Researchers Finally Have Evidence to Prove Ancient Humans Lived in Underground ‘Lava Tubes’

For decades, researchers have studied the natural formation of this incredible underground system, but now, they’ve found something absolutely amazing: proof that ancient humans actually lived in these dark, winding tunnels.

The 5,000 feet of underground canals, most often referred to as “lava tubes,” were formed millions of years ago by an enormous volcanic eruption in which flowing lava ripped through the ground below the desert.

However, scientists know almost nothing about these people, including how they lived, how many humans resided here, or exactly when they made this desert their home.

Scientists assume that because these structures are quite similar to other Neolithic buildings found throughout Arabia, Syria, and Jordan, the people living in this desert were pastoral tribes, but that’s almost all they know. They call the structures in Harrat Khaybar, along with the others around the region, “The Works of the Old Men.”

Harrat Khaybar is one of the world’s largest volcanic fields, covering more than 4,600 square miles. Not only would residents have had to deal with a spontaneous volcanic eruption, but even when these lava-filled mountains were dormant, the desert was still aggressively windy and unbearably warm.

When investigating the tunnels, researchers found a plethora of evidence that showed humans’ ancient ancestors from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, between 3,500 and 10,000 years ago, were unquestionably living in the lava tubes.

After an isotopic analysis, the scientists were able to determine that the animals ate wild grasses and shrubs, while the humans consumed a protein-rich diet, including foods like dates, figs, and wheat. They believe this information proves that the people living here did, in fact, live in pastoral tribes as previously assumed.

The artwork, along with the remains of human life, tell researchers that the early inhabitants of the caves lived in a kind of oasis of agriculture, practicing farming on what many now consider to be arid and infertile lands.

The study’s lead author, Matthew Stewart, explained, “This site likely served as a crucial waypoint along pastoral routes, linking key oases and facilitating cultural exchange and trade.”

They also don’t know exactly how long they stayed below ground, how many people lived there, or even how they were able to farm and raise livestock deep underground.

But the hope is that, with this information, researchers will eventually be able to fully understand the lives of our ancient ancestors throughout the historically rich region and answer absolutely all of their remaining questions.

Morley continued, “As a scientist who works primarily in caves, I am excited that we have another type of cave system being used by past human populations.”