Saudi Heritage Commission uncovers evidence of 125,000-year-old human activity in Najran

The Heritage Commission has announced the results of an archaeological and environmental study at the 'Uruq al-Jalibah' site on the shores of the ancient Al-Mundafan lake in Najran, conducted in collaboration with Griffith University in Australia, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and several national and international universities and research centers.

The study, published in the journal 'Science,' revealed evidence of human activity dating back around 125,000 years during one of the Arabian Peninsula's humid periods, based on stone tools and animal and plant remains linked to human presence.

The research found that the ancient Al-Mundafan lake once covered an area of about 340 square kilometers, reaching a maximum depth of 29 meters, and provided a relatively stable freshwater environment surrounded by open pastures and diverse vegetation.

• The team documented more than 500 plant, vertebrate, and invertebrate fossils at over 130 locations, including bones of hippopotamus, the extinct long-horned buffalo, camel, Arabian oryx, gazelle, ostrich, as well as mollusks and aquatic crustacean plankton.
• Researchers collected 5,511 stone tools larger than 2 cm, with more than 98% made from flint. Analyses showed the use of the advanced Levallois technique for shaping stone cores, along with evidence of tool manufacture and use at the site.
• Microscopic and chemical analyses identified preserved organic residues on some tools, including plant fibers, wood, resins, fats, and collagen. There were also signs of processing palm, fibrous plants, and woody materials, reflecting the diversity of human activities around the lake.

Some stone points showed impact fractures and traces of hafting, while chemical indicators of plant compounds such as 'Acokanthera'—traditionally used in hunting—were detected. However, the study notes that the evidence does not allow for precise determination of how these materials were prepared or their effectiveness.

Dr. Ajab Al-Otaibi, Director General of the Antiquities Sector at the Commission, said that fieldwork and research at the site are ongoing, and that collaboration with Saudi and international universities specializing in archaeology and ancient environments continues to be strengthened.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharakh, a participating researcher from King Saud University, stated that the shores of the ancient Al-Mundafan lake provided a complete environment for human activity about 125,000 years ago, where freshwater, animals, plants, and raw materials were all present. This enabled a range of activities, including stone tool production, preparation of hunting implements, and processing of animal and plant resources.

Professor Michael Petraglia of Griffith University said the discovery is a significant addition to understanding the history of human settlement in the Arabian Peninsula and highlights the role of archaeological sites in documenting phases of human habitation during humid periods.

Dr. Frédéric Van Bocxem of KAUST emphasized the importance of collaboration among experts in reconstructing a comprehensive picture of ancient human life, behavior, and environment.

The study is part of the Heritage Commission's efforts to support archaeological and scientific research, expand partnerships with national and international institutions, and employ modern technologies in the study of archaeological sites. These efforts contribute to deepening knowledge of human settlement history in the Arabian Peninsula and understanding the relationship between humans and environmental changes in prehistoric times.