Despite the challenging situations posed by the limited preservation of archaeological sites and biological remains in arid environments, these discoveries are reshaping our understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.
One such breakthrough, led by Griffith University’s Australian Centre for Research on Human Evolution (ARCHE) in collaboration with foreign partners, comes from exploring underground environments, adding caves and lava tubes, which remain largely reservoirs of untapped archaeological remains. abundance in Arabia.
Through meticulous excavations and analysis, researchers have exposed a large number of at um Jirsan, ranging from the Neolithic to the Chalcolithic/Bronze Age (between 10,000 and 3,500 years ago).
“Our discoveries at um Jirsan offer a rare glimpse into the lives of the ancient peoples of Arabia, revealing repeated stages of the human profession and losing light on the pastoral activities that once thrived in this landscape,” said lead researcher Dr Mathew Stewart. Researcher at ARCHE.
“This site likely served as a crossing point along pastoral routes, connecting primary oases and facilitating cultural exchange and trade. “
Rock art and records testify to the pastoral use of the lava tube and its surroundings and depict a brilliant picture of ancient life tactics.
Depictions of cattle, sheep, goats and cattle corroborate prehistoric grazing practices and the composition of the herd in the area.
Isotopic investigation of animal remains indicates that farm animals grazed primarily on wild grasses and shrubs, while humans maintained a protein-rich diet, with a notable accumulation of C3 plant intake over time, suggesting the rise of oasis agriculture.
“While subterranean localities are of global importance in Quaternary archaeology and science, our studies represent the first in-depth studies of their kind in Saudi Arabia,” added Professor Michael Petraglia, director of ARCHE.
“These discoveries underscore the immense prospects of interdisciplinary investigations in caves and lava tubes, offering a window into Arabia’s ancient past. “
The at um Jirsan highlights the importance of collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to archaeological research and highlights the importance of Arabia’s archaeological heritage on the global stage.
The researchers involved in this work closely with the Heritage Commission, the Saudi Ministry of Culture, and the Saudi Geological Survey. Other partners come with King Saud University and key establishments in the UK, USA and Germany.
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Materials provided through Griffith University. Note: Content is subject to replacement in terms of taste and length.
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