– Giant stone ‘handaxe’ discovered in AlUla set to rewrite the region’s ancient history
ALULA, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A team of researchers working in AlUla, northwest Saudi Arabia, has discovered what is likely the largest stone “handaxe” artifact found anywhere. part of the world. Initial field evaluation suggests that this giant artifact dates to the Lower Middle Paleolithic and is more than 200,000 years old.
The hand ax was discovered by an international team of archaeologists working with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), led by Dr. Ömer ‘Can’ Aksoy and Dr. Gizem Kahraman Aksoy of TEOS Heritage. The team has been surveying a desert landscape south of AlUla, called the Plain of Qurh, for evidence of human activity during ancient times.
The team has already managed to uncover archaeological artefacts showing that this forbidden land supported a vibrant community since the early Islamic period, and now the discovery of this rare and unique object promises to write a new chapter of human history in Arabia and beyond.
Made from fine-grained basalt, the stone tool measures 20 inches long and has been worked on both sides to produce a sturdy tool with usable cutting or chopping edges. At this point the function can only be guessed, but despite its size the tool fits comfortably in two hands.
The study is still ongoing, and this find is just one of more than a dozen similar, though somewhat smaller, Paleolithic hand axes that have been discovered. Future scientific research is expected to reveal more details about the origins and function of these objects and the people who made them hundreds of thousands of years ago.
Dr. Ömer Aksoy, project director, said: “This hand ax is one of the most important finds from our ongoing study of the Qurh Plain. This amazing stone tool measures more than half a meter long (length: 51.3 cm, width: 9.5 cm, thickness: 5.7 cm) and is the largest example of a series of stone tools discovered at the site. A continuing search for comparisons around the world has failed to find a hand ax of the same size. Therefore, this may well be one of the largest hand axes ever discovered.”
In addition to this study of the Qurh Plain, RCU is currently overseeing 11 other projects by archaeological specialists conducting field work in AlUla and nearby Khaybar. This ambitious research program is carried out with the aim of further uncovering the mysteries of antiquity in this region. This extraordinary discovery highlights how much there is still to learn about the human history of Saudi Arabia.
Archeology is a vital element in RCU’s comprehensive regeneration of AlUla County as a world-leading cultural and natural heritage destination.
The 12 archaeological missions underway during the fall 2023 season, from October to December, constitute one of the largest concentrations of archaeological research and conservation in the world. Work will continue with additional missions planned for winter and spring 2024.
The fall 2023 season features a notable international gathering of more than 200 archaeologists and related cultural heritage specialists, representing experts from countries such as Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia , Turkey and the United Kingdom. Many of the projects are a continuation of ongoing research, which has involved training and mentoring more than 100 archeology students in Saudi Arabia.
In September, the inaugural AlUla World Archeology Summit showcased AlUla’s position as a center of archaeological activity. The summit attracted more than 300 delegates from 39 countries and sparked interdisciplinary conversations with the goal of connecting archeology to broader communities.
About the Royal Commission for AlUla
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was established by royal decree in July 2017 to preserve and develop AlUla, a region of great natural and cultural importance in northwest Saudi Arabia. RCU’s long-term plan outlines a responsible, sustainable and sensitive approach to urban and economic development that preserves the natural and historical heritage of the area, while establishing AlUla as a desirable place to live, work and visit. It encompasses a wide range of initiatives in the fields of archaeology, tourism, culture, education and the arts, reflecting the commitment to meeting the Vision program’s priorities of economic diversification, local community empowerment and heritage conservation. 2030 of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
About TEOS Heritage
Headquartered in Izmir, Turkey, Teos is an independent wealth consultancy specializing in West Asia. TEOS provides archaeological and architectural advice and guidance, along with a wide range of heritage assessment work and site surveys. His particular skills are archaeological fieldwork, heritage site recording, report and publication preparation and heritage management strategies.
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