In the Saudi Arabian desert, a cave still stands as a shelter for nomads, reminiscent of how caves provided shelter to our ancestors. Recently, signs of life have been discovered in lava tubes for the first time, as archaeologists have studied a cave created by lava in the desert of northwestern Saudi Arabia.
One advantage of living in a lava tube is protection from harsh environmental conditions, such as heat radiation in deserts. Lava tubes are formed during volcanic eruptions, as flowing lava creates tunnels that can extend for kilometers underground. These natural formations are not only providing shelter to modern astronauts on the moon but have also been used by ancient nomads for thousands of years.
A group of Australian archaeologists investigated a 1.5-kilometer long lava tube in Saudi Arabia known as Umm Jirsan, located beneath a basaltic plateau in Harrat Khaybar. Archaeological findings within the tube include animal bones, stone tools, and pottery dating back thousands of years, providing insights into the prehistory of the Arabian Peninsula. The discovery of petroglyphs depicting domestic animals in the lava tube helps researchers understand the region’s ancient history and how people interacted with their environment.
Ultimately, the study of lava tubes in Saudi Arabia sheds light on a prehistoric landscape that was once lush and attracted people and animals from other regions. Despite the challenges of the desert’s harsh climate, these natural formations have provided shelter and resources for both ancient nomads and modern astronauts, demonstrating their enduring significance throughout history.
