Medina, Saudi Arabia – Archaeologists have recently uncovered a fascinating discovery in the Arabian Peninsula. Thousands of years ago, inhabitants sought refuge from the scorching heat by retreating underground into vast subterranean tunnels formed by ancient lava flows. These tunnels, known as lava tubes, were occupied by Neolithic herders who utilized the cooler temperatures provided by the underground shelters. Their presence is evidenced by the artifacts and rock carvings left behind on the tunnel walls.
One particularly significant tunnel system, Umm Jirsan, located 78 miles north of Medina in Saudi Arabia, stands out as the longest in the region. With passages reaching up to 39 feet tall and 148 feet wide, Umm Jirsan spans nearly a mile and a half. Archaeologists at the site have uncovered a treasure trove of animal bones, human remains, cloth fragments, carved wood pieces, and stone tools that date back thousands of years, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who sought refuge in the tunnels.
Lead study author Dr. Mathew Stewart, a research fellow at the Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, expressed surprise at the extent of human occupation within the lava tubes. The discovery of rock art, lithic artifacts, stone structures, and pottery suggests that these tunnels were utilized for millennia, offering a new perspective on human adaptation to arid landscapes in the region.
The excavation at Umm Jirsan also revealed panels of engraved rock art depicting herding scenes and domesticated animals such as dogs, cattle, goats, and sheep. These carvings, believed to date back to the Chalcolithic period, shed light on the cultural practices and artistic expressions of ancient inhabitants. The site’s location along a migratory route for Bronze Age herders indicates its potential significance as a stopping point or refuge from the elements.
Stewart and his colleagues have been researching ancient human life in Arabia for nearly 15 years, focusing on sites dating back to periods of increased humidity known as “Green Arabia” phases. These phases, characterized by abundant rainfall and flourishing vegetation, saw waves of migrating humans dispersing across southwestern Asia. The investigation into Umm Jirsan marks a shift towards exploring underground settings to better preserve organic materials and sediments that can provide valuable insights into ancient human activity.
Overall, the archaeological findings at Umm Jirsan represent an unprecedented glimpse into ancient human occupation in Saudi Arabia’s lava tubes, highlighting the resourcefulness and adaptability of past civilizations. The ongoing research at Umm Jirsan and other tunnel systems in the region holds the promise of further enriching our understanding of human history and environmental dynamics in the Arabian Peninsula.