AlUla, November 3, 2024 — The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced a groundbreaking archaeological discovery in the Khaybar Oasis, situated in the northwestern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A team of archaeologists has unearthed a Bronze Age town, providing profound insights into the early urbanization of the region. This significant finding was recently published in the esteemed scientific journal PLOS ONE and highlighted at a press conference in Riyadh.
The RCU emphasized the importance of this discovery not only for Saudi Arabia’s heritage but also for its growing reputation in the field of antiquities. The findings underscore the Kingdom's commitment to preserving its cultural legacy and enhancing its international collaborations, all in alignment with the ambitious goals set forth in Vision 2030. The RCU aims to foster a greater understanding of shared human heritage on a global scale.
Dr. Guillaume Charloux, a researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research, and Dr. Munirah AlMushawh, the archaeological survey manager at RCU, lead the Khaybar Longue Durée Archaeological Project. Their work challenges long-held perceptions about the socio-economic dynamics of northwestern Arabia during the early and middle Bronze Age. Historically, it was believed that a nomadic pastoral lifestyle predominated in this area, but the newly discovered town, named Al-Natah, suggests a significant shift towards a settled urban existence during the second half of the third millennium BC.
This urban transformation is pivotal, as it indicates that the Khaybar Oasis served not merely as a transient stop for nomadic groups but as a stable urban center that supported agricultural practices and facilitated trade. Such findings redefine the socio-economic framework of the region, illustrating how communities thrived in organized settlements that were interconnected through commerce.
Spanning an area of 2.6 hectares, Al-Natah was inhabited by approximately 500 individuals between 2400 and 2000 BC, extending to 1500 and 1300 BC. The town was fortified by a remarkable 15-kilometer stone wall, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of urban planning and community protection. Archaeological evidence reveals distinct residential and funerary zones, highlighting the complexity of social structures within the community.
Notably, the architecture of Al-Natah reveals a well-organized layout with multi-story dwellings. The ground floors were primarily used for storage, while living quarters occupied the upper levels, connected by narrow pathways that led to a central communal area. Burial practices involved the use of tiered towers for interring the deceased, often accompanied by valuable artifacts such as pottery and metal tools, indicating the social stratification and cultural practices of the residents.
The daily life in Al-Natah was marked by skilled craftsmanship. Residents engaged in pottery making, metalworking, and the adornment of garments with beads, reflecting a rich cultural tapestry. Their diet, centered around mutton, lamb, and grains, exemplifies a cooperative community life. The construction techniques employed, including the use of dry stones and clay to reinforce walls, suggest a highly organized society.
The archaeological endeavors in Khaybar are part of a broader initiative that began in 2018, exploring the intricate history of ancient AlUla and Khaybar. This ongoing research encompasses a variety of features, including mustatils—massive stone structures, stone traps, and extensive funerary roads that connected settlements and grazing lands. The newly unearthed evidence demonstrates that Bronze Age societies in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula were far more advanced and interconnected than previously recognized.
The RCU is actively overseeing ten archaeological projects, involving over 100 archaeologists and specialists dedicated to uncovering the rich heritage of AlUla and Khaybar. This latest discovery further solidifies AlUla's emerging role as a global hub for archaeological research and cultural dialogue, coinciding with the recent AlUla World Archaeology Symposium 2024. The symposium, themed "Moving Forward: Past, Present and Future in the Archaeology and Heritage of Mobile Communities," brought together leading experts from around the world, reinforcing AlUla's significance in the global archaeological narrative.
As research continues, the insights gleaned from the Khaybar Oasis will undoubtedly contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities of early urban life and cultural exchange in the ancient Arabian Peninsula, enriching our appreciation of this region’s historical legacy.
