Archers' Hill at Uhud

Archers' Hill, known locally as Jabal ar-Rumat, is a low rocky rise at the foot of Mount Uhud in north Madinah, in the Al Madinah region of Saudi Arabia. It is the place where, in the Battle of Uhud in 625 CE (3 AH), the Prophet Muhammad stationed a group of archers to guard the flank of the Muslim army. The hill is open to everyone and free to climb, and a short ascent of a few minutes on a worn path leads to the top, where a marker and information board describe the events. From the summit, visitors get the clearest view of the battlefield below, the gap in the ridge, the surrounding date-palm gardens and the bulk of Mount Uhud behind. The scene helps visitors understand the tactical layout described in historical accounts, which makes it a favourite stop for guides explaining the battle. The hill is next to the Uhud martyrs' cemetery, so it is usually visited together with it, and a combined stop takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Early morning is the best time, when the air is cool, the light is soft and the crowds are smaller; tour buses arrive from mid-morning, and the area gets busy on Fridays and during Umrah and Hajj seasons. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes because the rock is loose in places, carry water in summer, and dress modestly. Photography of the landscape is generally permitted. Taxis from central Madinah take about 15-20 minutes, and many city tours include a stop here.