Oldest Human Settlement in Arabian Peninsula Discovered Near Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Landmark Discovery in Northwest Saudi Arabia

Archaeologists in Saudi Arabia have announced the discovery of the oldest known human settlement on the Arabian Peninsula, a significant find that dates back between 10,300 and 11,000 years. The site, named Masyoun (also referred to as Musaywin or Masiyun), is located in Wadi Damm, northwest of Tabuk City, and represents a crucial insight into the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period in the region.

The announcement was made by the Saudi Heritage Commission, highlighting the collaborative efforts of a joint archaeological project with Japan's Kanazawa University and in partnership with NEOM. This discovery is poised to redefine understanding of early human habitation and the emergence of civilization in the Arabian Peninsula.

A Glimpse into Early Neolithic Life

Excavations at the Masyoun site, which commenced in December 2022 and concluded four intensive seasons in May 2024, have unearthed a wealth of information about the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants. The settlement features well-preserved semi-circular granite structures, interpreted as residential units, storage areas, passageways, and hearths. These architectural elements suggest a structured community life and a transition from mobile foraging to organized settlement.

Evidence of subsistence activities includes the recovery of wheat kernels and animal bones, indicating a mixed economy based on hunting, early livestock management, and grain cultivation. The site's location at 1,424 meters above sea level on the eastern slopes of the Jabal al-Lawz mountain range likely provided a favorable environment for these early communities.

Significant Artifacts and Craftsmanship

The archaeological team uncovered a diverse array of artifacts that shed light on the technological and artistic capabilities of the Neolithic people. These include:

• Stone tools: A large collection of arrowheads, knives, and grinding stones, used for hunting and processing grains.
• Decorative ornaments: Beads and pendants fashioned from materials such as amazonite, quartz, and shells, pointing to community craft production and aesthetic sensibilities.
• Engraved stones: Stone plaques and artifacts decorated with geometric patterns.
• Human and animal remains: Several human skeletons were found in stone-lined graves, arranged in various burial positions, offering insights into Neolithic funerary practices.

Redrawing the Map of Civilization

Officials and archaeologists emphasize the profound significance of the Masyoun discovery. Dr. Ajab Al-Otaibi, director general of the Heritage Commission's antiquities sector, stated that the find is 'among the oldest in the world' and 'redraws the map of the emergence of civilizations'. He added that the remains illustrate the shift from mobile foraging to organized community life 'economically, culturally, and religiously'.

His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of the Heritage Commission, stressed the historical value of the discovery for understanding early human life in the region. The findings support the theory that northwest Saudi Arabia was a natural extension of the Fertile Crescent, playing a pivotal role in humanity's early transition from nomadism to settled life.