Archaeologists have reported the discovery of life-size rock carvings in the desert of Saudi Arabia. The engravings, which include camels, gazelles, and other animals, were estimated to be about 12,000 years old, and some measured more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall. According to a study published in Nature Communications, the findings push back evidence of human settlement in the region by around 2,000 years. Researchers stated that the carvings were made using wedge-shaped stones, which created sharp lines in the rock. Some of the engravings were placed on narrow ledges, which indicated that the artists worked in difficult positions without being able to fully observe their progress. Experts emphasized that the level of detail suggested remarkable artistic proficiency and knowledge of the environment.

The study explained that a stone tool found beneath the carvings was used to date the artwork, providing a reliable timeline for the discovery. Scholars noted that the presence of an auroch, an extinct ancestor of cattle that did not inhabit the desert, indicated possible long-distance travel or seasonal migration by the ancient community. The research also suggested that these early settlers may have depended on shallow lakes or natural rock crevices that collected water to survive in arid conditions. Specialists highlighted the significance of the discovery, stating that it provides valuable evidence of cultural continuity, technical sophistication, and resilience in early human societies. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of prehistoric art in the Middle East and challenge earlier assumptions about when permanent communities began to occupy the desert landscape.