Ancient camel rock art marked water sources in Saudi Arabian Desert
A team of international archaeologists have discovered over 60 rock art panels containing around 170 engravings in Saudi Arabia. The engravings date back over 12,000 years old and depict life-sized animal figures, primarily Camels, Ibex and Gazelles.
The discovery of these engravings indicate fresh water sources reappearing in the region following a dry and inhospitable period. Archaeologists have confirmed through sediment analysist that these water sources supported early human movement patterns into the Arabian desert which sustained critical chances of survival.
Additionally, the unearthing of stone artefacts such as arrowheads and beads within the sediment implies that the artists responsible for the artwork had connections to Levantine communities located more than 400 kilometers to the north, who used similar stone tools and jewelry.