Stone Technology in Arabia

Abstract

Prehistoric research in the Arabian Peninsula is in its infancy, and it has long been treated as an empty spot on the archaeological world map. While information about Arabian prehistory is still relatively scarce, archaeological sites are, in fact, abundant. Archaeological sites are found in many places across Arabia, usually represented by stone tool industries. Arabia is a key geographic zone of the Old World, as it lies at the crossroads of three continents: Africa, Europe, and Asia. The Peninsula therefore plays a leading role for studying the worldwide expansion of early humans. Archaeological surveys have been carried out in Arabia for more than half a century, revealing the existence of prehistoric sites spanning over a long time period, some perhaps extending back to more than one million years ago. Stone tools (also called lithics) represent the main kind of material objects found in archaeological sites. Based on the typology of stone tools, archaeologists working in Arabia have constructed a chronological and cultural framework that was modeled after the technological stages known elsewhere, such as the Lower Paleolithic (Oldowan, Acheulean) and the Middle Paleolithic (sometimes labeled as Mousterian or Middle Stone Age). All archaeological site discoveries made in Arabia were adapted to this broad typological and chronological framework. Prehistoric research in Arabia is currently progressing, as Paleolithic sites have now been radiometrically dated and systematic site excavations have been conducted. Having today a somewhat better picture of the chronological framework of prehistoric Arabia, lithic industries are currently being compared with better-established neighboring stone tool assemblages, such as those of northeast Africa and the Levant. Comparisons are important in this case, as there is a desire to determine the regional source of Arabian populations. Stone tool industries in Arabia can therefore provide an opportunity to examine cultural influences and interconnections and human migrations and dispersals. Paleoenvironmental research has been growing in Arabia over the past few years, situating prehistoric activities in ecological context. Studies include study of satellite images to identify paleohydrological features (lakes, rivers), analysis of riverine and lacustrine (lake) deposits themselves, and study of cave speleothems which provide an accurate picture of climate change history. All of these studies contribute to the reconstruction of past environmental conditions, providing a framework to understand prehistoric occupations and activity.