Stadiums Built Over Ancient Ruins and Historic Landmarks

17. King Fahd International Stadium – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

With its soaring canopy and capacity of over 60,000, King Fahd International Stadium stands as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s modernization and growing presence in global sports. However, the land beneath it once held far different traffic—ancient camel caravans navigating one of the most important trade networks of the ancient world: the Arabian Incense Route. This route, dating back at least 2,000 years, connected southern Arabia’s incense-producing regions with trading centers in the Levant and Mediterranean. The area around modern Riyadh served as a critical junction where traders paused for rest, resupply, and barter. Geological and historical surveys conducted during stadium planning revealed evidence of packed dirt paths consistent with old trade routes and remnants of waystations used by merchants transporting frankincense, myrrh, and spices. Though not a formal archaeological dig, the findings highlighted the site’s role in Arabia’s long-standing commercial heritage. Today, King Fahd Stadium showcases international football tournaments, but beneath its foundation lies the legacy of ancient economic empires and cross-cultural exchange. Built Over: An ancient trade route of the Arabian Incense Trail.