Burying the dead on the Red Sea coast: Bioarchaeological research in Lower Aynuna in the 2015–2017 seasons of fieldwork

Abstract

The archaeological site of Aynuna, located in northern-western Saudi Arabia, is believed to be the ancient Leuke Kome, a port linked by a caravan route with the Nabatean capital Petra. Architectural remains suggest that it may be identified as an emporion – a trading outpost receiving freight from foreign lands to be transmitted further north. Archaeological excavations conducted by the Saudi-Polish Archaeological Mission have revealed the existence of multiple burials, not only within the cemeteries, but also in the buildings dated from the first to the seven centuries AC(AD?). Preliminary works at the necropoleis have proved rather uninformative due to most of the tombs being ransacked and burials almost completely destroyed. Although Necropoleis 1 and 2 exhibit some internal uniformity when it comes to the architectural outline of the tombs, the two cemeteries show no mutual similarities, which may indicate different dating or cultural affinity. Meanwhile, better preserved human remains from within the buildings can probably be dated to the early Islamic period. Two large stone cairns, containing three burials, were erected in the middle of the courtyard of Khan no. 1. However, most of the burials were interred directly on the walking level in Khans nos. 1, 4, and 5, and covered with stone rubble. While three out of four burials were extended on the back, facing south-east and provided with some kind of stone installation to protect the body, the fourth, belonging to a pregnant woman, was found lying face down, calling into question the intentionality of the burial.