According to the initial descriptions of human settlements in Northwestern Saudi Arabia, the research team found evidence that the inhabitants here were more stable and developed than previously thought.
Image of several standing stone circles at the archaeological site. (Source: SPA).
On July 9, Saudi Arabia announced the discovery of signs of the development of a more complex society during the Neolithic period in the northwestern region of the country.
This discovery resulted from a study conducted by a team of archaeologists under the supervision of the Royal Commission for AlUla of the Saudi Arabian government.
This commission was established to preserve the heritage of the AlUla region—a historic oasis city in ancient Saudi Arabia.
According to the comprehensive initial descriptions of human settlements in Northwestern Saudi Arabia, the research team found evidence suggesting that the people in the area had stabilized and developed more than previously thought during the 6th and 5th millennia BCE.
It is likely that they engaged in livestock herding, crafted jewelry, and participated in trade to exchange goods with neighboring areas such as Eastern Jordan and regions along the Red Sea.
Archaeologist Jane McMahon added that the study verifies hypotheses about how the earliest inhabitants lived in Northwestern Saudi Arabia.
According to Jane McMahon, these people were not merely simple shepherds but were also the creators of architectural structures, housing, animal domestication, and the crafting of various jewelry, decorative items, and tools.
Many experts from King Saud University also participated in this research endeavor.
