Neanderthals ventured into ancient Saudi Arabia as lakes dotted the desert 55,000 years ago
A study using stone-flake analysis and luminosity dating of sites near Jubbah in the Nefud Desert places Neanderthal occupation in present-day Saudi Arabia around 55,000 years ago, suggesting a much wider and more adaptable range into Arabia as wetter, greener conditions prevailed; there are no bones or DNA found, so conclusions rely on artefact morphology and statistical comparisons to other sites.