大象岩，古城欧拉，沙特阿拉伯 Elephant Rock, Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia (© Lubo Ivanko/Shutterstock)

大象岩，古城欧拉，沙特阿拉伯 Elephant Rock, Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia (© Lubo Ivanko/Shutterstock)

温柔的“沙丘巨人” Gentle giant of the dunes

大象岩，古城欧拉，沙特阿拉伯

经过数百万年的时间，大自然雕琢出了这片耀眼夺目的砂岩地貌，名为大象岩。该岩石高达117英尺，位于沙特阿拉伯古城欧拉附近，由于风水的侵蚀，它呈现出大象的形状，并成为了该地区的著名地标。日落时，夕阳洒在这片沙漠上，为红色的“猛犸象”及其周围金色的沙子镀上一层温暖的光辉。

古城欧拉距离大象岩约7英里，其历史可追溯到公元前6世纪，它见证了商人、朝圣者和商队穿越这片干旱的土地的历史。其周边地区的岩层和赫格拉纳巴泰古王国陵墓有着岩画和碑文，其中一些碑文的历史可以追溯到公元644年。

Elephant Rock, Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia

Over millions of years, the dazzling sandstone formation known as Elephant Rock was carved by nature. Thanks to the wind and water erosion, this 117-foot-high rock near the city of Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia took on the shape of an elephant and has become a prominent landmark in the region. As the sun sets, it casts a warm glow upon the red-hued mammoth and the golden sand of the surrounding desert.

About 7 miles from the Elephant Rock, the city of Al-Ula traces its roots back to ancient civilizations and has witnessed the passage of traders, pilgrims, and caravans crossing its arid landscapes. The surrounding area, including rock formations and Hegra's Nabataean tombs, boasts petroglyphs and inscriptions, some dating as far back as 644 CE.