The lava tube named after it Umm-Jirsan, stretches nearly a mile underground and is the first excavated site of its kind in the country. Researchers have discovered at least the remains of human habitation. 7,000 yearsincluding human and animal bones as well as stone tools.

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Lead researcher Matthew Stewart, from Griffith University, explained the appeal of the lava tube, comparing its cool and sheltered environment to the harsh conditions above ground. He noted that although the surrounding desert landscape was hot and arid, the interior of the lava tube provided protection from the heat, making it an ideal shelter for ancient nomads and travelers.

Despite the challenges associated with the desert climate, including the preservation of organic matter, this discovery is a significant step forward in understanding the ancient history of the Arabian Peninsula.

Stewart also noted that Umm-Jirsan was probably served as a temporary point, not a permanent settlement, To promote cultural exchange and trade along pastoral routes.

Archeology of the Umm Jirsan lava tube and surrounding area in northern Saudi Arabia / Photo: Mathew Stewart

Excavations at Umm Jirsan build on previous discoveries at the site, such as a rock painting found at the entrance to another lava tube. Together, these findings give us new information about how ancient humans adapted to and interacted with their environment.

By continuing to unravel the mysteries of Umm-Jirsan and other archaeological sites, researchers hope to obtain more valuable data about the lives of our ancestors and the ancient civilizations that once flourished in this desert landscape.