Exploring the Ancient Mustatil: 1600 Neolithic Structures Unearthed
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Chapter 1: The Enigma of the Mustatil
The vast deserts of Saudi Arabia conceal remarkable structures that hint at a time when the region was vastly different. Known as mustatil, these monumental stone formations offer insights into a period characterized by thriving communities with abundant livestock and water resources.
"By day the scorching sun disoriented us; and at night, we were drenched in dew, humbled by the countless silences of the stars."
― T.E. Lawrence, Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Reflecting on T.E. Lawrence's experiences during World War I, his narrative emphasizes not only the political landscape but also the geographical challenges of the desert. The primary character in his tale is the desert itself, with its scarcity of water, relentless sun, and endless dunes. The local Arab population developed an intricate understanding of these harsh conditions over generations.
This raises an intriguing question: why would early humans choose to settle in such an unwelcoming environment? Recent archaeological findings may provide answers to this age-old query.
A staggering 1,600 mustatil have been identified throughout the deserts of Saudi Arabia, covering an area of 300,000 square kilometers. Some of these structures are believed to date back 7,000 years and are comparable in size to football fields.
In a BBC interview, Jane McMahon, an archaeologist from the University of Western Australia, highlights that these findings challenge the traditional view that this region was sparsely populated until the Bronze Age after 4,000 BC. The term "mustatil," which translates to "rectangle" in Arabic, refers to their distinctive shape and suggests that the desert environment was once much more hospitable.
These structures tell a narrative of a vibrant land filled with people and large herds of animals, despite the absence of written records, leaving only bones and stones as evidence for archaeologists to excavate.
Section 1.1: A Deeper Look at Mustatil
Mustatil structures range from 20 to 600 meters in length and are primarily made from locally sourced stones. They are characterized by two parallel platforms connected by long walls, creating an expansive open courtyard.
Archaeologists, including Mellissa Kennedy and her team from the University of Western Australia, note that while some mustatil were first observed in the 1970s, dedicated research did not commence until 2017 when Saudi Arabia opened the region for archaeological study.
Aerial Archaeology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Project (AAKSA), led by Hugh Thomas from the University of Sydney, began cataloging these ancient structures using advanced technology and excavation methods. Their efforts revealed that the mustatil are primarily located in the northern and western deserts, with over 1,600 recorded.
Section 1.2: Key Features of Mustatil
According to Thomas and his colleagues, a typical mustatil comprises various components, including a head, a courtyard, long walls, and sometimes additional features like circular cells and upright stones known as orthostats.
The head typically consists of piles of unworked stones with a single rectangular chamber connected to the courtyard via a doorway. Some entrances appear intentionally blocked, indicating a possible "decommissioning" of the site, which may suggest ceremonial uses.
Chapter 2: Excavation Insights
In 2019, Kennedy and her team excavated mustatil IDIHA-0008222 in AlUla County, uncovering a chamber made of unworked stones with a small blocked entrance leading to the courtyard. This chamber contained three upright stones, indicating a potential ritualistic purpose.
Making a MONUMENTAL Desert Artwork in ALULA, Saudi Arabia - YouTube
The excavation revealed that the mustatil had undergone four distinct phases of use, including the deposition of animal remains and ceremonial stones. Notably, radiocarbon dating suggests that the site was actively used around 5307–5002 to 5056–4755 BC.
Another significant discovery was a small chamber containing human remains, indicating that the site served as a burial ground after its primary function had ceased. The skeleton was identified as that of a middle-aged man, with no clear cause of death discernible.
Mysterious 10,000 year old structures in Saudi Arabia - Khaybar خَيْبَر - YouTube
Section 2.1: Ritualistic Significance
Researchers propose that the mustatil were not permanent settlements but rather ceremonial sites for herders. The presence of animal sacrifices and communal feasting likely fostered strong social bonds among the nomadic communities.
Kennedy's research suggests that the construction of these structures was a communal effort, aimed at reinforcing social ties and establishing territorial claims over pastoral resources.
The mustatil's unique standing stones and temporary nature indicate a ritualistic function, providing clues about the societies that once thrived in this now arid landscape.
Section 2.2: The Holocene Humid Period
During the Holocene Humid Period, which occurred around 10,000 to 6,000 years ago, the Arabian Peninsula experienced significant rainfall, transforming the environment.
The mustatil's construction aligns with this wetter climate, suggesting that the ancient inhabitants had access to ample water and grazing land for their livestock.
As we reflect on Lawrence's observations, the once-desert region may not have always been so inhospitable. The gradual environmental changes likely shaped the resilience of its inhabitants, enabling them to adapt and thrive.
While many of the 1,600 mustatil remain unexcavated, these ancient structures promise to reveal a rich history far removed from the current sandy landscape.
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