Saudi Archaeologists Uncover a 5,000-Year-Old Tomb... But It's Not What They Expected

Archaeologists in Saudi Arabia were taken by surprise after investigating a site they initially believed to be a Bronze Age tomb. The discovery, which was part of an ongoing excavation project, reveals just how fascinating archaeology can be, as it continually uncovers clues about ancient times and the lives of people long gone.

Unearthing Ancient Secrets

Archaeology often brings us closer to understanding ancient civilizations, from Egypt's iconic pyramids to China’s Terracotta Army. Saudi Arabia is no exception, with its Prehistoric AlUla and Khaybar Excavation Project (PAKEP) shedding light on the area’s deep historical significance.

The suspected cairn in Saudi Arabia's AlUla region (University of Sydney / Royal Commission for Alula)

Working with the University of Sydney, PAKEP's team focused on a site in the AlUla region, where they believed they were investigating a cairn— a pile of stones that typically serves as a burial mound or a marker of some sort.

The Mysterious Cairn

Initially, archaeologists speculated that the cairn dated back to the Bronze or Iron Age, which would place it around 3,300 BC to 1,200 BC. Given that time frame, they expected to uncover a tomb, possibly containing bones or artifacts, from up to 5,300 years ago.

When the team began excavating, however, they were faced with something unexpected. The cairn was made up of interlocking stone layers filled with sand, but there was no central chamber, and no bones or artifacts were found. The mystery deepened until a local man came forward with an explanation.

The Surprising Discovery

The local resident shared that the cairn had been constructed just 50 years ago, not in ancient times. It wasn’t a tomb at all but rather a camel viewing platform. The stones had been piled up to create a vantage point for people searching for their camels in the surrounding area.

A local telling archaeologists what the cairn actually was... a camel viewing platform (University of Sydney / Royal Commission for Alula)

This revelation highlighted the importance of engaging with local communities in archaeological work, as their knowledge of the landscape can provide invaluable insights.

Wrapping Up the Mystery

After hearing from the local man, the team decided to restore the cairn to its original height, ensuring that it could continue to serve its intended purpose—helping people spot camels. While the find may not have been an ancient tomb, it was a reminder that history can take many forms, and sometimes the most surprising discoveries are closer to home.

This excavation shows just how important local collaboration is in archaeological projects, and how understanding a region’s history, even through the eyes of its modern inhabitants, can offer incredible insights into the past.