Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Camel Masterpieces in Saudi Arabia's Nefud Desert

Ancient Artists Leave Lasting Legacy in Arabian Desert with Giant Camel Engravings A team of archaeologists led by Michael Petraglia at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, has made a groundbreaking discovery in the Nefud desert in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, they uncovered an astonishing 176 engravings on 62 panels, including life-sized images of camels, which are believed to be one of the largest collections of rock art ever found. The team's findings suggest that ancient inhabitants of the Arabian desert created these monumental works of art as a way to mark sources of water. Among the engravings are 90 life-sized camel images, 15 smaller ones, and two camel footprints. The sheer scale of these creations is awe-inspiring, with some reaching up to three meters in height. "It would have been dangerous to make these engravings," Petraglia said, highlighting the risks involved in creating such massive works of art. "There's no way I would go up there." The team had to deploy a drone to survey one of the sites, which featured a 3-meter-tall dromedary more than 40 meters up the cliff. The discovery also sheds light on the climate and environment of the Arabian desert in ancient times. Alongside the camels, the engravings depict other large animals such as ibex, horses, gazelles, and aurochs, which suggests that the region was once much more hospitable than it is today. The team also found engraved human figures and face masks. The significance of this discovery extends beyond its cultural importance. It provides valuable insights into the lives of ancient humans who lived in the Arabian desert. "These engravings are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of our ancestors," said Petraglia. The Sahout Rock Art and Archaeology Project, which is led by Petraglia's team, has been conducting research in the Nefud desert since 2023. The project aims to uncover the secrets of the region's ancient inhabitants and understand their way of life. As the world continues to grapple with climate change and its impact on human societies, the discovery of these giant camel engravings serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and adaptability of our ancestors. Their ability to thrive in one of the harshest environments on Earth is a testament to human ingenuity and creativity. The team's findings are set to be published in a forthcoming paper, which will provide further details about the discovery and its significance. The project continues to uncover more secrets of the Arabian desert's ancient past, offering a glimpse into the lives of humans who lived there thousands of years ago. In the words of Petraglia, "This discovery is a reminder that our ancestors were capable of creating something truly remarkable in one of the most inhospitable environments on Earth." *Reporting by Newscientist.*