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Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery in northwest Saudi Arabia, unearthing a fortified town believed to be over 4,000 years old. The site, known as al-Natah, is located within the lush Khaybar oasis, a region that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding arid desert landscape. This finding provides significant insight into the transition of ancient societies from nomadic lifestyles to more settled, urban living.
Led by French archaeologist Guillaume Charloux, the excavation revealed an extensive 14.5-kilometer wall surrounding the town, offering compelling evidence of organized habitation in the area. A study detailing these findings was published in the journal PLOS One, marking a key advancement in understanding the social and architectural developments of the time.
Dating back to approximately 2400 BC during the early Bronze Age, al-Natah is estimated to have supported a population of around 500 residents. The town’s layout indicates a functional subdivision, including residential areas, potential decision-making spaces, and a necropolis. According to the study, “Preliminary archaeological survey and soundings have revealed a fortified 2.6-hectare town built around 2400-2000 BCE that lasted until at least 1500 BCE and possibly 1300 BCE, but with possible interruptions.”
The town’s structures followed a standardized design, interconnected by narrow streets, reflecting a degree of urban planning. Researchers believe that during the Bronze Age, northwestern Arabia was primarily inhabited by pastoral nomadic groups who were increasingly integrated into long-distance trade networks. The region featured interconnected monumental walled oases, with smaller fortified towns like al-Natah playing a vital role in this evolving landscape.
The study emphasizes a process termed “slow urbanism,” highlighting how fortified oases such as al-Natah facilitated exchanges between nomadic populations. While the town is smaller in scale compared to contemporary Mesopotamian or Egyptian cities, its gradual urbanization is unique to the region and marks an important chapter in the history of northwestern Arabia.
As researchers continue to investigate the implications of this discovery, al-Natah stands as a testament to the complexity and evolution of early urban life in the Arabian Peninsula, shedding light on the cultural and social dynamics of ancient societies.
Sources By Agencies
