Zero To Travel Podcast The Elements of AlUla: Arabia’s Lost City and the Heritage of Earth
Sep 4, 2025
Join Laura Alho, a Finnish writer and cultural expert in Saudi Arabia, and Aaron Millar, host of The Armchair Explorer, as they explore the enchanting AlUla region. They delve into the ancient city of Hegra, where breathtaking Nabataean architecture waits to be discovered. Laura shares her adventure riding Arabian horses to ancient petroglyphs, while Aaron introduces you to local storytellers who bring the rich history of this lost city to life. With friendly camels stealing the show, this journey through time captures the spirit of AlUla's hidden treasures.
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AlUla's Deep Time Context
- AlUla is a multi-layered site where 200,000 years of human history converge in one oasis.
- The series frames AlUla through four elements to reveal distinct cultural and natural narratives.
Sea Of 2.3 Million Palm Trees
- Laura Alho points out a "sea" of 2.3 million palm trees visible from a viewpoint at sunset.
- The lush oasis contrasts sharply with the surrounding barren desert cliffs.
Civilizations Built On Shifting Landscapes
- Civilization in AlUla moved from volcanic harrat to the valley as climate and resources shifted.
- Dedan, then Nabataeans, Romans and later communities built sequential layers across the same landscape.