Archaeologists from the French National Center for Scientific Research and a member of the Saudi National Tourism and Heritage Commission have announced the discovery of 11 camels and two original grazing equatores in Al Jawf province, north of Saudi Arabia.
Nicknamed "Camel Site", the carvings are estimated to be 2,000 years old and made in the 1st century before or after Christ.
The archaeologists who wrote in the journal Antiquity also mentioned that these findings were never found before in terms of size and quality. The carvings are suspected as the first camel and equide-sized relief reliefs.
However, unfortunately the archaeologists do not know who the maker. They did not find any tools or artifacts that could be used to make carvings. In addition, the researchers also believe that this area is not permanently inhabited during this period and only used as a stop point by the caravan through it.
However, based on its form, archaeologists believe that this engraving is inspired by the Nabatea or Parthian stone art tradition. The Nabataean tribe is a nomadic tribe known for its stone reliefs. Although later settled in Petra, they were suspected of having communities around the stone carvings area and trading with Mesopotamia.
Therefore, this carving can be just a marker of a region boundary for the traders passing by.
"The fact that this isolated and unoccupied area attracts the attention of a very skilled stone carver is a testimony of the importance of this area to the surrounding population," the researchers wrote.
Unfortunately, further research is still hampered by the location of the carvings that are in the private area. Erosion, looting, and destruction over the past few years also threaten the continuity of this precious engraving.
Through this announcement, archaeologists hope to raise awareness of Saudi society about the threatened cultural heritage and seek protection from the Saudi Arabian government.