Poisoned hunting weapons, megafauna, and plant use at a 125,000-year-old Arabian paleolakeshore

After the African origin of Homo sapiens , multiple dispersals radiated into Asia, yet the Saharo-Arabian archaeological record remains sparse. In this study, we report on ‘Uruq Aljelibah, a Middle Paleolithic site dated to ~125,000 years ago (marine isotope stage 5e) and located on the shore of Mundafan paleolake, Saudi Arabia. Levallois assemblages, refits, and megafaunal associations indicate in situ tool production and carcass processing. Stone tool residues, use-wear, and biomarkers reveal animal and plant processing, including palms, tubers, trees, and shrubs. Several points exhibit impact damage and poison residues (from Acokanthera schimperi ), indicating use as hafted weapon tips within composite hunting systems. Megafaunal remains include hippopotamus, buffalo, gazelle, ostrich, and camel, illuminating hominin use of freshwater and grassland ecosystems.