Lava Tubes and Ancient Human Survival: From the Saudi Arabian Desert to the Moon

In the harsh Saudi Arabian desert, nomads still find shelter in caves, just as our early ancestors did. Recently, archaeologists have discovered signs of life in lava tubes for the first time, providing new insights into how ancient humans lived. These findings in northwestern Saudi Arabia show similarities to present-day living arrangements, with lava tubes being considered as potential shelters on the Moon for astronauts.

Lava tubes are natural formations created by volcanic eruptions, where molten lava flows beneath the surface and eventually hardens, leaving behind a tube-like structure. The 1.5-kilometer long lava tube known as Umm Jirsan has been excavated by Australian archaeologists. This site, located beneath a basaltic plateau, provides valuable information about ancient human activities in the region.

The discovery of animal bones, stone tools, and pottery fragments in the lava tube sheds light on how early humans lived and interacted with their environment. Petroglyphs found on the walls of the lava tube depict domestic animals like sheep and goats, giving insights into the prehistory of the Arabian Peninsula.

Despite the harsh desert climate, lava tubes provided a more hospitable environment for ancient humans. From seeking shelter in caves to mapping lava tubes on the Moon, this connection between human prehistory and modern exploration continues to unfold.

The Umm Jirsan site dates back 7,000 to 10,000 years and provides valuable information about ancient human activities in northwestern Saudi Arabia. This discovery shows that despite their remote location and harsh conditions