Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has unveiled the findings of an archaeological and environmental study conducted at the Uruq Al-Julaybah site, located along the shores of the ancient Mundafan Palaeolake in the Empty Quarter of Najran Region, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Friday.
Carried out in collaboration with Australia's Griffith University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and several national and international research institutions, the study revealed evidence of human activity dating back 125,000 years during a humid period in the Arabian Peninsula, evidenced by stone tools as well as animal and plant remains along the ancient shoreline.
Published in Science journal, the study indicates that Mundafan Palaeolake spanned approximately 340 square kilometers and reached a maximum depth of about 29 meters. Sedimentary and geomorphological data, alongside aquatic organism remains, point to a relatively stable freshwater body surrounded by open grasslands and vegetation that sustained diverse human and animal populations.
Across more than 130 locations at the site, researchers documented over 500 vertebrate and invertebrate fossils, including hippopotamuses, extinct long-horned buffalo, camels, Arabian oryx, gazelles, ostriches, mollusks, and freshwater crustaceans (ostracods), reflecting the rich ecological diversity of Mundafan Palaeolake during the humid periods of the Pleistocene epoch.
Researchers recovered 5,511 stone artifacts, each exceeding two centimeters in size, from the primary study area, more than 98% of which were crafted from flint. Analyses confirmed the use of the Levallois technique, an advanced core-preparation method characteristic of Middle Paleolithic toolmaking used to control the shape and size of resulting flakes and points, demonstrating that these implements were both manufactured and utilized on-site.
Despite surface erosion over time, the spatial distribution of the stone tools alongside fossil deposits and preserved organic remains indicates repeated, cumulative human habitation over an extended period. Microscopic, chemical, and use-wear analyses identified preserved organic residues, including plant fibers, wood, resins, fats, and collagen, as well as traces of palm and woody plant processing, pointing to diverse daily activities around the palaeolake.
Several stone points displayed impact fractures and traces of hafting onto handles. Chemical testing also detected plant-derived compounds associated with Acokanthera schimperi, a species traditionally used in hunting, suggesting the possible use of composite hunting technologies, though researchers noted that current evidence is insufficient to determine exact preparation methods, concentrations, or efficacy.
Director General of the Antiquities Sector at the Heritage Commission Dr. Ajab Alotaibi noted that fieldwork continued throughout the 2023 season under the commission's mandate to oversee and fund archaeological surveys and excavations. He underscored the commission's commitment to fostering multidisciplinary research partnerships bringing together Griffith University, KAUST, King Saud University, and specialized international centers.
Dr. Abdullah Alsharekh of the Department of Archaeology at King Saud University's College of Tourism and Archaeology affirmed that the shores of Mundafan Palaeolake provided an ideal habitat roughly 125,000 years ago, where the convergence of fresh water, wildlife, flora, and raw materials supported stone-tool production, hunting-gear preparation, resource processing, and fiber working.
Professor Michael Petraglia of Griffith University stated that the discovery significantly advances understanding of early human settlement across the Arabian Peninsula, highlighting the role of sites like Uruq Al-Julaybah in documenting human habitation during past humid phases.
Dr. Frans van Buchem of KAUST noted that collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines yielded a comprehensive portrait of ancient human behavior and prehistoric environments.
The research forms part of the Heritage Commission's broader efforts to leverage advanced scientific methodologies and global partnerships to illuminate the history of human settlement and environmental transformation in the Kingdom.
