The path to urbanization in the ancient world was not smooth. Unlike Mesopotamia, where city-states sprang up along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and huge monuments such as the ziggurat of Ur (modern-day Iraq) were built, development in Arabia was smaller, slower, and more modest. Apparently, one reporter said. report in pro swan.
However, for archaeologists, urbanization does not only mean the presence of large monuments. Signposts include temples and public buildings, administrative and written signs, the development of crafts, and professions beyond agriculture.
understanding ancient arabia
Bronze Age Arabia is far less well-studied than parts of Mesopotamia and the Levant, which existed during the same period. But that’s starting to change. Over the past decade or so, the team has explored archaeological sites such as Taima, Kuraiya and Dadan.
“We now have a better picture of what happened in northwest Arabia, although it is still very partial and provisional,” he says. Guillaume Charroux from the French National Center for Scientific Research in Paris and author of the new study.
read more: Humanity shaped ancient history over three eras: the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age.
Signs inside Bronze Age settlements
The picture is becoming clearer thanks to a newly described Bronze Age settlement in Arabia, the town of al-Nata in Medina province. Covering an area of about 4 acres, it was more than just an agricultural settlement, but not a full-fledged city.
For example, a team of archaeologists has discovered early signs of trade. “There are signs of circulation and exchange in this desert region, especially through the funerary roads connecting the oases,” says Charroux. “But I think it developed primarily through agricultural production.”
The tombs show evidence that people were buried according to class. The paper’s authors estimate that the town was probably home to around 500 people.
read more: 5 of the most unique and gorgeous Bronze Age artefacts
bridging the ancient gap
The town, like other similar places in northern Arabia, showed signs of fortification. This shows some level of organization and working towards a common goal. However, the need for protection remains speculative.
“There were probably social tensions and a need to secure and protect the oasis’s water supply,” Charroux said.
This latest discovery could further spur archaeological activity in the area, potentially filling in the blanks about how people lived and worked there from around 2400 BC to around 1500 BC. There is.
“This expedition to Arabia hasn’t revealed all its secrets,” says Charroux. “We’ll continue to make great discoveries.”
read more: Which ancient city is considered the oldest in the world?
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Before joining Discover Magazine, Paul spent more than 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life sciences policy and global scientist career issues. He started his career in newspapers but switched to scientific magazines. His research has appeared in publications such as Science News, Science, Nature, and Scientific American.
