Archaeologists Unearth 4,400-Year-Old Settlement in Saudi Arabia’s Khaybar Region

Researchers have uncovered the remains of a 4,400-year-old settlement named al-Natah in the Khaybar region of Saudi Arabia, according to a study published in the journal PLOS One. This ancient town is believed to have been home to approximately 500 people.

The settlement, which spans an area of 3.7 acres, features two main areas and is thought to have been established around 2400 BCE, remaining inhabited until at least 1500 BCE. Archaeologists noted that the discovery of a 14.5-kilometer-long ancient wall led them to this significant find.

Despite being abandoned for thousands of years, the reasons for this decline remain unclear. Researchers suggest that the discovery indicates the presence of multiple civilizations in the region and highlights a gradual transition from nomadic lifestyles to urban living among the area’s inhabitants.

The layout of the settlement, with homes connected by narrow streets, reflects a period when nomadic tribes were beginning to settle. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of the region’s historical and cultural heritage but also opens new avenues for archaeological research.