Al-Magar

Al-Magar was a prehistoric culture of the Neolithic whose epicenter lied in modern-day southwestern Najd in Saudi Arabia. Al-Magar is possibly one of the first cultures in the world where widespread domestication of animals occurred, particularly the horse, during the Neolithic period.[1]

Al-Magar civilization
Map showing location of Al Magar site in Saudi Arabia
LocationIn the southwestern central part of Saudi Arabia
RegionNajd
Coordinates19.744213°N 44.620447°E / 19.744213; 44.620447
TypeAncient
Part ofCentral Arabia
History
Foundedc. 8000 BC
Abandonedc. 7000 BC
PeriodsNeolithic

Overview

The inhabitants of Al-Magar were also one of the first communities in the world to practice the art of agriculture and animal husbandry before climate changes in the region resulted in desertification and lived in stone houses built with dry masonry. Most importantly the discovery of a significantly large statue of a bridled horse indicating the domestication of horses about 9000 years ago in the Arabian peninsula, much earlier than the domestication of horse was reported in any other part of the world. [2] Radiocarbon dating of objects discovered indicate an age of about 9,000 years.[3]

The inhabitants of Al-Magar were thus likewise among some of the first communities in the world to practice the art of agriculture and animal husbandry before climate changes in the region resulted in desertification. The people of Al-Magar lived in stone houses built with dry masonry.[4]

In November 2017 hunting scenes showing images of most likely domesticated dogs, resembling the Canaan dog, wearing leashes were discovered in Shuwaymis, Saudi Arabia. Dated at 8000 years before present, these are the earliest known depictions of dogs in the world. Most importantly the discovery of a significantly large statue of a bridled horse indicating the domestication of horses about 9000 years ago in the Arabian peninsula, much earlier than the domestication of horse was reported in any other part of the world. [5]

References
  1. Sylvia, Smith (26 February 2013). "Desert finds challenge horse taming ideas". BBC. BBC. Retrieved 13 November 2016.; John, Henzell (11 March 2013). "Carved in stone: were the Arabs the first to tame the horse?". thenational. thenational. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  2. "Al-Magar Civilization". scta. scta. Archived from the original on 13 November 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  3. "Al-Magar Civilization Domestication of Horses in Saudi Arabia?". New Public Scientific Portal for: Paleolithic & Neolithic Rock Art Cave Paintings & Rock Engravings - Thomas Kummert. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  4. "Al-Magar Civilization". scta. scta. Archived from the original on 13 November 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  5. "These may be the world's first images of dogs—and they're wearing leashes". Science Magazine - David Grimm. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
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