In the harsh desert of northwestern Saudi Arabia, a lava tube has been discovered to harbor signs of life, echoing the natural shelters that our ancestors sought. This cave, created by flowing lava during volcanic eruptions, extends for kilometers underground and offers protection from harsh environmental conditions such as heat radiation in deserts.
Bones dating back over 7,000 years were found at the entrance of this lava tube, highlighting its historical significance. Archaeologists recently explored a 1.5-kilometer long lava tube named Umm Jirsan, located beneath a basaltic plateau in Harrat Khaybar. The findings within the tube include animal bones, stone tools, pottery, and petroglyphs depicting domestic animals. These discoveries provide insights into the prehistory of the Arabian Peninsula and help researchers understand how people interacted with their environment in this ancient landscape.
The study of lava tubes in Saudi Arabia sheds light on a prehistoric world that was once lush and attracted people and animals from other regions. Despite the challenges posed by the desert’s extreme climate, these natural formations have provided shelter and resources for both ancient nomads and modern astronauts alike, demonstrating their enduring importance throughout history. As we continue to explore these caves further, we may uncover even more fascinating secrets about our ancestors’ way of life in these incredible natural shelters.
