Bronze Age Town Discovered in Khaybar Oasis, Saudi Arabia

In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, researchers have uncovered a Bronze Age town in the Khaybar oasis of northwest Arabia. This discovery marks a significant shift from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled way of living during the latter part of the third millennium BCE. The findings suggest that oases like Khaybar were not just random patches of land but were carefully managed and highly valued areas that supported permanent communities, especially with the rise of agriculture.

The newly discovered town, named al-Natah, offers fascinating insights into the lives of its inhabitants. Built between 2400 and 2000 BCE, and lasting until around 1500-1300 BCE, al-Natah was home to approximately 500 people living within a 2.6-hectare area. The town was fortified with a stone rampart, providing protection to its residents. Archaeologists found that the people of al-Natah lived in homes where the ground floor was likely used for storage, while living spaces were situated above. They navigated their town through narrow streets and practiced unique burial customs, including the use of stepped tower tombs.

Daily life in al-Natah was rich and varied. The residents prepared food using mortar and pestle, crafted and traded pottery, and engaged in extensive travel. They were skilled in metalworking, cultivated cereals, and raised livestock, showcasing a complex and thriving community.

His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud, the Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla and Minister of Culture for Saudi Arabia, emphasized the importance of this discovery. He stated, "This important archaeological discovery highlights the Kingdom's global significance in the field of archaeology and confirms the depth of civilization that the land holds." He further noted that this finding reinforces the Kingdom's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and enhancing international partnerships.

The research was led by Dr. Guillaume Charloux from the Khaybar Longue Durée Archaeological Project, in collaboration with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and local experts. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of teamwork in uncovering the rich history of the region.

Published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, the research challenges previous assumptions about the dominant lifestyle in northwest Arabia during the Early and Middle Bronze Ages. Dr. Charloux remarked, "Our discovery challenges the model of northwest Arabia in the Bronze Age. Al-Natah confirms that rural urbanism arose earlier than believed, making it possible to consider the complexity of a sedentary settlement in a walled Bronze Age oasis." This new perspective opens up exciting avenues for further research and understanding of ancient societies.

As the Royal Commission for AlUla continues to support archaeological projects in the region, including ten ongoing projects with over 100 specialists, the future of archaeological research in AlUla and Khaybar looks promising. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of the past but also highlights the importance of preserving and sharing our cultural heritage for future generations.

The discovery of al-Natah is a significant milestone in the field of archaeology, shedding light on the complexities of ancient urban life in northwest Arabia. As we learn more about these early communities, we gain valuable insights into the evolution of human societies and the importance of cultural heritage in shaping our world today.