A breathtaking collection of ancient artefacts from Italy’s most renowned archaeological sites is coming to AlUla for the very first time, as part of the highly anticipated Ancient Kingdoms Festival.

Running from November 7 to December 14, the exhibition, titled Masterpieces of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to experience legendary treasures from the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, alongside pieces from the illustrious Farnese Collection, one of the most prestigious Greco-Roman collections in the world.

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, the exhibition presents an exquisite fusion of ancient grandeur and contemporary elegance. The artefacts, which were buried for centuries under the ash of Mount Vesuvius after its catastrophic eruption in 79 CE, are displayed in a way that brings their rich history to life.

Free to enter with prior booking, the exhibition at Maraya promises a cultural journey like no other, inviting visitors to witness history through the lens of unparalleled artistry and archaeological wonder.

The exhibition, presented by the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN), also reflects the deep cultural connection between ancient Rome and Arabia, established through the extensive routes of trade and cultural exchange known as the Incense Road. Roman emperors such as Augustus, Trajan, and Marcus Aurelius played important roles in establishing and maintaining trade networks and cultural exchanges, shaping both Roman policy and Arabian society during their reigns.

AlUla, at the heart of the Incense Road, was a vital hub in the exchange of highly prized goods like spices and incense that flowed from southern Arabia to the marketplaces of ancient Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia and beyond.

The ancient masterpieces on display include statuettes of Alexander the Great, a head of Greek historian Herodotus, and a remarkable floor mosaic from Pompeii’s House of the Faun that depicts the river Nile, among others. Armour and helmets worn by Roman gladiators from the 1st century CE further enrich this historical display.

Visitors can also learn more about famed leaders including Julius Caesar, Trajan, and Marcus Aurelius, and their vision of a universal empire that shaped the ancient world. Artefacts representing some of these leaders have been found here in AlUla, at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra.

Rami Almoallim, Vice President of Destination Management & Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “AlUla has earned a reputation as a place where history and heritage come alive for visitors to explore.      We are proud to elevate that experience, bringing priceless treasures to AlUla and forging new connections between distant cultures.

“The display of these ancient artefacts is particularly poignant, because just as the people of ancient Rome sought beauty and craftsmanship, so too did the ancient civilisations of AlUla, and my hope is that visitors can experience both here. This exhibition is ultimately a tribute to both our legacies and reinforces AlUla’s vital role as a centre for heritage preservation, knowledge exchange, and discovery.”

Professor Massimo Osanna, Director of the MANN, added: “It is a privilege to present the exhibition Masterpieces of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples in AlUla, the heart of the Incense Road, so rich in history and legacy. Through the visionary leaders of the Greco-Roman era, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius, the exhibition aims to offer a journey of remarkable figures who dreamed of a universal empire founded on integration, acceptance of diversity, and recognition of our shared humanity.

“This exhibition signifies a bridge between our countries, fostering deeper cultural dialogue and a greater valorisation of our shared global heritage. The strength of our cultural connections can also be seen in our collection, which includes Nabataean artefacts.”