Shifting Sands, Changing Narratives: Climate Change and Human Prehistory in Arabia

Lecture by Dr Huw Groucutt

The Arabian Peninsula covers over three million square kilometres at the interface between Africa and Asia. Traditionally it was believed that Arabia had a sparse prehistory, and had been an unchanging desert. Recent research, however, reveals a highly dynamic climate history in the region, with alternating wet and dry periods. Likewise, archaeological research is uncovering a rich prehistoric record. In this talk the author will outline recent and ongoing research. From exploring hyena dens full of rotting bones, deep underground in lava tubes, to studying the remains of ancient lakes and associated hippo fossils and stone tools, these findings transform how we think about Arabian prehistory. The talk will also consider the parallels and differences between ‘desert archaeology’ and ‘island archaeology’, and how different schools and approaches can benefit others.

Photo: The Nefud Desert, Prof. E. Scerri