaeology
• Database: Ramm Valley
• Database: Prehistoric Life

The Mother of Letters

The scholar introduces herself as Lubna bint Aws. She tells you these stones bear centuries of prayers, including those of farmers asking for abundant rain. Then she asks you a difficult question. As these rocks bear many different scripts, she wants to discover which one gave rise to the Arabic script used today.

NabataeanGreekDadanitic

You explain that the Arabic script used today evolved from Nabataean script. You correctly recall that the Arabic script developed from Nabataean script. Lubna smiles: the very script you have been tracing across the valley is the ancestor of the Arabic script used today. It was the perfect answer.

You answer that the Arabic script must have originated from Greek script brought by distant traders. Lubna shakes her head. Greek inscriptions can be found among the stones of the valley, brought here through trade, but the Arabic script used today developed from Nabataean script.

You answer that the Arabic script descended from the ancient Dadanitic script carved into these rocks. \"A good guess,\" Lubna admits, \"as many of these inscriptions are indeed written in the ancient Dadanitic script. But that script disappeared with the kingdom that used it. The Arabic script used today developed instead from Nabataean script—the very one you have been learning to recognise.\"

Soldiers from afar

Lubna shows you an inscription in Latin, the script of distant Rome. She asks if you know why Roman soldiers once garrisoned a fort at Hegra, so far from the heart of their empire.

Guard the Trade RouteConquer ArabiaPunishment

You explain that, after Rome annexed the Nabataean kingdom, a garrison was stationed at Hegra to protect the trade routes and collect taxes. You correctly recall that, after Emperor Trajan annexed the Nabataean kingdom, Rome stationed a garrison at Hegra to protect the caravan route and collect customs duties along it. It may even have been the easternmost outpost of the entire empire. Lubna is delighted. It was the perfect answer.

You suggest that the fort was a base from which Rome planned to conquer all of Arabia. Lubna explains that no Roman legions ever marched to conquer the deep desert. Instead, after Rome annexed the Nabataean kingdom, a garrison was stationed at Hegra to protect the caravan route and collect customs duties along it.

You suggest that the fort housed soldiers who had been posted there as a punishment. Lubna laughs and admits that soldiers stationed so far from home may well have felt they were being punished. In fact, after Rome annexed the Nabataean kingdom, a garrison was stationed at Hegra to protect the caravan route and collect customs duties along it.

The Creature in the Stone

Finally, Lubna shows you her strangest find: the fossil of a great shelled creature embedded in the rock, lying on its back. She says she has found others like it, and every one of them is upside down. She asks how you think they came to be here.

Creatures of an Ancient SeaCarvingsWind and Rain

You explain that these are the remains of creatures that lived in a shallow sea which covered this land in an age beyond memory. When they died, their shells were overturned and buried beneath the seabed, where they became fossils. You correctly recall that the rocks in the north of the valley preserve the fossilised remains of sea creatures from an age long before any people walked this land. Many were overturned by powerful storms and buried on their backs. Lubna gazes at the fossils with a new sense of wonder. It was the perfect answer.

You suggest it must be a carving, cut by the same hands that made the inscriptions. Lubna points out that there are no chisel marks on the rock, and no carver would have carved every creature upside down. In fact, the shape is the fossilised remains of a creature that lived in an ancient sea which once covered this land.

You suggest that wind and rain shaped it by chance, just as they carved the great canyons of the Ramm Valley. Lubna agrees that wind and rain can sculpt remarkable landscapes, as the canyons of the Ramm Valley show. But the weather could never create the same creature over and over again, always lying on its back. In fact, it is the fossilised remains of a creature that lived in an ancient sea which once covered this land.

Outcome

All correct answersAt least 1 wrong answerAll wrong answers

Lubna bint Aws closes her record with deep satisfaction. Your knowledge has enriched a work that will speak to generations yet to come. She gladly hands over the fragment of ancient Nabataean inscription. You now have everything you need to decipher it.

Lubna bint Aws thanks you for your help, despite a few moments of confusion along the way. She passes on a fragment of an ancient Nabataean inscription. You now have everything you need to translate the inscription.

Lubna bint Aws thanks you for your efforts, though your answers did little to help her complete her record. True to her word, she honours your bargain and hands over a fragment of ancient Nabataean inscription. You now have everything you need to decipher it.

Finale

 "End_Screen_Contents": {
   "english": "Congratulations! You have deciphered the inscription and completed your journey in AlUla. ​\n\nIf you want to replay the story and continue to explore AlUla, please go to the Settings menu and clear your progress.​",

 "Toast_FinalGame_1": {
   "english": "Well done! You have gathered all the fragments you will need to decipher the ancient Nabataean inscription. Click on the button at the centre to start.  ​",

 "Final_inscription": {
   "english": "May the descendants who have come to this place listen to the masons who built the tomb for eternity, and hold them in good remembrance.",

 "Inscription_1": {
   "english": "This is the tomb which Khln the physician, son of Wʾln, created for himself and his children and his descendants",

 "Inscription_2": {
   "english": "May any man who went to Hegra be safe",

 "Inscription_3": {
   "english": "Rabîbel the strategos took possession of this place",

 "Inscription_4": {
   "english": "ʿAbdʿubdat son of Wahballâhî and Hâniʾû son of ʿAbîda and Afṣâ son of Ḥawṭû, the masons, created it",

 "Inscription_5": {
   "english": "This is the grave which Kamkam daughter of Waʾilat daughter of Ḥarâmû and Kulaybat, her daughter, made for themselves",

 "Inscription_6": {
   "english": "This is the tomb which ʿydw son of K{h}[y]{l}w son of ʾlksy created for himself",

 "Inscription_7": {
   "english": "Let it not be opened over them forever",

 "Inscription_8": {
   "english": "Good remembrance for Zydw",

 "Word_1_Correct": {
   "english": "descendants",

 "Word_1_Wrong_1": {
   "english": "river",

 "Word_1_Wrong_2": {
   "english": "man",

 "Word_2_Correct": {
   "english": "went",

 "Word_2_Wrong_2": {
   "english": "open",

 "Word_2_wrong_1": {
   "english": "sun",

 "Word_3_Correct": {
   "english": "this place",

 "Word_3_incorrect_1": {
   "english": "carve",

 "Word_3_incorrect_2": {
   "english": "tree",

 "Word_4_Correct": {
   "english": "the masons",

 "Word_4_Wrong_1": {
   "english": "rain",

 "Word_4_Wrong_2": {
   "english": "travel",

 "Word_5_Correct": {
   "english": "made",

 "Word_5_Incorrect_1": {
   "english": "moon",

 "Word_5_Incorrect_2": {
   "english": "journey ",

 "Word_6_Correct": {
   "english": "the tomb",

 "Word_6_Wrong_1": {
   "english": "remembrance",

 "Word_6_Wrong_2": {
   "english": "stars",

 "Word_7_Correct": {
   "english": "forever",

 "Word_7_Incorrect_1": {
   "english": "when",

 "Word_7_Incorrect_2": {
   "english": "good",

 "Word_8_Correct": {
   "english": "remembrance",

 "Word_8_Incorrect_1": {
   "english": "descendants",

 "Word_8_Incorrect_2": {
   "english": "son",

 "TUT_Inscription_Content_1": {
   "english": "At the bottom of the screen, you will find the fragments with the words you collected after completing each mission, along with their possible translations.\n\nAt the top of the screen, you will find the inscriptions these words come from, along with their full translations.",

 "TUT_Inscription_Content_2": {
   "english": "\nFirst, drag the word from the bottom of the screen onto the matching symbol in the inscription at the top. \n  \nUse the arrow buttons to look at the different inscriptions at the top of the screen. ",

 "TUT_Inscription_Content_3": {
   "english": "Once you have identified the matching symbol, select its correct meaning using the full translation of the inscription at the top.",

Misc

 "Toast_FirstMissionFinished_1": {
   "english": "Excellent work! You need to complete seven more missions to be able to decipher the ancient inscription.",

 "Toast_FirstMissionFinished_2": {
   "english": "Check the remaining locations on your map to start your next mission. ​",

 "Toast_FourMissionsFinished_1": {
   "english": "Fantastic progress! You are halfway through gathering the fragments of inscriptions you need to translate the ancient inscription.​",

 "Toast_FinalMissionActive_1": {
   "english": "Good job! You only need one more fragment to be able to translate the ancient inscription. ​",

 "Toast_FinalMissionActive_2": {
   "english": "There is a scholar at Ikmah Mountain that needs your help. Head to the area I have marked on your map to complete the last mission. ",