The “old men” are what the local Bedouin call the ancient inhabitants of the area, believed to have been constructed by pastoral Neolithic communities inhabiting the lava fields of Harrat Khaybar and similar terrains across Arabia, Syria, and Jordan.

Online satellite images revealed 400 stone gates — thought to be used for trapping animals — and graves scattered across the lava fields known as Harrat Khaybar and Harrat Uwayrid. The mustatils, in particular, are thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes, possibly related to early cattle cults.

These mysterious markings in the volcanic fields of Arabia, which come in shapes resembling cones, triangles, keyholes, kites, circles and even gates, have long baffled scientists. They were first discovered by Western explorers in the 1920s CE. Some of these giant rock formations stretch across volcano mountainsides, while others cover the flat ground between peaks. The series of enigmatic megalithic structures found across the volcanic plains of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in regions like Harrat Khaybar in modern day Saudi Arabia. These sites are distinguished by their unique construction and purpose, setting them apart from other known megalithic traditions.

Dating the "Works of the Old Men" has been challenging due to the nature of the materials and the environment. However, archaeological studies suggest that these structures were constructed sometime during the extensive Neolithic period (circa 10,000 BCE to 2,000 BCE), with the tower tombs and cairns in Harrat Khaybar dating back to the third millennium BCE (circa 3000 to 2001 BCE). The use of volcanic stone in their construction and the lack of organic materials make traditional dating methods nearly impossible. Nonetheless, stratigraphic analysis and comparisons with other contemporaneous sites have provided a temporal framework for understanding their construction.

Among the most significant examples of the "Works of the Old Men" are the mustatils and tower tombs found in Harrat Khaybar. The mustatils are large, rectangular enclosures built with long stone walls, often aligned with specific astronomical or topographical features, suggesting their ceremonial importance. The tower tombs, resembling cairns, are monumental burial structures that reflect the social stratification and religious beliefs of the time. These structures not only serve as architectural feats but also as cultural symbols, providing a window into the spiritual and social dynamics of ancient Arabian societies.

The construction of the "Works of the Old Men" showcases the ingenuity of Neolithic communities in adapting to their environment. The mustatils, for instance, are built using large sandstone blocks, some weighing over 500 kilograms. These structures typically feature long, rectangular enclosures with walls that can extend up to 600 meters in length and are about 1.2 meters high. At one end of the mustatil, there is often a rubble platform, and at the opposite end, an entrance, some of which are sealed with stones. The alignment and placement of these structures suggest a deep understanding of the landscape and possibly celestial events.

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It is one of the more substantial "kite" structures, with its head measuring some 200 meters across and three tailes ranging from 600-1300 meters. The structure has a very curious trapezoidal shaped inclusion on its south-eastern wall (centre, left). Tails’ (the radiating walls), extending some 3.7 km which stretch across a wadi (top right) before intersecting with a baffling succession of stone-built structures.

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