A mysterious civilization has been discovered in Saudi Arabia

The Dhaka Times Desk Saudi Arabia's Al Ula is best known for its pitch black skies over the rocky desert. Because stargazers there can observe cosmic objects without any light pollution.

Many years ago a lost civilization lived in the region known as the Nabataean civilization. This civilization lasted for the next 200 years starting from 100 BC.

The civilization, known as the Nabataean culture, was very complex and some advanced stone monuments testify to the period, but many sites remain unexplored. Therefore, for the first time, a group of researchers of the country has started a deep archaeological survey. Their aim is to learn more about the mysterious civilization that once inhabited the region.

The Nabatean rulers ruled their empire from the charming city of Petra, located in Jordan. At Al Ula' they established their second capital, Hegra (modern Mada in Saleh).

Archaeologists are currently also planning to carry out a detailed survey of the area, a vast area roughly the size of Belgium.

An international team of 60 experts initially started this work in a two-year survey project in an area of 3,300 square kilometers in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia.

And through this, it is known that for the first time such a large area is being investigated systematically by following the scientific method.

Excavations are being carried out in the vicinity of Mada'in Saleh and significant Nabataean sites, led by Saudi Arabian archaeologists, according to media reports. Notable among these archaeologists was Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, a lecturer at King Saud University in Riyadh.

Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani said, I have given more importance to the earlier Dedanite and Lihyanite civilizations. Now that the Royal Commission is involved in Al Ula's project, there will be a greater opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how early social systems developed.

According to a BBC news, the involvement of the Royal Commission means that the latest and most advanced technology will be used with the help of experienced archaeologists.

Where Google Earth and an experienced eye can already tell what is natural and what is man-made, light aircraft with specialized cameras will be able to capture the most detailed images of the area. Which includes Al Ula Wadi and its surrounding valleys. Through this, hitherto unknown archaeological features can be brought out.

American archaeologist Rebecca Footey, head of the Al Ula Royal Commission's survey team, said earlier projects had focused more on excavation. Because conducting this kind of systematic survey often requires money which is currently available.

He also believes that Saudi Arabia's decision to take this initiative will put the country on the map of ancient history.

Archaeologist Rebecca Footy said that much detail is known about the first to third millennium BC. We all know about ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Until now relatively little is known about the ancient Arabian Valley. We still don't know much about how our findings will help us understand ancient history. But it seems that it could change the global opinion about the early age. Source: BBC.

Note that Footy has been working in the ancient city of Petra in Jordan for many years. The most famous monuments of the Nabatayan civilization are located in this city. Rebecca Footie believes aerial archeology will be the key to exploring the civilization's mausoleum architecture, standing stones and other undiscovered sites. And if not, it will take years just to find them.