Tracing the pathways to Yathrib (Al-Madinah): A GIS-based analysis of settlement patterns and ancient trade networks

A GIS-based analysis reveals that ancient human settlement and trade networks in the Al-Madinah region of Arabia were primarily governed by hydrological accessibility and terrain favorability. The study, using Multi-Criteria Spatial Analysis (MCSA) and Least-Cost Path (LCP) modeling, identified proximity to watercourses, slope, and soil as key controlling factors for historical settlements, with 32.01% of the study area deemed highly suitable. Additionally, reconstructed caravan routes converging on Yathrib (Al-Madinah) demonstrated that these environmental variables jointly influenced patterns of ancient mobility, offering a replicable methodology for exploring trade networks in arid landscapes.

Metwaly, M., & Alshami, A. (2026). Tracing the pathways to Yathrib (Al-Madinah): A GIS-based analysis of settlement patterns and ancient trade networks. PLOS One, 21(5), e0348677. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348677