Evidence of Neolithic civilizations found in lava caves

Discoveries made by archaeologists in Saudi Arabia revealed cave paintings and animal remains in caves formed by lava during volcanic eruptions. It was determined that the records date back to the period Neolithic between 3.5 and 10 thousand years ago.

The revelations were recorded in a study published on April 18 by researchers at the Australian Research Center for Human Evolution (Arche), at Griffith University's, in Australia. With the information, it is possible to discover more about the customs of humans at this time and explore the great archaeological potential that exists in the region.

To discover more about the records found, the isotope technique was used, an approach that analyzes stable and radioactive atoms found in archaeological materials. With it, it is possible to obtain more information about diet, mobility, migration, geographic origin and interactions between different human groups and the environment over time.

Cave paintings have been found depicting oxen, sheep, goats and dogs, providing information about prehistoric livestock farming practices and the composition of the region's herds.

It was also possible to infer that the place probably participated in pastoral routes, being used for cultural and commercial exchange by the people who lived there.

From the faunal remains found, the researchers discovered that animals in the region grazed on shrubs and grasses. Furthermore, they were able to define that human food was rich in protein and had a large increase in plant consumption over time.

“Our discoveries at Umm Jirsan offer a rare insight into the lives of ancient people in Arabia, revealing repeated phases of human occupation and shedding light on the pastoral activities that thrived in this setting,” said Dr. Mathew Stewart, lead researcher on the study.