Latest news with #MiddleStoneAge
Leaders
10-08-2025
- Science
- Leaders
Heritage Commission Unearths 50,000-Year-Old Artifacts at Al-Qurainah Site in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's Heritage Commission has discovered some pottery pieces and stone tools in Al-Qurainah, dating back more than 50,000 years to the Middle Stone Age, according to the Saudi Press Agency. In collaboration with leading Saudi experts, the commission has successfully completed an archaeological survey and excavation project at a site in the town of Al-Qurainah, northwest of Riyadh. The survey and excavation work sought to gather extensive data to advance scientific research on the Al-Qurainah site, comprehend its cultural and historical timeline, identify its architectural styles and construction techniques, and document the archaeological discoveries uncovered during the project. Interestingly, the survey and excavation efforts also uncovered circular structures believed to be tombs dating back to the third and second millennia BC. Moreover, the team identified an ancient road extending from the valley to the top of the plateau at Al-Qurainah, reaching Riyadh. This finding is among the major results of the Al-Yamama Archaeological Project, launched by the Heritage Commission to redefine the archaeological map of the Riyadh Region and its surrounding areas. Through precise surveys and advanced research techniques, the project documents previously unexamined sites and explores patterns of human settlement across various eras, mirroring the region's rich cultural and civilizational heritage. Overall, these initiatives and efforts stand as a testament to the Heritage Commission's wider mission to document and preserve national heritage sites, foster public awareness of their significance, and showcase the Kingdom's cultural legacy. Related Topics: Islamic Arts Biennale: Ithra Showcases Rare Archaeological Artifacts Saudi New Discovery: Artifacts Fragments Dating to 7th Century Mecca… Discover artifacts near Al-Ma'alla cemetery Short link : Post Views: 3
Gulf Insider
10-08-2025
- Science
- Gulf Insider
50,000-Year-Old Artifacts Unearthed In Al-Quraynah Town In Riyadh
The Heritage Commission has completed an archaeological survey and excavation project at an archaeological site in the town of Al-Quraynah, northwest of Riyadh. The project resulted in the discovery of numerous earthenware pieces and stone tools, some dating back 50,000 years to the Middle Stone Age. The survey and excavation work also revealed circular structures that closely resemble tombs dating back to the third and second millennium BC. They also identified an archaeological road extending from the valley to the top of the plateau at Al-Qurainah, all the way to Riyadh. This discovery is one of the fruits of the Al-Yamamah initiative launched by the Heritage Commission to redraw the archaeological map of the Riyadh region and surrounding areas. This initiative involves conducting precise surveys using advanced research techniques to document previously unexplored sites and analyze patterns of human settlement across different eras, reflecting the depth of the region's cultural and civilizational heritage. The survey and excavation process was conducted with the participation of a group of Saudi experts, as part of its efforts to survey and excavate national heritage sites, preserve them, and promote them, while leveraging this national heritage portfolio as an important cultural and economic resource for the Kingdom. The project sought to gather as much information as possible to enhance scientific studies on the Quraynah site to understand the site's cultural and historical sequence, as well as to identify architectural styles and construction methods, and to document archaeological findings that resulted from the project's work. The Heritage Commission indicated that its archaeological survey and excavation works across various regions of Saudi Arabia is a continuation of its efforts to preserve national heritage assets. It explained that the Kingdom's cultural heritage is an extension of the successive civilizations that settled on its lands throughout the ages. This reflects the Kingdom's richness in heritage, cultural, and historical resources.
Saudi Gazette
10-08-2025
- Science
- Saudi Gazette
50,000-year-old artifacts unearthed in Al-Quraynah town in Riyadh
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Heritage Commission has completed an archaeological survey and excavation project at an archaeological site in the town of Al-Quraynah, northwest of Riyadh. The project resulted in the discovery of numerous earthenware pieces and stone tools, some dating back 50,000 years to the Middle Stone Age. The survey and excavation work also revealed circular structures that closely resemble tombs dating back to the third and second millennium BC. They also identified an archaeological road extending from the valley to the top of the plateau at Al-Qurainah, all the way to Riyadh. This discovery is one of the fruits of the Al-Yamamah initiative launched by the Heritage Commission to redraw the archaeological map of the Riyadh region and surrounding areas. This initiative involves conducting precise surveys using advanced research techniques to document previously unexplored sites and analyze patterns of human settlement across different eras, reflecting the depth of the region's cultural and civilizational heritage. The survey and excavation process was conducted with the participation of a group of Saudi experts, as part of its efforts to survey and excavate national heritage sites, preserve them, and promote them, while leveraging this national heritage portfolio as an important cultural and economic resource for the Kingdom. The project sought to gather as much information as possible to enhance scientific studies on the Quraynah site to understand the site's cultural and historical sequence, as well as to identify architectural styles and construction methods, and to document archaeological findings that resulted from the project's work. The Heritage Commission indicated that its archaeological survey and excavation works across various regions of Saudi Arabia is a continuation of its efforts to preserve national heritage assets. It explained that the Kingdom's cultural heritage is an extension of the successive civilizations that settled on its lands throughout the ages. This reflects the Kingdom's richness in heritage, cultural, and historical resources.
Miami Herald
13-06-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
First-of-their-kind ancient homes found in China and three more discoveries
The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists. Throughout history, cultures have left behind a trail of breadcrumbs for archaeologists to follow. New sites and artifacts are found all the time, revealing forgotten secrets of the past. Here are some of the latest discoveries: 5,000-year-old homes — a first-of-their-kind find — unearthed in China. See them In Xianyang, China, archaeologists uncovered the remains of ancient homes dating back to the Yangshao period, around 5,000 years ago. The excavation revealed 19 house foundations with unique circular designs, showcasing various room configurations, including single, double, and multi-room constructions. This discovery offers a glimpse into the daily lives and architectural practices of the Yangshao people. | Published June 5 | Read More | Massive pits may actually be 'rare' 4,200-year-old ritual holes in UK. See them At the site of a future nuclear facility in the United Kingdom, researchers found hundreds of pits dating back to the Neolithic period, between 4,200 and 6,000 years ago. These pits, filled with pottery, flint pieces and animal bones, may have served ritual purposes rather than just domestic activities. | Published June 9 | Read More | Hobbyists dig up 4,500-year-old blade, lead archaeologists to sensational find In northwestern Germany, amateur archaeologists discovered a 4,500-year-old flint blade fragment, prompting further investigation by professionals. This led to the discovery of an even older artifact related to the Middle Stone Age, dating between 9650 and 4900 B.C. The finds offer valuable insights into the region's ancient history, despite the challenging soil conditions for preservation. | Published June 10 | Read More | 16th-century shipwreck found — accidentally — at record depth in French waters During a military operation, France's navy discovered a 16th-century shipwreck, named Camarat 4, at a depth of about 8,200 feet near Saint-Tropez. The wreck, believed to be a merchant ship, contained hundreds of ceramic items, some monogrammed with 'IHS,' indicating a possible origin from northern Italy. The depth of the wreck has helped preserve the artifacts, providing a unique snapshot of maritime history. | Published June 12 | Read More | McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of intriguing archaeological discoveries from around the globe. Check back to see the latest finds.
Miami Herald
10-06-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Hobbyists dig up 4,500-year-old blade, lead archaeologists to sensational find
A group of amateur archaeologists made a surprising Neolithic discovery at a construction site in northwestern Germany that stunned even professionals. They had unearthed a 4,500-year-old flint blade fragment — a rare Stone Age find — in the Kernmünsterland region, along access roads to an area under development, according to a June 10 news release from the Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe. Flint blades, or knives, were ancient cutting tools made from flint stones, according to Cotswold Archaeology. Experts said the heavy clay soils in the Kernmünsterland are not ideal for artifact preservation, and as a result, they have discovered hardly any Stone Age sites in the region. When staff of the Archaeology Center for Westphalia were shown the find, they decided to investigate the site themselves, according to the release. While conducting their own search, they found an even older artifact associated with the creation of small arrowheads dated to the Middle Stone Age between 9650 and 4900 B.C., officials said, calling it a sensational discovery. Experts said the layer of soil where the artifacts were discovered has been severely disturbed by years of cultivation, making a full-scale excavation of the site unnecessary. Officials said they expect to find more individual artifacts that could shed light on the ancient history of the region. The Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe Archaeology Department is now monitoring the construction project, according to the release. Google Translate was used to translate the news release from the Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe.
