Explore the Ancient Underground World of the Arabian Peninsula
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Cooling Off Underground
Thousands of years ago, inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula sought relief from the scorching heat by retreating underground. They utilized vast subterranean tunnels formed by ancient lava flows as shelters while traveling between oases and pastures.
Neolithic Herders in the Stone Age
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of Neolithic herders occupying these underground lava tubes since the Stone Age. The cooler temperatures underground provided a comfortable environment for humans and their livestock. These herders left behind artifacts and intricate carvings on the tunnel walls, shedding light on their way of life.
Discovering Umm Jirsan
Located in the Harrat Khaybar lava field in Saudi Arabia, Umm Jirsan is the longest tunnel system in the region. Spanning nearly 1 mile, this system features passages up to 39 feet tall and 148 feet wide. Recent studies suggest that the lava forming these tunnels dates back approximately 3 million years.
Unearthing Ancient Artifacts
Excavations at Umm Jirsan have revealed animal bones dating back 400 to over 4,000 years, along with human remains ranging from 150 to 6,000 years old. Researchers also found cloth fragments, wooden carvings, and stone tools, indicating human utilization of the tunnels for at least 7,000 years.
Insights from Archaeological Studies
Lead researcher Dr. Mathew Stewart from Griffith University expressed surprise at the diverse artifacts found in the tunnels, including rock art, lithic artifacts, and pottery. This discovery underscores the importance of underground sites like Umm Jirsan in enhancing our understanding of human history and migration patterns in the region.
Implications for Human Dispersal
Archaeologist Guillaume Charloux emphasizes the significance of Umm Jirsan and similar tunnel systems in unraveling the mysteries of human dispersal in the region. These underground sites offer valuable insights into ancient climates and human adaptation strategies.
Exploring Ancient Human Life in Northwestern Arabia
Research on the interaction between ancient caves and humans in northwestern Arabia is limited, especially during the transition from the Neolithic era to the early 2nd millennium, according to Charloux, an expert in ancient sites in Saudi Arabia.
The Green Arabia Project
The excavation at Umm Jirsan revealed human remains, animal bones, carved wood, and stone tools, shedding light on the historical significance of the site.
Settling Around Oases
Local inhabitants began settling around newly formed oases, influencing migration patterns in the region for generations. The research project highlighted the prolonged use of caves, previously unstudied, and their importance in understanding past environmental conditions.
The Green Arabia Phases
Over the past 400,000 years, periods of increased humidity transformed Arabian deserts into lush landscapes, attracting migrating populations. However, the last Green Arabia phase occurred around 55,000 years ago, making it challenging to preserve archaeological evidence due to harsh desert conditions.
Exploring Umm Jirsan
In 2019, researchers focused on Umm Jirsan, a site previously known for its wildlife. The investigation revealed human occupation dating back 7,000 to 10,000 years, indicating temporary refuge rather than permanent settlement.
Engraved Rock Art
Near Umm Jirsan, researchers discovered panels of rock art depicting herding scenes and domesticated animals. The carvings, possibly from the Chalcolithic period, offer insights into ancient human-animal interactions in the region.
The Fascinating Discoveries of the Bronze Age
“Through the archaeological findings at the Umm Jirsan Lava Tube, a recurring pattern of utilization over centuries emerges,” stated Stewart. Situated on a migratory path for Bronze Age herders, the site potentially functioned as a resting place, offering shelter from the elements.
The revelation of human presence in ancient Arabian lava tubes provides insight into how individuals adapted to living in arid environments. Stewart emphasized that further exploration of Umm Jirsan and similar lava tubes holds the promise of uncovering additional details.
“These locations hold significant potential in bridging the gaps in both natural and cultural records within the Arabian archaeological landscape.”
About the Author
Mindy Weisberger is a renowned science writer and media producer, with contributions featured in Live Science, Scientific American, and How It Works magazine.
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Pre-order the Console Version of Digivoxel Earth Defense Force 2 on August 9, 2024!
The console version of “Digivoxel Earth Defense Force 2” will be available for pre-order on August 9, 2024 at 6:54 pm Game Mecca Reporter Kim Hyeong-jong
▲ Representative image of the Earth Defense Force 2 Digivoxel (data provided by: Gamepia)
Gamepia, in collaboration with Clouded Leopard Entertainment (hereinafter CLE), is developing a 3D action shooting game “An enemy has appeared on the Earth square again!?” developed by D3 Publisher Co., Ltd. “Digivoxel Earth Defense Force 2 (EARTH DEFENSE FORCE: WORLD BROTHERS 2, hereinafter referred to as Digivoxel Earth Defense Force 2)” Pre-order sales of PS5 and Nintendo Switch version package products will begin on the 9th The game officially supports Korean subtitles.
Digivoxel Earth Defense Force 2 is the latest work in the Digivoxel Earth Defense Force series and covers the story behind the previous work. This work is a 3D action shooter that tells the story of an emergency dispatch from the Earth Defense Force to restore peace to the square Earth. In addition, elements of the latest work “Earth Defense Force 6” are introduced and “Wing Diver the Shooter” appears, which was excluded from the previous work.
▲ Digivoxel Earth Defense Force 2 Trailer (Video source: CLE official YouTube channel)
It features elements such as over 100 EDF brothers, over 100 missions, and team battles where four people form a group. As in previous work, all Korean voices have been localized.
Pre-order sales for Digivoxel Earth Defense Force 2 PS5 and Nintendo Switch bundle products will take place in online marketplaces, including Soprano online mall, and will last until the 22nd. The official release date of Digivoxel Earth Defense Force 2 in Korea it’s the 23rd and the review rating is ages 12 and up. ▲ Screenshot of Digivoxel Earth Defense Force 2 (data provided by: Gamepia)
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Pre-order the Console Version of Digivoxel Earth Defense Force 2 on August 9, 2024!
Government spending drives Paypal’s business
More than eight out of ten Italians pagano online bills and expenses related to public administration, especially those related to utilities (73%) and taxes (65%) and, to a lesser extent, those related to cars (61%). This is revealed by Paypal’s new eGov investigation.
Almost half of those interviewed (54%) started paying these expenses online more than four years ago, a percentage that particularly affects the age group 55 and over.
Around 30% of Millennials, however, split the bills with their parents or partner and are personally responsible for managing their payment online.
But why is digital bill payment increasingly widespread? The main factors for which one chooses are the availability of the service 24 hours a day, every day (67%) and the speed of the procedure which avoids users from incurring late fees (50%). The ability to easily control one’s expenses is also an important factor (31%). As for Millennials, they also consider the ease of use of the service and the possibility of receiving assistance in case of need to be very important (24% of Millennials out of a total of 18%).
Venture capital: slowdown in investments in digital services by Giulia Cimpanelli 06 May 2024
Paypal in Italia
The numbers that emerged from the research demonstrate why Paypal continues to grow in Italy “Last year we announced 10 million active accountstoday we have arrived at 11.6 million: one lever that leads people to use our application is the payment of bills and other public expenses, another element is the continuous growth of e-commerce”, he comments Maria Teresa MinottiSenior Country Director di PayPal Italia.
Now that has captured a large audience of private users Paypal focuses on business ones. Because of this also imports Paypal Complete Payments into Italy, already available in 20 other European markets, which will offer companies existing customers and also new potential customers. This solution allows small businesses to accept a variety of payments through Paypal as a single payment provider, with solutions such as buy now pay later, Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit and debit cards and alternative payment methods from around the world. world.
“Small businesses face a variety of challenges every day, from finding new customers to managing cash flow to promoting sales. Expanding the choice of payment options for shoppers can help turn prospects into customers effective and increase sales – adds Minotti -, this solution allows small and medium-sized businesses to offer their customers the same level of service and user experience as large companies”.
Paypal in the world
The company announced a few months ago a change at the top. Alex Chriss, the new CEO has already announced a significant change of direction. In fact, fintech shares have collapsed on the New York Stock Exchange: “It is a post-pandemic sector trend that has involved tech companies – concludes Minotti – we are looking ahead with new management, also to drive growth in a profitable way. The new CEO declared that 2024 will be a year of transition, where we will focus on innovation and technology, with the aim of growing from that point of view too. The latest financial numbers are encouraging.”
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