During the Neolithic period, the people who lived in north-western Saudi Arabia have remained a mystery.

It has been said that the period saw a shift in the humans who started controlling food production and started to settle in communities along with domesticated animals and practised agriculture.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabias-petrodollar-deal-with-us-expired-with-no-new-agreement-in-place-731514">Saudi Arabia's petrodollar deal with US expires with no new agreement in place</a>

However,&nbsp;new evidence suggests&nbsp;that this picture of struggling people,&nbsp;who constantly travelled on barren lands,&nbsp;needs to be changed.

<h2>What did the researchers find about Saudi Arabia?</h2>

A team of Australian researchers published a study on monumental buildings in the journal&nbsp;Levant, which are called "standing stone circles."&nbsp;

The new findings are helping people in rewriting about those who lived in the land of Saudi Arabia between 6,500 and 8,000 years ago.

The evidence hints at the things they ate, the tools they used and the jewellery they wore. It becomes clearer how the people in those times figured out complex ways to survive on the land for millennia.

<h2>How the project was carried out by researchers?</h2>

Nearly 431 standing stone circles present in the AlUla and Khaybar regions of north-west Saudi Arabia were studied by the team of researchers, as part of the ongoing project.&nbsp;

Among those 431 structures, 52 were surveyed in detail and 11 of them were also excavated.

The new findings were made after analysing some buildings present on the Harrat 'Uwayrid,&nbsp;a volcanic plateau which was&nbsp;created more than a millennia ago.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian national in Saudi Arabia to be freed from prison, Abdul Rahim to return to Kerala

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The researchers said that the standing stone circles explained how the mobile pastoralist communities were in ancient times.&nbsp;

The team also recovered remnants of people who stayed in these buildings for more than 1,000 years.

A range of modern and traditional techniques was used by the researchers to manage the practical limitations of working in remote and rugged landscapes.&nbsp;

Based on the tools and animal remains discovered, it appears&nbsp;that the people used animal skins to enclose the top of the structure,&nbsp;like a roof.

They also found evidence of stone tool-making, eating and cooking along with lost and broken tools which are used for processing animal hides.

(With inputs from agencies)

During the Neolithic period, the people who lived in north-western Saudi Arabia have remained a mystery. It has been said that the period saw a shift in the humans who started controlling food production and started to settle in communities along with domesticated animals and practised agriculture.

During the Neolithic period, the people who lived in north-western Saudi Arabia have remained a mystery. It has been said that the period saw a shift in the humans who started controlling food production and started to settle in communities along with domesticated animals and practised agriculture. Also Read: Saudi Arabia's petrodollar deal with US expires with no new agreement in place However, new evidence suggests that this picture of struggling people, who constantly travelled on barren lands, needs to be changed. What did the researchers find about Saudi Arabia? A team of Australian researchers published a study on monumental buildings in the journal Levant, which are called "standing stone circles." The new findings are helping people in rewriting about those who lived in the land of Saudi Arabia between 6,500 and 8,000 years ago. The evidence hints at the things they ate, the tools they used and the jewellery they wore. It becomes clearer how the people in those times figured out complex ways to survive on the land for millennia. How the project was carried out by researchers? Nearly 431 standing stone circles present in the AlUla and Khaybar regions of north-west Saudi Arabia were studied by the team of researchers, as part of the ongoing project. Among those 431 structures, 52 were surveyed in detail and 11 of them were also excavated. The new findings were made after analysing some buildings present on the Harrat 'Uwayrid, a volcanic plateau which was created more than a millennia ago. Watch: Indian national in Saudi Arabia to be freed from prison, Abdul Rahim to return to Kerala The researchers said that the standing stone circles explained how the mobile pastoralist communities were in ancient times. The team also recovered remnants of people who stayed in these buildings for more than 1,000 years. A range of modern and traditional techniques was used by the researchers to manage the practical limitations of working in remote and rugged landscapes. Based on the tools and animal remains discovered, it appears that the people used animal skins to enclose the top of the structure, like a roof. They also found evidence of stone tool-making, eating and cooking along with lost and broken tools which are used for processing animal hides. (With inputs from agencies)

Ancient Saudi Arabia had monumental buildings, not just barren lands: Study

Archaeologists excavating the Neolithic settlement of Boncuklu Tarla in southeastern Turkey have unearthed a remarkable collection of stud-shaped objects, reminiscent of contemporary body piercings. This discovery potentially represents the earliest known instances of body piercing, shedding light on the adornment practices of ancient communities.

The site of Boncuklu Tarla has gained recognition for its extensive assortment of personal ornaments, boasting over 100,000 decorative artefacts since excavation began in 2012.

Among these artefacts, the recent discovery stands out as a testament to the early use of body adornments among sedentary communities.

<h2>Unique insights into early ornamentation</h2>

According to archaeologist Ergül Kodaş and colleagues from Mardin Artuklu University in Turkey, who published their findings, the uncovered artefacts provide a unique glimpse into the use&nbsp;of body piercing ornaments by ancient settlers, as reported by Science Alert.&nbsp;Previous archaeological records primarily feature pendants, necklaces, and charms, making this discovery of body piercings particularly significant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-giant-plague-grave-with-1000-skeletons-in-germany-698902">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists discover giant plague grave with 1,000 skeletons in Germany</a>

Kodaş and his team examined the size, shape, and positioning of the objects within the graves at Boncuklu Tarla. Despite some artefacts being displaced, likely by rodents, others remained in close proximity to the human remains, particularly around the ears and jaws.

The unearthed ornaments, particularly those resembling labrets worn beneath the lower lip, offer compelling evidence of early body piercing practices. While similar pieces dating back to 10,000 BC have been found, this discovery presents the most definitive example to date.

<h2>Cultural significance and spread</h2>

Body piercing appears to have been a significant cultural practice in southwest Asia, with evidence dating back to approximately 6,000 BC. The practice likely spread through Mesopotamia and eventually reached other regions, including Africa and Central and South America.

Also watch |&nbsp;Peru: Archaeologists unearth 30 graves from pre-Inca age that date back between 1000-1440 AD

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While children buried at the site were often interred with pendants and beads instead of piercings, the presence of ornaments beside adult skeletons suggests a cultural association between piercings and maturity. The researchers speculate that piercings may have signified certain roles or social statuses within the community.

(With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists excavating the Neolithic settlement of Boncuklu Tarla in southeastern Turkey have unearthed a remarkable collection of stud-shaped objects, reminiscent of contemporary body piercings.

Archaeologists excavating the Neolithic settlement of Boncuklu Tarla in southeastern Turkey have unearthed a remarkable collection of stud-shaped objects, reminiscent of contemporary body piercings. This discovery potentially represents the earliest known instances of body piercing, shedding light on the adornment practices of ancient communities. The site of Boncuklu Tarla has gained recognition for its extensive assortment of personal ornaments, boasting over 100,000 decorative artefacts since excavation began in 2012. Among these artefacts, the recent discovery stands out as a testament to the early use of body adornments among sedentary communities. Unique insights into early ornamentation According to archaeologist Ergül Kodaş and colleagues from Mardin Artuklu University in Turkey, who published their findings, the uncovered artefacts provide a unique glimpse into the use of body piercing ornaments by ancient settlers, as reported by Science Alert. Previous archaeological records primarily feature pendants, necklaces, and charms, making this discovery of body piercings particularly significant. Also read | Scientists discover giant plague grave with 1,000 skeletons in Germany Kodaş and his team examined the size, shape, and positioning of the objects within the graves at Boncuklu Tarla. Despite some artefacts being displaced, likely by rodents, others remained in close proximity to the human remains, particularly around the ears and jaws. The unearthed ornaments, particularly those resembling labrets worn beneath the lower lip, offer compelling evidence of early body piercing practices. While similar pieces dating back to 10,000 BC have been found, this discovery presents the most definitive example to date. Cultural significance and spread Body piercing appears to have been a significant cultural practice in southwest Asia, with evidence dating back to approximately 6,000 BC. The practice likely spread through Mesopotamia and eventually reached other regions, including Africa and Central and South America. Also watch | Peru: Archaeologists unearth 30 graves from pre-Inca age that date back between 1000-1440 AD While children buried at the site were often interred with pendants and beads instead of piercings, the presence of ornaments beside adult skeletons suggests a cultural association between piercings and maturity. The researchers speculate that piercings may have signified certain roles or social statuses within the community. (With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists discover earliest direct evidence of body piercings in Neolithic graves in Turkey

Ancient humans were big on reuse. An analysis by the University of Bern has revealed that Neolithic humans repurposed the bones of the deceased and used them as tools, Science Alert reported.&nbsp;

The analysis was done on bones collected from Cueva de los Marmoles or Marmoles Cave in Southern Spain and was published in PLOS One.&nbsp;

Zita Laffranchi and her team found several signs that showed bones dating back thousands of years with post-mortem use, such as a skull that might have been used as a cup. Furthermore, other bones also showed some signs of being processed and marks that could have been used to remove the marrow or tissues.&nbsp;

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The experts mentioned that the bones were from at least 12 different humans, out of which seven were adults.&nbsp;

Several other human remains have been found in the Marmoles Cave, but no detailed anthropological study has yet been performed.&nbsp;

The team undertook new radiocarbon, anthropological and taphonomic analyses&nbsp;of the altered bones to determine more information about the people back then.&nbsp;

The team collected these bones and determined that the cave was used as a "burial site" between the 5th and 2nd millennia BCE. They suggested that the cave was symbolic of the humans living in the area for a long time and was probably used for funerary traditions.

During an interview with PLOS One, the archaeologists said, "After comparing the finds from Marmoles with those from other, similar contexts, we can postulate that these manipulations were related to cultural ideas about death and the position of the dead in the community's ideological landscape."

"That is, the manipulation may have been motivated by a need to keep the remains of community members close, while at the same time 'facilitating' their passage to the spiritual worlds," they added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/origins-of-brain-cells-found-in-800-million-years-old-creatures-637935">Origins of brain cells found in 800 million years old creatures</a>

It's impossible for archaeologists to determine what exactly happened to the dead bodies and what points they found as it is difficult to interpret the alterations on the bones.&nbsp;

The team also identified a tibial shaft and fibula fragments that were glossy and smooth and covered in small scratches suggesting that these bones could have been seen as tools having been processed, while the bones were fresh.&nbsp;

They are determined to continue studying the cave and other caves to find more evidence about the mysterious practices.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ancient humans were big on reuse. An analysis by the University of Bern has revealed that Neolithic humans repurposed the bones of the deceased and used them as tools, Science Alert reported.

Ancient humans were big on reuse. An analysis by the University of Bern has revealed that Neolithic humans repurposed the bones of the deceased and used them as tools, Science Alert reported. The analysis was done on bones collected from Cueva de los Marmoles or Marmoles Cave in Southern Spain and was published in PLOS One. Zita Laffranchi and her team found several signs that showed bones dating back thousands of years with post-mortem use, such as a skull that might have been used as a cup. Furthermore, other bones also showed some signs of being processed and marks that could have been used to remove the marrow or tissues. Also read | Thailand's picturesque emerald-hued waters hide this dark secret The experts mentioned that the bones were from at least 12 different humans, out of which seven were adults. Several other human remains have been found in the Marmoles Cave, but no detailed anthropological study has yet been performed. The team undertook new radiocarbon, anthropological and taphonomic analyses of the altered bones to determine more information about the people back then. The team collected these bones and determined that the cave was used as a "burial site" between the 5th and 2nd millennia BCE. They suggested that the cave was symbolic of the humans living in the area for a long time and was probably used for funerary traditions. During an interview with PLOS One, the archaeologists said, "After comparing the finds from Marmoles with those from other, similar contexts, we can postulate that these manipulations were related to cultural ideas about death and the position of the dead in the community's ideological landscape." "That is, the manipulation may have been motivated by a need to keep the remains of community members close, while at the same time 'facilitating' their passage to the spiritual worlds," they added. Also read | Origins of brain cells found in 800 million years old creatures It's impossible for archaeologists to determine what exactly happened to the dead bodies and what points they found as it is difficult to interpret the alterations on the bones. The team also identified a tibial shaft and fibula fragments that were glossy and smooth and covered in small scratches suggesting that these bones could have been seen as tools having been processed, while the bones were fresh. They are determined to continue studying the cave and other caves to find more evidence about the mysterious practices. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Shocking findings: Neolithic humans altered bones of deceased to make tools

Latest research on "Ötzi," the Neolithic Iceman has revealed something unexpected about his genetic heritage. Ötzi has undergone extensive studies in the past. The latest study involved creation of a high-coverage genome.

The report on the latest research has been published in the journal Cell Genomics, reported AFP. In the report, scientists have shown that Ötzi had characteristics that were different than&nbsp;his earlier depictions. The analysis has notably uncovered that Ötzi had a dark skin, dark eyes and even a receding hairline.

"We could confirm some things like he had brown eyes, but we found out that the skin colour is much darker, than we thought," Albert Zink of Eurac Research, Institute for Mummy Studies in Bolzano, Italy, told Reuters.

"We found out that he was most likely bald, so he had that genetic predisposition to lose his hair."

Previous research&nbsp;had shown a genetic affinity between Ötzi and modern Sardinians. But researchers now believe that the previous conclusions were drawn before a broader spectrum of human genomes was available.

"The main difference was regarding his ancestry, because we could on one hand confirm that he had this typical Anatolian ancestry that is typical for the Neolithic people that came from Anatolia and migrated to Europe at the time," Zink added.

Watch | Are robots making a world a better place

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The latest study has shown that over 92 per cent of Ötzi's genetic makeup originates from early Anatolian farmers. This puts a new light on migratory history of Europeans.

The findings of the report also points at the Alpine region serving as a genetic barrier that limited genetic exchange between the Iceman's populations and other communities which were situated north and west of the Alps.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/form-of-gene-therapy-may-offer-one-off-treatment-for-severe-alcohol-addiction-finds-study-625858">Form of gene therapy may offer ‘one-off’ treatment for severe alcohol addiction, finds study</a>

Regarded as one of the most exceptionally preserved ice mummies, Ötzi was found by hikers in the Tyrolean Alps in 1991. Standing 160 centimetres tall (approx. 5 feet 2 inches), Ötzi was about 45 years old when he met his death from an arrow shot by an unknown assailant about 5,300 years ago.

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Latest research on "Ötzi," the Neolithic Iceman has revealed something unexpected about his genetic heritage. Ötzi has undergone extensive studies in the past. The latest study involved creation of a high-coverage genome.

Latest research on "Ötzi," the Neolithic Iceman has revealed something unexpected about his genetic heritage. Ötzi has undergone extensive studies in the past. The latest study involved creation of a high-coverage genome. The report on the latest research has been published in the journal Cell Genomics, reported AFP. In the report, scientists have shown that Ötzi had characteristics that were different than his earlier depictions. The analysis has notably uncovered that Ötzi had a dark skin, dark eyes and even a receding hairline. "We could confirm some things like he had brown eyes, but we found out that the skin colour is much darker, than we thought," Albert Zink of Eurac Research, Institute for Mummy Studies in Bolzano, Italy, told Reuters. "We found out that he was most likely bald, so he had that genetic predisposition to lose his hair." Previous research had shown a genetic affinity between Ötzi and modern Sardinians. But researchers now believe that the previous conclusions were drawn before a broader spectrum of human genomes was available. "The main difference was regarding his ancestry, because we could on one hand confirm that he had this typical Anatolian ancestry that is typical for the Neolithic people that came from Anatolia and migrated to Europe at the time," Zink added. Watch | Are robots making a world a better place × The latest study has shown that over 92 per cent of Ötzi's genetic makeup originates from early Anatolian farmers. This puts a new light on migratory history of Europeans. The findings of the report also points at the Alpine region serving as a genetic barrier that limited genetic exchange between the Iceman's populations and other communities which were situated north and west of the Alps. Also Read | Form of gene therapy may offer ‘one-off’ treatment for severe alcohol addiction, finds study Regarded as one of the most exceptionally preserved ice mummies, Ötzi was found by hikers in the Tyrolean Alps in 1991. Standing 160 centimetres tall (approx. 5 feet 2 inches), Ötzi was about 45 years old when he met his death from an arrow shot by an unknown assailant about 5,300 years ago. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

DNA analysis reveals 'Ötzi' the Iceman looked quite different than we thought

A rare&nbsp;Sumerian&nbsp;sculpture plaque dating back from 2400BC&nbsp;that was secretly smuggled to the United Kingdom from Iran will be repatriated back to the country.

The ancient plaque, which depicts a high priest or ruler, was seized by Metropolitan police with the help of the British Musuem after they first spotted its sale in 2019 by TimeLine Auctions as a&nbsp;“western Asiatic Akkadian tablet”.

The British Musuem is the main advisory body of the United Kingdom regarding illicit trafficking or export licensing of antiquities.

According to&nbsp;Dr St John Simpson, the British Museum’s senior curator,&nbsp;“We’re used to coming across tablets, pots, metalwork, seals and figurines on the art market or in seizures that have been trafficked. But it’s really exceptional to see something of this quality.”&nbsp;

Simpson&nbsp;believes that the votive wall plaque belonged to the Early Dynastic III period and was was looted from the Sumerian heartland which in present is modern-Iraq.

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In picture: British Museum archaeologists in Girsu,&nbsp;Iraq

''There are only about 50 examples of these known from ancient Mesopotamia. So that immediately places it on the high-rarity scale. We can be fairly sure that this object comes from the Sumerian heartland. That is the area that got very badly looted between the 1990s and 2003,'' he added.

The plague, which is carved from local limestone depicts a large seated male figure wearing a long skirt wearing kaunakes, with a tufted pattern.

The artefact has features of burning, a feature previously found on excavated discoveries at Girsu, one of the world's firsy urban civilisations.

Sébastien Rey, curator of ancient Mesopotamia at the British Museum and lead archaeologist at Tello,&nbsp;contacted the police, who immediately took it seriously and went to the auction house, who relinquished it when they realised what it was.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A rare Sumerian sculpture plaque dating back from 2400BC that was secretly smuggled to the United Kingdom from Iran will be repatriated back to the country. The ancient plaque, which depicts a high priest or ruler, was seized by Metropolitan police with the help of the British Musuem after they first spotted its sale in 2019 by TimeLine Auctions as a “western Asiatic Akkadian tablet”.

A rare Sumerian sculpture plaque dating back from 2400BC that was secretly smuggled to the United Kingdom from Iran will be repatriated back to the country. The ancient plaque, which depicts a high priest or ruler, was seized by Metropolitan police with the help of the British Musuem after they first spotted its sale in 2019 by TimeLine Auctions as a “western Asiatic Akkadian tablet”. The British Musuem is the main advisory body of the United Kingdom regarding illicit trafficking or export licensing of antiquities. According to Dr St John Simpson, the British Museum’s senior curator, “We’re used to coming across tablets, pots, metalwork, seals and figurines on the art market or in seizures that have been trafficked. But it’s really exceptional to see something of this quality.” Simpson believes that the votive wall plaque belonged to the Early Dynastic III period and was was looted from the Sumerian heartland which in present is modern-Iraq. In picture: British Museum archaeologists in Girsu, Iraq ''There are only about 50 examples of these known from ancient Mesopotamia. So that immediately places it on the high-rarity scale. We can be fairly sure that this object comes from the Sumerian heartland. That is the area that got very badly looted between the 1990s and 2003,'' he added. The plague, which is carved from local limestone depicts a large seated male figure wearing a long skirt wearing kaunakes, with a tufted pattern. The artefact has features of burning, a feature previously found on excavated discoveries at Girsu, one of the world's firsy urban civilisations. Sébastien Rey, curator of ancient Mesopotamia at the British Museum and lead archaeologist at Tello, contacted the police, who immediately took it seriously and went to the auction house, who relinquished it when they realised what it was.

Rare, secretly smuggled Sumerian sculpture plaque to be returned to Iraq

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