Impressive Bronze Age Oasis Fortification Unearthed in the Arabian Desert

In the arid desert of northern Saudi Arabia, an international team of archaeologists, led by researchers from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the Saudi Commission for Archaeology, has revealed an impressive fortification encircling the oasis of Khaybar. This discovery confirms the millennia-old human presence in the region.


The oasis of Khaybar, a place already rich with religious history and cultural significance, is now unveiled as the site of one of the largest Bronze Age fortifications in Saudi Arabia. Excavations have shown that the walls, once stretching for 9 miles (approx. 14.5 kilometers), varied in thickness between 5.5 and 7.9 feet (approx. 1.7 and 2.4 meters) and could rise up to about 16 feet (approx. 5 meters). The fortification enclosed an area of nearly 2,718 acres (approx. 1,100 hectares), a remarkable expanse for that time.

Dated between 2250 and 1950 BCE, this massive structure is a testament to the social and architectural sophistication of societies of that era. Radiocarbon analysis of the samples suggests that these walls were erected in a period when the creation of large fortified oases was common in the northwest of Arabia.



The recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science highlights the complexity of these structures. Indeed, the walls of Khaybar were not used solely for defense but also served to delineate territory and protect the settled populations within the oasis. This site is part of a broader network of fortified oases in the region, including the fortified town of Tayma, with its walls extending approximately 12 miles (approx. 19 kilometers).

Today, although only a portion of the walls and 74 bastions are preserved, the discovery of this immense fortification offers a fresh perspective on human habitation in this part of the world and raises intriguing questions about the interactions between these ancient societies.

The uncovering of Khaybar, with its remnants of a pre-Islamic civilization, adds to the region's rich religious and cultural history. It demonstrates the ancient people's ability to adapt and thrive in challenging environments, such as the arid Arabian desert. The presence of such a fortification around an oasis also underscores the significance of water and fertile lands to ancient communities.


This major archaeological discovery not only advances our understanding of Saudi Arabia's history but also sheds new light on the complexity of Bronze Age human societies. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the challenges, strategies, and achievements of ancient peoples in this region.

Article Author: Cédric DEPOND