توريخ الفن الصخري و بناء المشهد الطبيعي في المملكة العربية السعودية في فترات ما قبل التاريخ

Abstract

Dating rock art is one of the major challenges facing archaeologists since their discovery and recognition. Traditional methods have evolved throughout the twentieth century, from the study of overlays and stylization to the application of digital methods since the 1990s. In this paper, we aim to evaluate and publish a modern database of all currently available dates for prehistoric Saudi rock art sites. For this purpose, the article reviews the methods applied to date rock art through traditional and modern methods, and the problems affecting the results. Some scenes in rock art that are themselves used to support the dating of particular sites will also be discussed. Unfortunately, the majority of rock art sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are not dated with any modern techniques, and rely on comparison in formulating a cultural graphic tradition dating back to the known chronological periods during the prehistoric periods (Paleolithic, Neolithic...etc.) or economic traditions such as hunting, herding, etc. The research also seeks to address and provide answers to the problems facing the study of rock art in Saudi Arabia in order to establish a more reliable time frame.