In Saudi Arabia, archaeologists have discovered 4,500-year-old burial alleys as part of a large-scale study.
The find is an ancient network of roads along which the tombs are located and, most importantly, which until now have remained practically unexplored.
Large-scale research was initiated by employees of the University of Western Australia, having previously organized aerial photography from a helicopter, reports.
In addition, ground surveys and analysis of satellite images were carried out.
The work was carried out in the northwestern regions of Al-Ula and Khaibar. It is noteworthy that the local population knew about the archaeological heritage.
It was possible to assess the scale of the necropolis only thanks to satellite photography.
According to preliminary estimates, the alleys may extend for hundreds or thousands of kilometers.
The tombs are presented in the form of ring burials, made in the form of stone pyramids.
The structure was surrounded by a wall up to 2 meters high. There were also hanging tombs.
Archaeologists call the level of preservation of the find incredible, despite the fact that the object may have a 4,500-year history.
Individual and group burials are known, but so far only 80 graves have been selected and excavated for study.
Researchers do not rule out that the roads may lead to Yemen. Similar objects were discovered in northern Syria.
