Which Cave in the Kingdom Shows Evidence of a 10,000-Year-Old Human Settlement?

A cave in northwestern Saudi Arabia has revealed evidence of human settlement dating back as far as 10,000 years, according to new research by the Heritage Commission.

 The Umm Jirsan cave, located north of Madinah, is the longest known lava tube in the Arabian Peninsula, stretching 1,350 meters with a height of 12 meters and a width of about 45 meters.

 Scientific studies by the Heritage Commission, conducted with King Saud University, Saudi Geological Survey, and Germany’s Max Planck Institute, uncovered traces of human habitation from the Neolithic period, between 7,000 and 10,000 years ago, making it among the oldest settlement sites in the Arabian Peninsula.

 Findings included animal bones dating to around 4,100 BC, human skulls estimated at about 6,000 BC, as well as stone tools, organic materials, and rock art depicting scenes of herding and hunting.

 The cave offers a rare combination of natural and human heritage and reflects the deep historical roots of settlement in Saudi Arabia, as part of the Heritage Commission’s efforts to expand knowledge of ancient communities in line with the goals of Vision 2030.