Jebel Sahaba

Jebel Sahaba, located in the Nile Valley near the Sudan-Egypt border, is a prehistoric cemetery site that provides the earliest known evidence of systemic intergroup violence. Associated with the Qadan culture, the site dates back to approximately the 12th millennium BCE, during the Upper Paleolithic period. Archaeological findings indicate a series of sporadic and recurrent violent encounters, likely driven by climate change-induced resource scarcity. The remains of 64 individuals were uncovered, with many showing signs of trauma from projectile weapons such as arrows and spears. These findings suggest a persistent pattern of conflict between social groups in the region. Jebel Sahaba offers significant insights into early human conflict and adaptation to environmental stressors.