Researchers have discovered an abundance of proof indicating that people once inhabited a cave in Saudi Arabia created by lava flow, illuminating the captivating past of human existence in the area.
The discoveries recorded by the international team of researchers include rock art and animal bones, revealing both how people used the cave network and what their diets were made up of while they were there.
The age of these discoveries suggests that the cave, known as Umm Jirsan, was consistently utilized as a living space starting around 10,000 years ago, during the Neolithic for at least 7,000 years, potentially extending back into the Bronze Age.
Although subterranean sites hold global importance in archaeological studies, Quaternary science our research marks the first thorough investigation of this nature in Saudi Arabia, says Archaeologist Michael Petraglia, who works at Griffith University in Australia.
Specialists have previously documented findings at Umm Jirsan, where they discovered a few scattered human bones amidst an immense collection of animal remains believed to have accumulated there. by scavenging hyenas In this study, the researchers concentrated on human activities within the cave, which extends for 1.5 kilometers (nearly a mile).
In this recent study, remnants of fabric, crafted wooden elements, incomplete stonework constructions, and shards of rocks potentially utilized as tools were discovered at the site. lava tube Along with additional animal remains, some of these findings were discovered within spoil heaps, whereas others were unearthed from a pit.
Even though the researchers are reluctant to label the stone fragments as 'tools,' their consistent forms indicate that these were intentionally created and might have served as scrapers.
A study of the human remains discovered by the team's previous investigation suggests that they sustained themselves on a high-protein diet for thousands of years, showing a gradual rise in their intake of proteins. certain types of plant associated with oasis settlements.
These discoveries add to earlier research proposing that these caves offered shelter to animal herders escaping the harsh desert climate as they traveled between oases, potentially facilitating interactions and trade of goods.
The discoveries at Umm Jirsan offer a unique window into the past of Arabian civilizations, highlighting successive periods of habitation and illuminating the pastoral practices that were prevalent in this region long ago, says Archaeologist Mathew Stewart, who hails from Griffith University.
The recently discovered carvings etched into the rocks near Umm Jirsan show images of animals such as cows, goats, and sheep in what appears to be pastoral settings along with depictions of humans. This reinforces the theory that these cave systems were utilized by animal herders.
Caves such as Umm Jirsan can be goldmines of material For archaeologists, these containers offer protection against wind, intense sunlight, and other types of erosion – conditions which tend to be quite severe in this region.
These discoveries highlight the significant opportunities for cross-disciplinary research in caves and lava tubes, providing an exceptional glimpse into Arabia’s distant history, says Petraglia.
The study has been released in PLOS ONE .
