Archaeologists have recently uncovered a Bronze Age settlement in the Khaybar Oasis of Saudi Arabia, shedding light on the slow urbanization process in the region during that time. The town, known as al-Natah, was a small settlement that covered about 3.7 acres and housed around 500 people. The discovery included a central district, a residential district, and protective ramparts surrounding the area.
The residential district contained evidence of pottery, grinding stones, and the remains of at least 50 dwellings, possibly made of earthen materials. Additionally, the central area showcased two buildings that may have served as administrative centers. A necropolis with circular tombs, known as “stepped tower tombs,” was found in the western part of the central area.
While no examples of writing have been discovered at the site, researchers believe that the inhabitants of al-Natah likely grew crops near the settlement. The town was surrounded by a 9-mile-long wall, providing defense against nomadic raids. Despite the significance of the discovery, the reason for the town’s abandonment between 1500 and 1300 B.C. remains unclear.
Compared to urban centers in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the eastern Mediterranean, settlements in Saudi Arabia were smaller and developed at a slower pace. The researchers referred to this phase as “low urbanization,” indicating a transitional stage between pastoralism and complex urban settlements. Urbanization in the Arabian Peninsula did not begin until the second half of the third millennium B.C., lagging behind other regions.
Experts like Juan Manuel Tebes and Robert Andrew Carter have praised the archaeological project at Khaybar, highlighting its contribution to understanding the Bronze Age and the origins of urbanism in western Saudi Arabia. Tebes noted the importance of previous projects in the region, such as excavations at Tayma and Qurayyah, in providing valuable insights into the area’s archaeology.
Overall, the discovery of al-Natah offers a glimpse into the ancient history of Saudi Arabia and the gradual development of urban centers in the region. The ongoing research and excavations at the site continue to unravel the mysteries of the Bronze Age settlement, contributing to our understanding of human civilization in the ancient past.
