New archaeological findings are challenging the current understanding of Neolithic life in northwest Saudi Arabia. Generally thought to be from 10000 BC – 2200 BC, the Neolithic era marked the beginning of plant and animal farming, as well as the establishment of permanent settlements by humans.
It saw the emergence of agriculture, transforming Homosapiens from scattered hunter-gatherer groups into farming communities, and eventually into sophisticated societies with impressive structures, rulers, and written records of their achievements.
The Neolithic Revolution was initially thought to be driven by environmental shifts following the end of the Ice Age, which allowed people to start farming and herding animals. This development then spread to other regions including India and Europe.
According to a study recently published in the journal Levant, the Neolithic society was more advanced than previously thought. Researchers unearthed evidence of a sophisticated community involved in cattle herding, jewelry craftsmanship, and extensive trade networks. These settlements were strategically positioned to engage in commerce with distant regions, such as eastern Jordan and coastal areas along the Red Sea
The recent discoveries made by the research team have provided insights into the study of standing stone circles. These circular structures, composed of upright stone slabs with diameters ranging from four to eight meters, were the focus of the study, which examined 431 of these formations in Harrat Uwayrid in AlUla. Among these, 52 were surveyed in the field, and 11 underwent excavation.
The study uncovered that the stone slabs, arranged in two concentric rows, likely formed the base for wooden poles, potentially crafted from acacia, which supported the roofs of these structures. In the center of each circle, a single stone slab acted as the support for the main wooden column, indicating a sophisticated understanding of weight distribution and structural support.
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Additionally, the presence of tools and animal remains at the site led researchers to suggest that the roofs of these dwellings were made from animal hides.The analysis of animal bones from the Harrat Uwayrid site has provided strong evidence of a thriving prehistoric economy. It appears that the ancient inhabitants relied on a mix of domesticated animals like goats and sheep, as well as wild animals such as gazelles and birds for their sustenance.
This varied approach to animal use likely contributed to the community’s ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.During the excavations, tools associated with animal husbandry, including implements for shearing wool and slaughtering sheep, were found. The discovery of arrowheads similar to those used in southern and eastern Jordan suggests significant interaction between these regions.
After conducting their research, the team of experts from King Saud University, local AlUla residents and students from the University of Hail, concluded that their findings greatly improved the understanding of the Neolithic period in AlUla. The site revealed small perforated snails and seashells, likely used for ornamental purposes, which are believed to have been imported from the Red Sea, situated 120 km away.
In addition, the team uncovered sandstone and limestone ornaments, bracelets, and a piece of red sandstone chalk, possibly used for drawing. This new research shows life in ancient Saudi Arabia was complex and thriving
The project
The research team’s most recent discoveries stem from a collection of buildings located on the Harrat ‘Uwayrid, a volcanic plateau shaped over centuries. The dense groupings of standing stone circles on the harrat provide insight into the complexity of these nomadic pastoralist communities. The research also uncovered remains left by the inhabitants who occupied these structures for over 1,000 years.
The team employed a blend of modern and traditional methodologies to address the practical challenges of working in such remote and rugged terrain. Aerial surveys conducted via helicopter aided in the identification of dwellings spread across 40,000 square kilometers of basalt and sandy desert. Additionally, drones were utilized to create blueprints of the sites, some of which spanned almost three hectares.
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