Image Credit: Mjakhro, Wikimedia Commons

Walled Oasis Network Discovered in Arabian Desert

Archaeologists uncovered a vast network of ancient walled oases across northwestern Saudi Arabia, some over 4,000 years old. The fortified oases, including Tayma, Qurayyah, Khaybar, Dumat al-Jandal, and others, reveal a sophisticated settlement system for agriculture and protection in the harsh desert. Walls up to 8 km long and 2 meters thick safeguarded crops, wells, and livestock. This model of rural development marked a shift from nomadic to sedentary life, enduring from the Bronze Age into the 20th century. The discovery rewrites the narrative of Arabia’s past, showing it hosted complex, long-lasting societies.

Published on: 03-07-2025

Source: LBV Magazine