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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

 

 
 

 
 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

IJO JOURNALS

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Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA
Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model

1. Dr. Eid Al-Yahya &    2. Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey

1. An anthropological researcher in the archeology and history of the Arabian Peninsula
2. Education Assistant,West Coast Secondary Education Support Centre (WCSESC) WA, Australia

Abstract:

The  astonishing  discoveries  of  hundreds  of  thousands  of  tombs,  varying  in 

shapes  and  sizes,  some  reaching  dimensions  of  hundreds  of  meters,  would

not  have  been  possible  without  the  profound  passion  and  immense  interest 

of  the  Saudi  field  researcher  and  anthropologist,  Dr.  Eid  Al-Yahya.  These 

intriguing tombs are expected to reshape our understanding of the history of 

the  Arabian  Peninsula  as a whole,  as  well as  the  history and civilization  of 

the  Kingdom  of  Saudi  Arabia  in  particular.  It  is  through  modern 

technologies  and  remote  imaging  using  advanced  technological  means  that 

the locations of these tombs have been identified.

Eid Al-Yahya harnessed these  possibilities to gather  information,  affirming 

it firsthand through multiple visits, which were not without difficulties and 

risks, especially considering that most of these tombs are situated atop vast

mountain peaks. Thus, this study represents the first discovery achieved by 

the  two  researchers  in  their  endeavor  to  draw  attention  to  such  intriguing 

discoveries of this kind. The study will rely on field images captured by the 

research  team,  in  addition  to  site  plans  of  the  tombs  using  top-view 

visualization  techniques  using  "Google  Earth."  The  patterns  and  designs  of 

these  tombs  will  be  analyzed,  including their  external  structures  and 

symbols of  religious or  general  life  significance found  in the oldest  writings 

recorded during the pictorial stage, also known as cuneiform writing, across 

the entire ancient Near East region and specifically in Mesopotamia.

  The tombs we are discussing and providing information about, especially 

in  the  land  of  the  Kingdom  of  Saudi  Arabia,  constitute  a  remarkable  and 

exciting  discovery  deserving  contemplation  and  study  because  they  are 

thousands of years older than the classified tombs mentioned above.

  In  this  in-depth  study,  we  will  attempt  to  shed  light  on  the  most 

significant  forms  and  designs  of  a  number  of  tombs,  explaining  their 

meanings  diligently  by  examining  the  indications  found  in  their  early 

shapes  and  drawings  in  the oldest  writings.  These  writings  provide



IJO- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research  

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model 

 
 

intriguing meanings and implications that deserve careful consideration; 

based on referencing specialized lexicons that clarify the origin of phonetic 

vocabulary, notably the French Mesopotamian Lexicon (MAD) by Labat R, 

titled 'Manuel D Épigraphie Akkadienne,' last published in 2002 in Paris. 

By returning to the visual origin and meaning of the term, we have found 

that it often aligns with the shape and design of these tombs. Moreover, 

based on the patterns and designs of the tombs and their implications in the 

pictorial phase of cuneiform writings, predominantly from the mid to late 

4th millennium BCE, we observe symbols and meanings that are closely 

tied to rituals, deities, tombs, and the realm of the afterlife. 

 

Keywords: Tombs, Mismary burial, Pictorial Symbols, Cuneiform Writing, 

Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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IJO-

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                             

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                           

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model

 

 

Chapter One: The Mismary (Nail

The pattern that was first named by researcher Eid Al

upon by both researchers is called the "Mismary" in Arabic language. This is 

because the tomb resembles a nail and ends with a tail. Initially, it was 

called the "Triangular Tomb with a Tail," but the more accurate name is the 

“Nail Tomb”, as it resembles the shape and description of the cuneiform 

sign, which is similar in shape, semantic significance, and usage in the 

Sumerian and Akkadian languages and all its branches in all stages of 

writing. This sign carries many important meanings and conn

including the number one, foot, sacred, the goddess Ishtar, and the god 

Ashur. Refer to the following table (Labat, 2022, p.43, no.1) (refer to Table 

1). 

Equivalent 

Pronunciation for t

Single Nail Shape in 

Sumerian

AŠ 

AŠ 

AŠ 

AŠ 

AŠ 

(Table -1-) A compilation of the horizontal and vertical cuneiform writings with several meanings 
that were mentioned in the famous glossary.
(Labat, R. 2002,No.1, p.41-42.) 

- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research  

                                                                                                                                                                      Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al

                                                                                                                  Volume 07 Issue 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model

 

Mismary (Nail-shaped/ Cuneiform)

The pattern that was first named by researcher Eid Al-

upon by both researchers is called the "Mismary" in Arabic language. This is 

because the tomb resembles a nail and ends with a tail. Initially, it was 

called the "Triangular Tomb with a Tail," but the more accurate name is the 

resembles the shape and description of the cuneiform 

sign, which is similar in shape, semantic significance, and usage in the 

Sumerian and Akkadian languages and all its branches in all stages of 

writing. This sign carries many important meanings and conn

including the number one, foot, sacred, the goddess Ishtar, and the god 

Ashur. Refer to the following table (Labat, 2022, p.43, no.1) (refer to Table 

Equivalent 
Pronunciation in 

Akkadian 
Cuneiform 

Equivalent 

Pronunciation for the 

Single Nail Shape in 

Sumerian 

išten 

šepu 

aširtu 

Ištar 

Aššur 

) A compilation of the horizontal and vertical cuneiform writings with several meanings 
in the famous glossary. 

 

Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model 

shaped/ Cuneiform)burial Pattern: 

-Yahya and agreed 

upon by both researchers is called the "Mismary" in Arabic language. This is 

because the tomb resembles a nail and ends with a tail. Initially, it was 

called the "Triangular Tomb with a Tail," but the more accurate name is the 

resembles the shape and description of the cuneiform 

sign, which is similar in shape, semantic significance, and usage in the 

Sumerian and Akkadian languages and all its branches in all stages of 

writing. This sign carries many important meanings and connotations, 

including the number one, foot, sacred, the goddess Ishtar, and the god 

Ashur. Refer to the following table (Labat, 2022, p.43, no.1) (refer to Table 

Arabic 

Meaning 

Number One  

Foot  

Sacred  

Goddess 

Ishtar  

God Ashur 

 
) A compilation of the horizontal and vertical cuneiform writings with several meanings 

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IJO-

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                             

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                           

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model

 

This Mismary (nail

design, the nail signs in the Mesopotamian writing system (cuneiform) and 

some writings of different neighboring civilizations from 

the Mesopotamian civilization. It is the shape and symbol that directly and 

accurately resembles the screw

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in other regions of the Arabian Peninsula 

(see Image 1, 2-). 

(Image -1-) Photographic images of various models of the 
an image of one of the tombs from the ground, taken from a location on the edge of Mount 
Tuwaiq in Al-Ghat and above Al
45°10'30.3"E. 

 (Image -2-) Examples of the Mismary
with the featured model taken from a site above the village of Al
surface of Mount Tuwaiq, at the following coordinates: 19°46'53.1"N 45°10'45.4"E / 19°47'07.8"N 
45°10'30.5"E.of Screw Burial Pattern in the Arabian Peninsula
 
 
 
 
 

- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research  

                                                                                                                                                                      Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al

                                                                                                                  Volume 07 Issue 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model

 

(nail-shaped) symbol indicates, in terms of shape and 

design, the nail signs in the Mesopotamian writing system (cuneiform) and 

some writings of different neighboring civilizations from 

the Mesopotamian civilization. It is the shape and symbol that directly and 

accurately resembles the screw-shaped burial discovered in several areas in 

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in other regions of the Arabian Peninsula 

) Photographic images of various models of the Mismary (nail-shaped) 
an image of one of the tombs from the ground, taken from a location on the edge of Mount 

Ghat and above Al-Fao, with coordinates: 26°05'22.9"N 44°56'44.1"E / 19°47'09.2"N 

) Examples of the Mismary (nail-shaped) tomb style across the Arabian Peninsula, 
with the featured model taken from a site above the village of Al-Fao (Kingdom of Al

Tuwaiq, at the following coordinates: 19°46'53.1"N 45°10'45.4"E / 19°47'07.8"N 
45°10'30.5"E.of Screw Burial Pattern in the Arabian Peninsula 

Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model 

shaped) symbol indicates, in terms of shape and 

design, the nail signs in the Mesopotamian writing system (cuneiform) and 

some writings of different neighboring civilizations from the languages of 

the Mesopotamian civilization. It is the shape and symbol that directly and 

shaped burial discovered in several areas in 

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in other regions of the Arabian Peninsula 

 
shaped) tomb along with 

an image of one of the tombs from the ground, taken from a location on the edge of Mount 
9"N 44°56'44.1"E / 19°47'09.2"N 

 
shaped) tomb style across the Arabian Peninsula, 

Fao (Kingdom of Al-Fao) on the 
Tuwaiq, at the following coordinates: 19°46'53.1"N 45°10'45.4"E / 19°47'07.8"N 

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IJO- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research  

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model 

 
 

Firstly - Description of the Screw Burial Pattern: 

The nail-shaped tomb style is spread over vast and diverse areas on 

the mountain surfaces, starting from northern Hadhramaut and reaching 

up to 'Al-Mustawi' and across the surfaces of most mountains. Among those 

that have been observed, there are immense numbers that extend from the 

south of Mount 'Tuwaiq', for instance, the following coordinates: 

(24°56'50.0"N 45°59'31.4"E). That majestic crescent-shaped mountain 

pierces through the Najd plateau in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula for 

over 800 kilometers until it meets the sands of the Empty Quarter desert, 

where it disappears buried under the sands. It continues to the northern 

ends of 'Tuwaiq', then into the 'Al-Mustawi' desert in Al-Qassim. This 

includes areas that are counted among them 'Al-Ghat, Al-Zulfi, and Al-

Qassim', both to the north and south, east and west. (Refer to Map Number -

1-). 

 
(Map-1-) Archaeological and geographical sites in Arabian Peninsula  

Through observation, it is evident that the sizes and lengths of these 

burials vary, particularly in the length or shortness of the tail end of the 

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IJO-

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                             

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                           

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model

 

screw, but they are similar in terms of the overall design. Specialists 

estimated the age of these burials to be around 8,000 BCE at the very least, 

especially for the burials discovered in the western part of the Rub' al Khali 

desert, where the initial desertifi

discovery of stone tools such as grinders, scrapers, and arrowheads near 

these burials (Image 3) suggests that they belong to the ancient Stone Age, 

which can be classified as the third stage of the Old Stone Age 

the renowned archaeologist Seton Lloyd. He considered the period between 

30,000 and 12,000 years ago to be the stage that witnessed significant 

changes at the end of the Pleistocene epoch (Lloyd, 1993, p. 28). These 

traces were discovered more

Levant and northern Mesopotamia, while the Arabian Peninsula remained 

beyond the reach of explorers and excavators. Therefore, it is high time to 

study and uncover these sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whic

likely parallel to those eras in the Eastern countries, if not older.

(Image -3-) Stone Scraper and Arrowhead discovered near one of the screw burials in the Rub' al 
Khali (Researcher Eid Al-Yahya)

 

It is worth mentioning that remains of skeletal

observed in the burial chamber at the head corner of the triangle, arranged 

in a squatting position. This burial style, known as the squatting position, 

was later identified in several burials in the ancient Near Eastern 

civilizations, dating back to long periods, including the Stone Age sites in 

northern Mesopotamia and the Sumerian burials from the early 3rd 

millennium BCE, such as the “Abu Salabikh” burial near the ancient city of 

Nippur in southern Mesopotamia (refer to Image 4).

- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research  

                                                                                                                                                                      Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al

                                                                                                                  Volume 07 Issue 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model

 

but they are similar in terms of the overall design. Specialists 

estimated the age of these burials to be around 8,000 BCE at the very least, 

especially for the burials discovered in the western part of the Rub' al Khali 

desert, where the initial desertification of the Arabian Peninsula began. The 

discovery of stone tools such as grinders, scrapers, and arrowheads near 

these burials (Image 3) suggests that they belong to the ancient Stone Age, 

which can be classified as the third stage of the Old Stone Age 

the renowned archaeologist Seton Lloyd. He considered the period between 

30,000 and 12,000 years ago to be the stage that witnessed significant 

changes at the end of the Pleistocene epoch (Lloyd, 1993, p. 28). These 

traces were discovered more than a century ago in various parts of the 

Levant and northern Mesopotamia, while the Arabian Peninsula remained 

beyond the reach of explorers and excavators. Therefore, it is high time to 

study and uncover these sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whic

likely parallel to those eras in the Eastern countries, if not older.

) Stone Scraper and Arrowhead discovered near one of the screw burials in the Rub' al 
Yahya) 

It is worth mentioning that remains of skeletal

observed in the burial chamber at the head corner of the triangle, arranged 

in a squatting position. This burial style, known as the squatting position, 

was later identified in several burials in the ancient Near Eastern 

ing back to long periods, including the Stone Age sites in 

northern Mesopotamia and the Sumerian burials from the early 3rd 

millennium BCE, such as the “Abu Salabikh” burial near the ancient city of 

Nippur in southern Mesopotamia (refer to Image 4). 

Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model 

but they are similar in terms of the overall design. Specialists 

estimated the age of these burials to be around 8,000 BCE at the very least, 

especially for the burials discovered in the western part of the Rub' al Khali 

cation of the Arabian Peninsula began. The 

discovery of stone tools such as grinders, scrapers, and arrowheads near 

these burials (Image 3) suggests that they belong to the ancient Stone Age, 

which can be classified as the third stage of the Old Stone Age according to 

the renowned archaeologist Seton Lloyd. He considered the period between 

30,000 and 12,000 years ago to be the stage that witnessed significant 

changes at the end of the Pleistocene epoch (Lloyd, 1993, p. 28). These 

than a century ago in various parts of the 

Levant and northern Mesopotamia, while the Arabian Peninsula remained 

beyond the reach of explorers and excavators. Therefore, it is high time to 

study and uncover these sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are 

likely parallel to those eras in the Eastern countries, if not older. 

 

) Stone Scraper and Arrowhead discovered near one of the screw burials in the Rub' al 

It is worth mentioning that remains of skeletal structures were 

observed in the burial chamber at the head corner of the triangle, arranged 

in a squatting position. This burial style, known as the squatting position, 

was later identified in several burials in the ancient Near Eastern 

ing back to long periods, including the Stone Age sites in 

northern Mesopotamia and the Sumerian burials from the early 3rd 

millennium BCE, such as the “Abu Salabikh” burial near the ancient city of 

IJO JOURNALS

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IJO- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research  

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model 

 
 

 

 
(Image -4-) Skeletal structure in the position of a fetal burial, found in a tomb from the 

site of Abu Al-Salabikh, southern Iraq, as cited in Jeremy B and Anthony G, 2004, p.99. 

The same burial position as mentioned above was discovered in the 

egg-shaped tombs in the state of Kuwait, including tomb number KH3, 

recently uncovered at the Al-Sabiyah site (see Image -5-). The burial 

position is characterized by the 'fetal' or 'curled up' posture, resembling the 

position of a fetus in the womb, anticipating birth. Just as the deceased 

hopes to return to life after death. 

 
(Image -5-) Skeletal remains in the fetal position from the Al-Sabiyah site, cited in: Sultan 

Al-Duwish, 2015, p.147. 

It is worth mentioning that this method became widespread during the 

5th, 4th, and 3rd centuries BCE in the Arabian Peninsula as well as beyond 

its borders. For instance, at the 'Jebel Al-Buhais' site in the United Arab 

Emirates, collective graves in the fetal position were uncovered (Hanspeter, 

2006, p.76). Even in Egypt, within the graves of the 'Naqada' and 'Badari' 

civilizations, the fetal burial position was found (Jeffrey Spencer, 1999, 

p.34). Similar burials were discovered in the 'Dilmun' graves in Bahrain 

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IJO-

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                             

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                           

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model

 

(Muawiya Ibrahim, 1982, p.22). This burial practice of the fetal p

migrated over time, especially during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, to the 

eastern regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in what is known as the 

'Dilmun' civilization (Abdulaziz Suwailih, 2019, p.128). A notable example of 

this is the vast number of discovered graves in Bahrain (see Image Number 

-6-), which indicates the cultural influence of the ancient burial practice in 

the Arabian Peninsula. This also applies to the Dhahran graves in the 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Al

all adopted this burial position from the older and larger form, namely the 

nail-shaped burial. 

(Image -6-) One of the tombs in the Dilmun burial mounds in Bahrain, illustrating the 

burial positions in the classification of Dilmun civiliz

Suwailih, 2019, p.128, Plate 85.

 

It is likely that this burial position originated based on the nature of 

life in open spaces (Bedouin lifestyle), which is a characteristic of the 

Arabian Peninsula for a long time. The

the most comfortable sitting or sleeping position, involves folding the body 

to resemble the position of a fetus in the womb. This position prevailed in 

the burial after death (Rida Jawad Al

The burial method seems to have taken similar forms since ancient 

times until historical periods in most cases in many regions and parts of the 

ancient Near East. This indicates that it may have originated from a 

common origin and that there was similarity in

- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research  

                                                                                                                                                                      Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al

                                                                                                                  Volume 07 Issue 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model

 

(Muawiya Ibrahim, 1982, p.22). This burial practice of the fetal p

migrated over time, especially during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, to the 

eastern regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in what is known as the 

'Dilmun' civilization (Abdulaziz Suwailih, 2019, p.128). A notable example of 

of discovered graves in Bahrain (see Image Number 

), which indicates the cultural influence of the ancient burial practice in 

the Arabian Peninsula. This also applies to the Dhahran graves in the 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Al-Mughnim, 1987, p.215), sugge

all adopted this burial position from the older and larger form, namely the 

) One of the tombs in the Dilmun burial mounds in Bahrain, illustrating the 

burial positions in the classification of Dilmun civilization graves, according to Abdulaziz 

Suwailih, 2019, p.128, Plate 85. 

It is likely that this burial position originated based on the nature of 

life in open spaces (Bedouin lifestyle), which is a characteristic of the 

Arabian Peninsula for a long time. The Bedouin reclining position, which is 

the most comfortable sitting or sleeping position, involves folding the body 

to resemble the position of a fetus in the womb. This position prevailed in 

the burial after death (Rida Jawad Al-Hashimi, 1984, p. 118).

burial method seems to have taken similar forms since ancient 

times until historical periods in most cases in many regions and parts of the 

ancient Near East. This indicates that it may have originated from a 

common origin and that there was similarity in religious beliefs, which must 

Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model 

(Muawiya Ibrahim, 1982, p.22). This burial practice of the fetal position 

migrated over time, especially during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, to the 

eastern regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in what is known as the 

'Dilmun' civilization (Abdulaziz Suwailih, 2019, p.128). A notable example of 

of discovered graves in Bahrain (see Image Number 

), which indicates the cultural influence of the ancient burial practice in 

the Arabian Peninsula. This also applies to the Dhahran graves in the 

Mughnim, 1987, p.215), suggesting that they 

all adopted this burial position from the older and larger form, namely the 

 
) One of the tombs in the Dilmun burial mounds in Bahrain, illustrating the 

ation graves, according to Abdulaziz 

It is likely that this burial position originated based on the nature of 

life in open spaces (Bedouin lifestyle), which is a characteristic of the 

Bedouin reclining position, which is 

the most comfortable sitting or sleeping position, involves folding the body 

to resemble the position of a fetus in the womb. This position prevailed in 

Hashimi, 1984, p. 118). 

burial method seems to have taken similar forms since ancient 

times until historical periods in most cases in many regions and parts of the 

ancient Near East. This indicates that it may have originated from a 

religious beliefs, which must 

IJO JOURNALS

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IJO- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research  

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model 

 
 

have spread from a central hub in similar geographical areas, and then 

spread for various reasons such as trade, wars, and migrations (Rashid Al-

Nazouri, 1969, p. 53). However, its original homeland is one, and is 

associated with the concept of the earliest settlements, which is the Arabian 

Peninsula. 

As is well known, tombs vary from one individual to another based on 

social, religious, and relative wealth status. The degree of this variation 

affects the construction of the tomb. Moreover, tombs significantly differ 

over time and place. Regarding the nail-shaped tombs, it is likely that they 

were used for individuals of high stature, great wealth, and social and 

religious prominence. This is especially evident when we consider, for 

example, the model referred to as the 'Yellow Desert Level Tomb' in the 

Shamasiyah area northwest of Riyadh, with coordinates 25°56'38.9"N 

44°35'42.9"E (see images -7- and -8-). In this tomb, the burial chamber for 

the prominent individual, likely of high social standng, is located at the 

head, with several smaller tombs on the sides. 

 

(Image -7-) A close-up image of the Mismary(nail-shaped) tomb showing smaller tombs at the Al-

Mistawi site, captured by the 'On the Trail of the Arabs' team during the seventh season. The 

coordinates are as follows: 25°56'38.9"N 44°35'42.9"E. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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IJO- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research  

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model 

 
 

 
(Image -8-) The burial chamber for the head of the Mismary(nail-shaped) tomb and the paved 

stones of the structural layout in the Al-Mistawi tomb, captured by the 'On the Trail of the Arabs' 

team during the seventh season. The coordinates are as follows: 25°56'38.9"N 44°35'42.9"E. 

However, it is worth mentioning that no surveys or excavations have 

been conducted on these tombs so far. The credit for bringing attention to 

these tombs is often attributed to the famous program "On the Trail of the 

Arabs" on Al Arabiya channel, hosted by Eid Al-Yahya. (For example, see 

Episode 9 of the seventh expedition "On the Mountain Tops - December 

2021") 

 [Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlyJcFzUQlc] 

For further description of the tomb, starting from the head of the 

triangle is the main burial, and the head is formed by a triangle tightened 

with stones fixed between the burial chambers. The remaining stones are 

laid out to form a straight line that ends where the tail ends, resembling the 

way cuneiform script melts into the clay of the nail impression. It is 

important to note that the screw burial, which is usually the primary burial, 

is accompanied by several smaller burials along the tail. These burials are 

in the form of smaller clusters approaching the triangle. A distinctive model 

was recently discovered and examined by researcher Eid Al-Yahya near 

“Ghadeer Rawawah” in Madinah, and the burial remains well-preserved 

due to its construction on top of volcanic lava away from tampering and 

destruction. ((Image -9-) The coordinates of the site are: 24°06'59.2"N 

39°36'17.9"E. 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlyJcFzUQlc


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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model 

 
 

 

 

"(Image -9-) Aerial image of the Mismary(nail-shaped) tomb on the surface of volcanic lava near 

Ghadeer Rawawa in Al-Madinah, The coordinates are clearly indicated in the aerial image." 

 

Secondly- The symbol of the “Mismary” (Nail-shaped / wedge) tomb 

and its connection to the most important deities of Mesopotamia: 

The significance of the nail-shaped symbol, which is the prevalent 

design of the oldest tombs in the Arabian Peninsula, lies in its later 

adoption as symbols for important deities in Mesopotamia after the 

population migrated from the Arabian Peninsula to Mesopotamia (Taha 

Baqir, 1949, pp. 132-133). They established what became known as the 

successive civilizations of Mesopotamia. Among the most important of these 

deities and their association with the nail-shaped pattern symbol are as 

follows:" 

 

1- The goddess Inanna-Ishtar: 

She was not an ordinary deity but rather revered and considered one 

of the most important female deities. She was seen as the cherished 

daughter of the sky by the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, including the 

Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians (Lambert W G, 2004, 

pp.35-39)  ،  She was also revered as a celestial deity with her centre in the 

sky in most other civilizations in the Levant and Anatolia, known as "Ištar" 

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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

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in Semitic languages(Volkert Haas,1979,p.401). In Sumerian, she was 

pronounced as "Innana / Innin" (Labat R, no.103, p.85) She represented the 

planet Venus, the bright shining star in the crowded Arabian Peninsula sky. 

Her radiant brilliance made her the most prominent star among the others, 

and most of the inhabitants of the East and the Arabian Peninsula 

considered her and other celestial bodies as heavenly deities. Ishtar, with 

her beautiful star, frequented by lovers, became the most famous star with a 

similar name in various regions and languages, such as "Sitareh" in 

Persian, "Astron" in Greek, and "Astrum" in Roman, and from the latter 

name, the scientific terms for astrology and astronomy were derived 

(Abdulhak Fadhil, 1972, p. 197). 

In the Arabian Peninsula, where civilization and the first humans 

originated, the people referred to Inanna-Aštar by names similar in 

pronunciation across various branches of the mother Arabic language 

(Jazirah dialect). These names include 'Aštar' among the Akkadians, 

Babylonians, and Assyrians who migrated from the Arabian Peninsula to 

Mesopotamia, 'Aštarūt' among the inhabitants of north-western Arabia 

(Phoenicians), '‘Uthār' and '‘Uthtar' among the Arameans, and '‘Ushīra' 

among the Canaanites. In southern Arabia, this celestial deity was called 

'‘Īthtar' among the Himyarites and '‘Uthtar' among the ancient Abyssinians. 

All these terms open the door to interpretation, leading us to hypothesize 

that the origin of the name for this deity, regardless of its gender, lies in the 

Arabian Peninsula. The dual form is an ancient ethnonym for all the names 

mentioned above. It is likely that the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, who were 

of Arabian origin, carried with them the name of the goddess 'Aštar' along 

with her symbols to their new civilizations (Abdulhak Fadhil, 1972, p.198). 

Similarly, the sacred symbol of the nail-headed tomb's design, associated 

with the people of the Arabian Peninsula and their elite, migrated to 

Mesopotamia, becoming a written symbol for the most prominent female 

deity (Figure 1). Simultaneously, it became a symbol for the oldest form of 

writing discovered in Sumer, known as cuneiform writing (Falkenstein A, 

1936, pp. 66-72). It is not coincidental that the earliest cuneiform tablets of 

the Sumerian language, in its pictorial stage, were discovered in the fourth 

layer of the temple of the goddess 'Aštar' at the end of the fourth millennium 

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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

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BCE (Fales, F.M and Postgate, J.N. 1997, pp. 36-39). It is worth mentioning 

that the possibility of the presence of the Jazirah people in Mesopotamia 

predates the Sumerians' establishment in the southern part of 

Mesopotamia. In this regard, the researcher 'Abdulhak' states, 'We believe 

that the Akkadians... had an earlier presence in Mesopotamia than the 

Sumerians, as migrations from the heart of the Arabian Peninsula did not 

start after the Sumerians but before them by tens of centuries.' (Abdulhak 

Fadhil, 1972, p. 198)." 

2- The god Ashur: 

The second deity associated in form, meaning, and even design with 

the nail-headed tomb is the god Ashur. As we mentioned earlier, the most 

prominent term for him in the Sumerian language is 'Aš,' and its symbol 

was represented as a vertical nail in the pictorial writing stage and then 

horizontally in later stages (Figure 1). The meanings of this symbol include 

'one,' 'eternal,' and also 'sacred' (Labat R, 2002, p. 43). In the Jazirah Arabic 

dialect, which is one of the ancient Arabic dialects, the corresponding term 

is likely to be 'Aššur' (aš - šur), always preceded by the divine determinative 

symbol. The word 'Aššur' in Arabic has multiple meanings, including 'a 

sharp object used for cutting.' In literature, the term 'Ašir' refers to a person 

whose teeth are sharp and polished, as mentioned by Ibn Manzur as 

'Āshirah' (Ibn Manzur, vol. 2, p. 85). In dictionaries, the term 'Aššur' is 

associated with cutting and with the sword, specifically the edge of the 

sword (Ibrahim Anis et al., vol. 2, 1973, p. 788). These terms and their 

meanings may indeed have a connection, in one way or another, with the 

symbols of the god Ashur, namely the sword and the serrated dagger (The 

Assyrian Dictionary “CAD,” R, p. 49). The aforementioned descriptions 

prompt us to establish a connection between the external form of the stone 

paving in the construction of the nail-headed tomb, which starts with the 

triangular head and harmoniously extends to the tail of the nail (Figure 1 

and 2). 

Due to the importance of this god and his symbol, which we have 

compared to the form and design of the nail-studded tomb, he was 

considered the primary deity of the Assyrians who migrated from the 

Arabian Peninsula, being one of the oldest Semitic tribes known in ancient 

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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

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references (Ahmed Sosa, 1983, p. 227). They settled in northern 

Mesopotamia, like the Amorites, considering him the first war god in the 

belief of the inhabitants of Mesopotamia. They also regarded him as the 

creator of the universe and the father of the gods in the pantheon of deities 

in the city of Ashur, which was named after him. He was given the greatest 

titles as a deity other than Allah, including "Lord of the World," "Creator," 

"Organizer of the Universe," and "Protector of the Gods" (Oppenheim, 1981, 

p. 249). It is known that he gathered all the gods of Babylon and placed 

them under his authority to become the ruler of the gods and the head of the 

pantheon in the northern part of Mesopotamia (Abdul Qadir Al-Obaidi, 

2019, p. 11). Thus, he is the national shepherd and protector of the 

Assyrian-Arabians and the god of the universe in their beliefs (Somervill, 

2010, p. 122). Therefore, it is not surprising that this symbol carries the 

attribute of sanctity for the dead buried in a tomb designed with the nail 

sign symbolizing the mentioned god. 

 

Section Two - The Asifanian (wedge) Tomb Style: 

Usually, the nail-headed style is often accompanied by another style 

that is less widespread but more ancient, known as the 'Asfīnī' style. 

Distinguishing between the two styles is not easy except for specialists, as 

they appear quite similar at first glance. These two styles are found in the 

region of the Najd Plateau, ranging from its southernmost part to the 

northern region of Hadhramaut and to the north of Najd in 'Hail.' These two 

styles are rarely found outside the central and southern parts of the Arabian 

Peninsula. The most prominent area for the Asfīnī style is 'Hart Albuqum,' 

and this type of tomb has been clearly identified using aerial photography 

techniques and with the specified location data and coordinates, northwest 

of (21°05'01.1"N 41°39'00.8"E), near the village of 'Al-Hashrj' in the city of 

'Turabah'. 

The displayed model below, atop 'Farda Dalfaa' Mountain, east of the 

'Ranieh' Governorate, facing the well-known 'Dalfa' Mountain, upon field 

observation, revealed to us that the Asfīnī tomb model in our possession 

(Refer Image -10-) is one of the smallest tombs in terms of size. One of the 

residents of the city of 'Ranyah,'Mr. Saad Abdullah HimeelQutnanAlsubaie', 

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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                             

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                           

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an enthusiast and amateur, took photographs of the tomb and measured its 

dimensions, which were as follows: 40 meters in length, from the end of the 

tail to the tip of the triangular head, and then 16 meters in length to its 

upper end. This makes the total length 56 meters. Th

its head was 8 meters and 1 meter at the tail. According to the following 

coordinates: 21°08'05.2"N 43°12'43.6"E (Refer to Image 

(Image -10-) Asfīnī tomb model atop 'Farda Dalfaa' Mountain, east of the 'Ranyah' 

in the Makkah region, captured by 'Mr. Saad Abdullah HimeelQutnanAlsubaie's camera.

(Image -11-) The Asfīnī tomb next to the circular tomb on 'Farda Dalfaa' Mountain, 

approximately 50 kilometers east of the city of 

21°08'04.1"N 43°12'42.9"E. 

 

 

- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research  

                                                                                                                                                                      Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al

                                                                                                                  Volume 07 Issue 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model

 

teur, took photographs of the tomb and measured its 

dimensions, which were as follows: 40 meters in length, from the end of the 

tail to the tip of the triangular head, and then 16 meters in length to its 

upper end. This makes the total length 56 meters. The width of the tomb at 

its head was 8 meters and 1 meter at the tail. According to the following 

coordinates: 21°08'05.2"N 43°12'43.6"E (Refer to Image -10&11

 

) Asfīnī tomb model atop 'Farda Dalfaa' Mountain, east of the 'Ranyah' 

in the Makkah region, captured by 'Mr. Saad Abdullah HimeelQutnanAlsubaie's camera.

 

) The Asfīnī tomb next to the circular tomb on 'Farda Dalfaa' Mountain, 

approximately 50 kilometers east of the city of  'Ranyah', with the following coordinates: 

Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model 

teur, took photographs of the tomb and measured its 

dimensions, which were as follows: 40 meters in length, from the end of the 

tail to the tip of the triangular head, and then 16 meters in length to its 

e width of the tomb at 

its head was 8 meters and 1 meter at the tail. According to the following 

10&11-). 

) Asfīnī tomb model atop 'Farda Dalfaa' Mountain, east of the 'Ranyah' Governorate, 

in the Makkah region, captured by 'Mr. Saad Abdullah HimeelQutnanAlsubaie's camera. 

) The Asfīnī tomb next to the circular tomb on 'Farda Dalfaa' Mountain, 

wing coordinates: 

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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                             

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                           

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"Perhaps the clearest image of the Asfīnī tomb is the one discovered in 

the 'Al-Hushrj' area (refer to Image 

by the researcher Eid Al-

20°57'36.8"N 41°36'47.8"E. Another model is found in the city of 'Turabah' 

with the following coordinates: 21°05'01.2"N 41°39'00.6"E.

(Image -11.A-) The Asfīnī Tomb in Al

41°36'47.8"E. 

 

To differentiate between the Asfīnī (wedge) and Mismary (cuneiform) 

burials, the latter has a precisely triangular head in all cuneiform burials, 

while the wedge, which comes from the word wedge and its synonym is 

chisel, follows a unilateral system. It is co

most used on stone in Assyrian cuneiform writing in northern Mesopotamia, 

where the mountainous regions are, while we find non

more commonly used in writing on soft clay among the rest of the peoples of 

Mesopotamia. We can guess that the proportion of Assyrians compared to 

the rest of the peoples of Mesopotamian civilization constitutes only a 

modest number compared to the rest of the peoples of the Sumerian, 

Akkadian, and Babylonian, and that they like the re

Peninsula  peoples, were displaced from the Arabian Peninsula early in the 

fourth and third millennium BC, and perhaps later than that. “That is, 

since the end of the Pleistocene and the end of the Palaeolithic,” in the 

words of Taha Baqir (Taha Baqir, 1949, p.132). Through statistics on the 

number of burials of the Asfini style, we find that the number is less than 

that of the cuneiform type burials. Perhaps those who were displaced from 

the Arabian Peninsula and were later known as the Ass

who used the Asfini burials, so the use of writing with the Asfini pen was 

- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research  

                                                                                                                                                                      Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al

                                                                                                                  Volume 07 Issue 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model

 

"Perhaps the clearest image of the Asfīnī tomb is the one discovered in 

Hushrj' area (refer to Image -11.A-) through aerial survey conducted 

-Yahya, with the following coordinates

20°57'36.8"N 41°36'47.8"E. Another model is found in the city of 'Turabah' 

with the following coordinates: 21°05'01.2"N 41°39'00.6"E.

 
) The Asfīnī Tomb in Al-Hushrj, with the following coordinates: 20°57'36.8"N 

differentiate between the Asfīnī (wedge) and Mismary (cuneiform) 

burials, the latter has a precisely triangular head in all cuneiform burials, 

while the wedge, which comes from the word wedge and its synonym is 

chisel, follows a unilateral system. It is common that the wedge nail is the 

most used on stone in Assyrian cuneiform writing in northern Mesopotamia, 

where the mountainous regions are, while we find non

more commonly used in writing on soft clay among the rest of the peoples of 

otamia. We can guess that the proportion of Assyrians compared to 

the rest of the peoples of Mesopotamian civilization constitutes only a 

modest number compared to the rest of the peoples of the Sumerian, 

Akkadian, and Babylonian, and that they like the re

Peninsula  peoples, were displaced from the Arabian Peninsula early in the 

fourth and third millennium BC, and perhaps later than that. “That is, 

since the end of the Pleistocene and the end of the Palaeolithic,” in the 

(Taha Baqir, 1949, p.132). Through statistics on the 

number of burials of the Asfini style, we find that the number is less than 

that of the cuneiform type burials. Perhaps those who were displaced from 

the Arabian Peninsula and were later known as the Assyrians were the ones 

who used the Asfini burials, so the use of writing with the Asfini pen was 

Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

Archaeological Discoveries of Burials in KSA Shape and Symbolic Meaning to the Mismary burial pattern as a model 

"Perhaps the clearest image of the Asfīnī tomb is the one discovered in 

) through aerial survey conducted 

Yahya, with the following coordinates: 

20°57'36.8"N 41°36'47.8"E. Another model is found in the city of 'Turabah' 

with the following coordinates: 21°05'01.2"N 41°39'00.6"E. 

 
Hushrj, with the following coordinates: 20°57'36.8"N 

differentiate between the Asfīnī (wedge) and Mismary (cuneiform) 

burials, the latter has a precisely triangular head in all cuneiform burials, 

while the wedge, which comes from the word wedge and its synonym is 

mmon that the wedge nail is the 

most used on stone in Assyrian cuneiform writing in northern Mesopotamia, 

where the mountainous regions are, while we find non-wedge cuneiform 

more commonly used in writing on soft clay among the rest of the peoples of 

otamia. We can guess that the proportion of Assyrians compared to 

the rest of the peoples of Mesopotamian civilization constitutes only a 

modest number compared to the rest of the peoples of the Sumerian, 

Akkadian, and Babylonian, and that they like the rest of the other 

Peninsula  peoples, were displaced from the Arabian Peninsula early in the 

fourth and third millennium BC, and perhaps later than that. “That is, 

since the end of the Pleistocene and the end of the Palaeolithic,” in the 

(Taha Baqir, 1949, p.132). Through statistics on the 

number of burials of the Asfini style, we find that the number is less than 

that of the cuneiform type burials. Perhaps those who were displaced from 

yrians were the ones 

who used the Asfini burials, so the use of writing with the Asfini pen was 

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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

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the most appropriate in their new environment in comparison. Using the 

cuneiform in the environment of the rest of the Mesopotamian peoples, 

where clay and water are naturally available in central and southern 

Mesopotamia. What is surprising is that when the Assyrians expanded as a 

political authority to other geographical regions, they adopted the cuneiform 

pen, but the use of the Asfini remained in their original environment, 

Assyria, especially in writing on stones and metals. This is further proof 

that the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Akkadians all come from the same 

source, which is the Arabian Peninsula. 

 

Findings and Conclusion: 

The discovery of Saudi Arabian tombs is an intriguing subject that is 
expected to change much of the information about the history of the Arabian 
Peninsula in general, and the history and civilization of Saudi Arabia in 
particular. To achieve this, we embarked on this comprehensive study, the 
first of its kind, in an effort to draw attention to such significant discoveries. 

Throughout most of Saudi Arabia, there are large collections of stone 
tombs with unique layouts, designs, and distinctive architecture. Some are 
concentrated in specific regions, numbering in the thousands. This 
phenomenon appears as if each region has its own unique features, with 
various patterns and forms carrying ambiguous and intriguing meanings 
simultaneously. 

In this study, we shed light on the forms and designs of tombs, 
elucidating their significance and symbols by revisiting the symbols and 
meanings of ancient pictorial writings of peoples who originally inhabited 
the Arabian Peninsula before their migrations and civilizations. These 
cultures formed new civilizations in their final settlements. By this, we 
mean the cuneiform writing symbols in their pictorial context, which 
provided us with compelling meanings and implications that often align 
with the overall shape and design of the tomb. They also conveyed meanings 
and connotations related to the purpose of constructing tombs and their 
connection to the afterlife, as well as the belief in the safety of the souls of 
tomb occupants. This is reflected in the choice of designs that harmonize 
with the symbols of many deities that the tomb owners believed would 
protect them if they designed their tombs in the same pattern and symbol as 
their preferred deity. 

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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

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We have drawn our unique conclusion about the distinctive connection 
between the design patterns of tombs and their pictorial shape and 
meaning, based on our understanding that the origins of the earliest 
Mesopotamian inhabitants were largely from the Arabian Peninsula and the 
Arabian Gulf, according to historians and archaeologists. It is important to 
note that this original homeland constitutes a vast repository for the peoples 
of the Ancient Near East in general, not just the peoples of Mesopotamia. 
Most historians and anthropologists agree that migrations from the Arabian 
Peninsula to various parts of the Ancient Near East began in ancient times, 
not limited to the end of the Ice Ages and the Early Stone Ages. 

The withdrawal of the last Ice Age around 10,000 BCE led to drought 

in parts of the Middle East, especially in the Arabian Peninsula. This 

climate change caused many Arabian Peninsula peoples to leave their 

original homeland in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula and spread to areas 

outside of it to the north and east. Among these peoples were the 

Akkadians, who left the Arabian Peninsula and settled in the Fertile 

Crescent and the valleys of the Levant. They settled in the Fertile Crescent 

and the valleys of the Levant. They settled in the central and northern parts 

of Mesopotamia, establishing the first and oldest empire in history. They 

made the city of Akkad their capital, hence they were named the Akkadians. 

We relied on their language and cuneiform writings to understand the 

meanings of the terms related to the forms and designs of tomb patterns 

depicted in pictorial cuneiform writings. 

Through the study, the following points have become evident: 

 Despite not reaching a final conclusion on the date and period of 

construction of the tombs, our field observations of the ancient 

findings, whether they are stone fragments (as seen in the depicted 

cuneiform tomb) or stone sickles (as seen in the S-shaped tomb), 

suggest that these tools were commonly made and used during the 

Stone Ages. These ages transitioned into the Bronze Age around 4000 

BCE in the Arabian Peninsula (Peter Magee, 2014).The initial 

exploration and excavation work in a burials in Safra Al-Meastwe, 

which was carried out by a team from the Saudi Antiquities Authority 

and with cognitive and field support from Eid Al-Yahya, and then with 

material and moral support from Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Sunaidi, 

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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

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laboratory results proved the bones in one of the cemeteries, which 

was designated by the number “Ms. 160.2 / 160.3" after it was sent for 

laboratory examination in Florida, America” (An ISO/17025:2005 

Accredited Testing Laboratory - BETR- Radiocarbon Dating, june 

2016), Which was published in the same year (Aldughairi A,2016) 

indicated that the bones could potentially date back to more than 

20,000 years and the collagen substance in the sample was not 

sufficient to show an accurate history of the sample, and the report 

explained the reason for this that the collagen substance, through 

which the date of the sample is revealed, does not give an accurate 

result for a sample that is more than 20 thousand years old 

(Aldughairi A, 2016, p.26). 
 The majority of the tombs are located in volcanic highlands and 

plateaus, making access difficult. It is challenging to accept that the 

builders of these tombs were inhabitants facing harsh living 

conditions, yet they managed to construct tombs using thousands of 

massive volcanic rocks, some weighing up to half a ton or more. This 

implies that these individuals lived in abundant conditions with ample 

food resources, whether from animals or abundant plant life. This 

echoes back to the period of the Arabian savanna, where food was 

abundant, allowing for creative tomb construction. This period is 

known as the Holocene Humid Period (HHP) in the Arabian 

Peninsula, occurring from around 8000 to 4000 BCE, before the onset 

of desertification (Matthew et al., 2022; Engel et al., 2012; Petraglia et 

al., 2020; Preston & Parker, 2013). Therefore, it is unlikely that a 

person would build a personal or collective burial ground hundreds of 

meters long, using thousands of huge rocks, and with a precise and 

precise design, on the roofs of mountains and in volcanic heats, while 

he was in a period of drought and desertification in which water and 

food were scarce and not easy to obtain, so that he could live a life in 

which he thought about building such burial places. 

 The study revealed that the people of the Arabian Peninsula were 

concerned with the afterlife, as evidenced by the various tomb designs 

that align with individual or familial beliefs. The choice of design 

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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

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harmonizes with the symbol of the worshipped deity or the concept of 

the desired afterlife. 

 The study highlights distinctive tomb patterns with staggering 

numbers, as well as variations in patterns, nomenclature, quantity, 

distribution, and meaning. These patterns are connected to their 

meanings through the design and symbolism of ancient languages. 

 In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for collaborative 

scientific efforts by local researchers from specialized national 

universities to study these tomb patterns individually, following 

specialized archaeological excavations. This is particularly important 

given the strong support from the Saudi leadership in showcasing the 

heritage and civilization of Saudi Arabia, stemming from the 

understanding that the Arabian Peninsula is the cradle of humanity, a 

land of prophets, and the chosen land of God. This sentiment is 

expressed in ancient Egyptian writings, referring to the as "God's 

Land" (Dougherty, 1932). It is also the land of revelation and the final 

prophet, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). 

 

 

References English: 

- Johandi, A. (2021). The Identity of Martu (dMAR.TU) in the Ur 

III Period. Studia Antiqua et Archaeologica, 27(2). 

- Braidwood, R., & Braidwood, L. (1950). Jarmo - A village of early 

Farmers on Iraq. Antiquity, 24, Bagdhad. 

- Braidwood, R., et al. (1954). The Iraq- Jarmo Project. SUMMER, 

10. 

- Burnand, C. (1991). La Coupe et le Serpent. Presses 

Universitaires de Nancy. 

- Cirlot, J. E. (1967). A Dictionary of Symbols. London. 

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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

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( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

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IJO- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research  

( ISSN 2811-2466 )                                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Qusay Mansoor Al- Turkey   * 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                                                                                                                                        Volume 07 Issue 03 || March, 2024 || 

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