Archaeologists have discovered a 4,000-year-old fortified town in the Khaybar Oasis of northwest Saudi Arabia, shedding light on the region’s evolution from nomadic to urban living. This ancient settlement, named al-Natah and dating back to around 2400 BC, showcases early urban planning and social organization, highlighting a transition towards urbanization in the Arabian Peninsula through fortified communities that facilitated trade among pastoral nomads.
A study published in the journal PLOS One, conducted by the Royal Commission for AlUla in collaboration with the French Agency for the Development of AlUla (AFALULA) and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), details the findings at the al-Natah site. The settlement spans 2.6 hectares and likely supported about 500 residents, functioning as a central hub in a network of fortified towns and walled oases.
Research team leader Guillaume Charloux described al-Natah as an example of “slow urbanism,” where gradual, community-focused urban development replaced the traditional nomadic lifestyle in northwest Arabia. Unlike the grand urban centers of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, al-Natah reflects a unique approach to organized living adapted to the desert environment.
The site is located within the volcanic Harrat Khaybar field, nestled at the junction of three valleys, and the ruins have been preserved beneath layers of basalt rock for thousands of years. A 14.5-kilometer wall surrounding the settlement indicates organized defenses against potential nomadic raids. The layout includes residential areas, a likely decision-making zone, and a necropolis, suggesting a well-structured community.
The study notes that al-Natah and other Bronze Age sites in northwest Arabia were interconnected through walled oases, creating a vital network for trade and exchange across the desert. Satellite imagery reveals the foundations of houses and pathways that suggest advanced urban planning.
Excavations have revealed durable stone foundations capable of supporting multi-story buildings, which may have served as homes, storage for crops, and livestock facilities. Artifacts found at the site, including pottery shards, grinding stones, and metal objects such as axes and daggers, provide insights into the lifestyle and social dynamics of al-Natah’s inhabitants. The ceramics imply a relatively egalitarian society focused on subsistence rather than the opulence seen in other Bronze Age civilizations.
A necropolis with stepped tower tombs and agate stones suggests the presence of metalworking skills and trade connections that may have extended beyond the Khaybar Oasis. Known for a significant 7th-century battle between the Prophet Muhammad and local Jewish tribes, Khaybar is now being transformed into an upscale tourist destination as part of Saudi Arabia’s rebranding efforts.
Al-Natah’s fortified structure and trade links indicate its potential role in the origins of the later Arabian incense route, which connected southern Arabia to the Mediterranean. Charloux noted that these oasis towns might have been crucial in establishing early long-distance trade networks, facilitating the exchange of goods such as frankincense and myrrh across the arid landscape.
The town was likely abandoned between 1500 and 1300 BC, with the reasons for its decline remaining uncertain. Researchers speculate that environmental changes, resource depletion, or shifts in trade routes could have contributed to its abandonment.
Historians and archaeologists have praised this discovery for enhancing the understanding of urban development in northwestern Arabia. Juan Manuel Tebes from Argentina’s Catholic University described the Khaybar project as vital for reconstructing the social evolution timeline in the region. Robert Andrew Carter, an archaeologist with Qatar Museums, emphasized that this find provides key insights into the Bronze Age Arabian Peninsula, illustrating a unique path of urbanization distinct from other ancient societies.
Today, the Khaybar Oasis stands as a testament to the resilience of early communities that thrived in a challenging desert environment. Although modest compared to the grand cities of the ancient Levant and Mesopotamia, al-Natah offers a unique perspective on how these early societies adapted their urban lifestyles to the harsh Arabian landscape. Archaeologists plan to continue excavating the site to uncover further details about the lives, customs, and eventual fate of its residents.
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