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7,000-Year-Old Ancient Structures Discovered Near AlUla
Archaeologists in Saudi Arabia have uncovered eight ancient stone circles believed to have served as homes over 7,000 years ago near AlUla!
These structures were part of a larger discovery of 345 such circles identified through aerial surveys across Harrat ‘Uwayrid, a lava field near AlUla in northwestern Saudi Arabia, according to the journal Levant earlier this year. Ranging from 13 to 26 feet in diameter, each circle features at least one central standing stone.
The structures paint a picture of life and community 7,000 years ago
These ancient circles, dating back about 7,000 years, show parts of stone walls, doorways, and roofs probably made from stone or natural materials. Archaeologists also found bones from sheep, goats, and cows, showing how people in the area raised animals.
The discoveries also provide evidence of vibrant trade and migration!
Among the discoveries were seashells from the Red Sea, suggesting early trade networks and movement among ancient communities. These findings highlight the circles’ likely use as homes rather than purely ceremonial structures.
While stone circles like those at Stonehenge might make us think of rituals today, ancient homes around the world were usually round, coming before the later rectangular designs.
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Jane McMahon, lead author and honorary research fellow at the University of Western Australia, highlighted similarities between these Saudi structures and those in Jordan, dating back 500 years earlier. This suggests a migration pattern possibly driven by increased populations and advancements in hunting technology!
According to Rollefson, an expert on ancient structures, populations in eastern Jordan and parts of Syria may have expanded due to improved hunting capabilities, prompting migration southward into what is now Saudi Arabia.
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