RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission announced new archaeological findings documenting evidence of early human settlement in northern Arabia dating back about 13,500 years.The discovery was revealed in a scientific study published in the journal Nature titled “The Natufian Epipalaeolithic and Pre-Pottery Neolithic in the desert of northern Arabia.”The findings are based on advanced excavations and scientific analysis conducted at the Sahout archaeological site on the southern edge of the Nefud Desert between the Arnan and Al-Misma mountains.Researchers said the site occupies a strategic geographic location linking desert environments with settlement networks connected to the Levant, making it an important site for understanding early human movement during the late Ice Age and the beginning of the Holocene period.Stratified excavations at the site uncovered distinctive stone tools, including Helwan bladelets, small finely crafted stone implements used as arrowheads or components of hunting tools.Archaeologists said the artifacts are closely associated with the Natufian culture and confirm the presence of human communities with advanced technical skills capable of adapting to desert environments.The discovery also revealed a later settlement phase dating between about 10,300 and 8,700 years ago, showing greater settlement density and technological development in stone industries.Researchers discovered Abu Salem points, a type of finely crafted arrowhead used for hunting.Geochemical analysis of obsidian used to manufacture the tools showed that the material originated from Jabal Al-Abyad in the Khaybar region, about 190 kilometers south of the site.The finding indicates the existence of long-distance exchange networks, demonstrating that early communities traveled considerable distances to obtain resources.The study also documented a direct link between human settlement and rock art at the site.Carving tools were found within dated archaeological layers alongside artistic elements depicting life-size camels and human figures.Researchers said the discoveries provide a clear chronological framework for the development of artistic expression in northern Arabia, showing that artistic production formed an integral part of cultural life during these early periods.The Heritage Commission said the findings highlight the Kingdom’s continued commitment to cultural preservation and advancing historical and scientific knowledge.RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission announced new archaeological findings documenting evidence of early human settlement in northern Arabia dating back about 13,500 years.The discovery was revealed in a scientific study published in the journal Nature titled “The Natufian Epipalaeolithic and Pre-Pottery Neolithic in the desert of northern Arabia.”The findings are based on advanced excavations and scientific analysis conducted at the Sahout archaeological site on the southern edge of the Nefud Desert between the Arnan and Al-Misma mountains.Researchers said the site occupies a strategic geographic location linking desert environments with settlement networks connected to the Levant, making it an important site for understanding early human movement during the late Ice Age and the beginning of the Holocene period.Stratified excavations at the site uncovered distinctive stone tools, including Helwan bladelets, small finely crafted stone implements used as arrowheads or components of hunting tools.Archaeologists said the artifacts are closely associated with the Natufian culture and confirm the presence of human communities with advanced technical skills capable of adapting to desert environments.The discovery also revealed a later settlement phase dating between about 10,300 and 8,700 years ago, showing greater settlement density and technological development in stone industries.Researchers discovered Abu Salem points, a type of finely crafted arrowhead used for hunting.Geochemical analysis of obsidian used to manufacture the tools showed that the material originated from Jabal Al-Abyad in the Khaybar region, about 190 kilometers south of the site.The finding indicates the existence of long-distance exchange networks, demonstrating that early communities traveled considerable distances to obtain resources.The study also documented a direct link between human settlement and rock art at the site.Carving tools were found within dated archaeological layers alongside artistic elements depicting life-size camels and human figures.Researchers said the discoveries provide a clear chronological framework for the development of artistic expression in northern Arabia, showing that artistic production formed an integral part of cultural life during these early periods.The Heritage Commission said the findings highlight the Kingdom’s continued commitment to cultural preservation and advancing historical and scientific knowledge.
