Pca-Awkum

Archaeologists have discovered that humans sheltered in the Umm Jirsan lava tube of northern Saudi Arabia for over 7,000 years. Located in Harrat Khaybar, about 125 km north of Medina, the cave preserved artifacts, skeletal remains, and rock art that reveal a long history of occupation. Evidence shows pastoralists used the site as early as the Neolithic, with depictions of sheep, goats, and cattle, as well as bones from domesticated animals. Later finds suggest the rise of oasis agriculture, with cereals and fruits supplementing a protein-rich diet. More than a dwelling, Umm Jirsan likely served as a hub for travelers and herders moving between settlements, making it a crucial waypoint in Arabia’s ancient cultural and trade networks.