Exploring the Ancient Lava Tubes of Saudi Arabia: A 7,000-Year Journey
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Chapter 1: The Survival Strategy of Humanity
Throughout history, humanity has adapted and thrived by mirroring Nature’s successful strategies. Nature exhibits patterns in various forms and timeframes, and these patterns are essential for the survival of all life on Earth. It appears that our species, perhaps more so than others, has adopted this approach, leading to significant achievements. A prime example is the wheel—one of our earliest inventions, likely inspired by natural observations. We continue to refine it, showcasing our ability to innovate based on proven concepts. Recently, we see a similar trend with lava tubes.
What Are Lava Tubes?
Lava tubes are natural tunnels formed by flowing lava during volcanic eruptions. As lava exits underground chambers, it creates passageways. The outer layer cools and solidifies while molten rock continues to flow beneath. When the eruption ceases, the lava drains, leaving behind a hollow tube.
Umm Jirsan
Located in Harat Khaybar, about 78 miles (125 kilometers) north of Medina, Umm Jirsan is Saudi Arabia's longest lava tube, stretching nearly a mile (1.5 km). Although Harat Khaybar last erupted in the 7th century C.E., determining when Umm Jirsan last contained flowing lava is challenging due to the region's long history of intermittent volcanic activity.
Mathew Stewart, the lead author of a recent study and a research fellow at Griffith University’s Australian Research Center for Human Evolution (ARCHE), noted, “There have been some 1500 volcanic eruptions in Arabia over the past 1500 years, and many more in antiquity.” Despite the potential dangers, ancient humans recognized the shelter offered by Umm Jirsan.
The Discovery of Human Habitation
Stewart and his team have been studying the area for over 15 years, uncovering signs of human activity, including rare stone structures. The harsh desert climate complicates the preservation of organic materials, leading them to speculate that ancient people may have sought refuge underground. Stewart described the surface as a “hot, dry and flat basalt desert,” while the conditions inside the lava tubes were significantly cooler and more sheltered.
In collaboration with the Saudi Heritage Commission and other organizations, the team excavated Umm Jirsan, with their findings published in the journal PLOS One in April 2024.
What They Found in the Lava Tubes
The excavation revealed a wealth of artifacts, including animal bones, pottery fragments, and stone tools. They also discovered human skeletal remains, which, based on previous studies, likely resulted from hyenas dragging bones into the tunnels.
In 2021, Stewart coauthored a study highlighting evidence of striped hyenas accumulating numerous bones in Umm Jirsan’s tunnels, including those of humans. Other lava tubes in the vicinity contained rock art depicting domestic animals, indicating that prehistoric societies practiced livestock farming. Stewart remarked, “This site likely served as a crucial waypoint along pastoral routes, linking key oases and facilitating cultural exchange and trade.”
The lava tubes were not only utilized during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, around 7,000 to 10,000 years ago, but radiocarbon dating suggests they continued to be used into modern times. Analysis of animal remains indicated that they primarily grazed on shrubs, while humans enjoyed a protein-rich diet featuring dates, wheat, and figs.
Interestingly, the research indicated that humans did not reside permanently in the lava tubes but rather used them as temporary shelters along herding routes, providing shade and water for both herders and their livestock. Stewart noted that these tubes might have also played a role in hunting activities, crucial for local economies during the Bronze Age.
Modern Relevance of Lava Tubes
Stewart mentioned that people still utilize lava tubes for temporary shelter, whether for corralling animals or seeking refuge from the heat. This enduring practice serves as a reminder that, despite advancements in technology and culture, certain aspects of human experience remain timeless.
Interestingly, the value of lava tubes as shelter has been recognized even in space exploration. NASA has proposed using these natural formations on Mars for human habitation, while Japan’s space agency, JAXA, has suggested similar uses on the Moon. This continuity highlights how Nature's successful strategies are recycled through time.
In essence, the enduring significance of lava tubes reflects our inherent need for safety and refuge, a concept that has persisted for millennia.
Description: This video explores evidence of human life in a lava tube on the Arabian Peninsula dating back 7,000 years, showcasing the rich history of human adaptation.
Description: Discover the largest volcanic cave in Saudi Arabia, Um Jirsan, as we delve into its significance and the geological features that make it unique.