Camels in the Rock Art of Arabia (original) (raw)

2022, The Camel through the ages

AI-generated Abstract

Archaeological evidence from eastern Arabia indicates that wild dromedaries were abundant and later domesticated during the third to first millennium BC. The paper argues that rock art representing dromedaries often depicted scenes of camel raiding rather than hunting, as previously assumed, given the historical context of horse introduction. The prevalence of dromedaries in Arabian rock art reflects their significant role in nomadic cultures, providing insights into societal structures, literacy, and representation practices among ancient populations.