Archaeologists in Saudi Arabia made a significant discovery of eight ancient “standing stone circles” that were used as homes. These structures, dating back around 7,000 years, were found in the Harrat ‘Uwayrid lava field near AlUla in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The circles, ranging from 13 to 26 feet in diameter, featured stone walls, doorways, and roofs made of either stone or organic materials. Stone tools made of basalt, animal bones, and seashells from the Red Sea were also uncovered during the excavations.
The findings suggest that these standing stone circles were likely domestic structures, similar to ancient homes found in Jordan. While stone circles like those at Stonehenge are often associated with rituals, early domestic architecture around the world was typically round. The discovery sheds light on the lifestyle and cultural practices of people living in northern Saudi Arabia 7,000 years ago.
During this time, the environment in northern Saudi Arabia was wetter than today, although farming was not yet in use. The construction of mustatils, rectangular stone structures with a ritual purpose, alongside the standing stone circles indicates a connection between the two forms of megalithic structures. The people who built these structures may have migrated from Jordan and Syria, where similar architectural styles and herding practices were observed.
Gary Rollefson, a professor emeritus of anthropology, suggests that the migration of people from Jordan and Syria to Saudi Arabia may have been driven by an increase in population due to advanced hunting technologies. The new hunting techniques, such as the “kite,” allowed for a surplus of food, leading to population growth and the need to expand into new territories for hunting.
The discovery of these ancient standing stone circles provides valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural aspects of early human societies in the region. The findings contribute to our understanding of the migration patterns and lifestyle of ancient populations in the Middle East. Owen Jarus, an archaeology writer, highlights the significance of this discovery in expanding our knowledge of human history and past civilizations.
Overall, the excavation of these standing stone circles in Saudi Arabia represents a remarkable breakthrough in archaeology, offering a glimpse into the lives of people who lived thousands of years ago. The artifacts and structures uncovered provide researchers with valuable information to piece together the puzzle of ancient civilizations and their cultural practices.
