Unearthing history: 200,000-year-old axe sheds light on AlUla’s past

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SAUDI ARABIA, Nov 6, (Agencies)L In the year 2023, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) revealed a remarkable 200,000-year-old axe hailing from the Paleolithic Age, discovered at the Qurh site in AlUla Governorate. Crafted from durable soft basalt stone, this axe boasts a length of 51.3cm and displays distinct features indicating its likely use for cutting or chopping purposes. Ongoing studies aim to ascertain the precise function of this prehistoric tool.

The historical significance of the Qurh site, which traces its roots back to the early Islamic period, is one of the Arabian Peninsula’s vital urban locations, concealing a wealth of hidden secrets and historical treasures. Credit for this groundbreaking discovery is attributed to a team of archaeologists from the heritage consultancy TEOS Heritage. Tasked with exploring the region surrounding Qurh, situated south of AlUla, the team had previously unearthed archaeological artifacts from the early Islamic period. However, the unearthing of this ancient axe marks a significant milestone in the history of humanity, shedding new light on ancient civilizations within and beyond the Arabian Peninsula.

In pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of ancient times, the RCU is currently overseeing 11 archaeological projects in AlUla and Khyber in 2023. These efforts are in alignment with the commission’s comprehensive development plan for AlUla, with the ultimate goal of establishing it as a globally renowned destination for natural and cultural heritage.

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