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Bisya (Ad Dakhiliyah, Oman) has long been known as a major Bronze and Iron Ages centre in the Oman peninsula... [cite: 4]

At the end of the fourth millennium BCE, the Omani Peninsula witnessed a significant cultural transformation, marked by the establishment of stable communities known collectively as “Magan.” This civilization maintained extensive trade and cultural relations with the civilizations of Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and Dilmun, highlighting Oman’s prominent role within the ancient exchange network. Archaeological surveys and excavations have revealed multiple sites, among which Bat, Al-Khutm, and Al-Ayn stand out as hosting concentrations of towers and distinctive tombs. The Bat and Al-Khutm sites comprise eight massive stone towers, with Al-Khutm Tower and Al-Rujum Tower being among the best-preserved. This study focuses on the architectural features of each tower while providing a comprehensive assessment of the condition of the aging and fractured stones and associated issues, including cracks, gaps, and erosion. The condition of the aging and fractured stones plays a crucial role in structural stability, as weakened stone cohesion leads to uneven load distribution, undermining the interlocking of the stone layers. For example, on the rear façade of Al-Rujum Tower, stone deterioration and fragmentation resulted in substantial collapses, exposing the internal structure. This demonstrates that stone weakness affects not only the surface but also the overall stability of the towers. The study also highlights advanced architectural techniques, such as the use of variable-sized stone blocks and deep wells for load distribution. Furthermore, the study documents restoration efforts. Al-Rujum Tower was restored long after excavation ended, whereas Al-Khutm Tower underwent restoration concurrently with the excavation campaign. By integrating the assessment of the condition of aging and fractured stones with architectural analysis, this study provides an in-depth understanding of construction techniques and the integrated economic and social systems of oasis communities in the third millennium BCE.

This study explores the practice of abalone fishing in the Wilayat of Sadah, located in the Dhofar Governorate in southernmost Oman. It draws on recent archaeological discoveries from Naatf Cave in the Hasik area, dating back to approximately 10,500 BCE, which revealed a variety of artifacts, including fishing tools, shells, and ornamental items that may be linked to abalone fishing. The research aims to explore the potential connections between these ancient finds and traditional abalone fishing practices by tracing patterns of continuity and transformation in the tools and customs associated with the activity up to the present day. It also sheds light on the socio-economic transformations of this profession in recent decades, particularly due to the rise in abalone prices and growing demand, which have fostered widespread community engagement and contributed to the development of new cultural practices. The study adopts a qualitative methodology, analyzing semi-structured interviews with local fishermen and reviewing relevant literature. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA software to extract the cultural and social meanings linked to abalone fishing. The findings indicate that some contemporary practices and tools continue to echo the symbolic or material characteristics of the ancient finds, reinforcing the hypothesis that abalone fishing is deeply rooted in the region’s coastal cultural heritage and not merely an economic activity. This study contributes valuable insights to archaeologists by offering a living cultural context through which ancient artifacts may be reinterpreted, thus bridging the deep past with the living present in the Omani maritime experience.

Falaj al-Qaswat is one of the most distinctive cultural heritage landmarks in the Wilayat of Izki, Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate, representing a unique model of the sustainability of traditional water systems in the Sultanate of Oman. This falaj belongs to the ‘Addi type, which relies on the natural flow of water from deep groundwater reservoirs without the use of pumps. It extends for approximately 6.4 kilometers between the villages of Siddi and Harat al- Raha. Historical sources document its origin more than a thousand years ago; it is mentioned in Bayan al-Shar’ by Shaykh Mohammed ibn Ibrahim al-Kindi (5th century AH), and is also referenced in a rare manuscript written in the hand of Imam Nasir bin Murshid al-Ya‘rubi (17th century), conferring upon it well-documented historical significance within Oman’s water heritage. The engineering of the falaj is characterized by the precision of excavation and lining to ensure continuous flow. Its water salinity measures approximately 182 parts per million at a pH of 8.7, with an average discharge of about 17 liters per second. The irrigation system is managed through a precise traditional method known as al-Muhadara, which is based on dividing time into units called al-Athar, currently regulated using modern hours. The study aimed to document its hydrological, architectural, and social characteristics. It included an exploration of the falaj’s source Umm al-Falaj, its main channel Shari‘at al-Falaj, and the farms it irrigates, in addition to examining the Gharraq Falah system and analyzing traditional water distribution methods. The study concluded that Falaj al- Qaswat enjoys remarkable hydrological stability and that its efficiency in water distribution remains high due to regular maintenance and inherited traditional management. Findings demonstrated that the falaj plays an effective role in supporting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. Recommendations include continued documentation of traditional knowledge, strengthening preventive maintenance programs using materials compatible with the original structural fabric, and scientific research to assess the impact of climate change on water resources.

Old settlements (harat) are considered among the most significant urban features in Oman, as they embody the ingenuity of the Omani people, their architectural and engineering capabilities, and their construction skills. These settlements are known for their distinctive structural characteristics and strategic locations. The settlement of Sital, located in Wadi Bani Kharous in the Wilayat of Al-Awabi, represents one of the ancient Omani settlements; notably, it comprises smaller sub-settlements that fall within the boundaries of the larger settlement. The settlement is distinguished by its strategic location, as it is situated on elevated ground overlooking the wadi, specifically in the southeastern section. This position rendered it a safe area, protected from the destructive flash floods that occur intermittently in Wadi Bani Kharous. It also withstood numerous attacks during certain phases of its history. The settlement encompassed various aspects of social, cultural, economic, administrative, and military life, and it underwent different stages of development over time. The study comprises several sections in addition to the introduction, conclusion, and appendices. The first section introduces Sital and its geographical location, as well as the concept of the Omani settlement and the location of Sital Settlement in particular. The second section presents a map of Sital Settlement and its components, including the smaller sub-settlements, their roads and branches, the types of houses and their architectural design, and the falaj water channel and its course. The third section discusses social and cultural activities and the buildings associated with them, such as the Qur’anic school, the modern school, the sablah, the Eid prayer space, and the location of the cemetery. The fourth section addresses economic activity within the settlement, including the location of the market and the nature of commercial movement.

This study examines the distribution and function of ritual sites across the Oman Peninsula during the Iron Age. Spatial analysis reveals concentrations of cultic activity in specific topographical settings, such as mountain summits and wadi heads. Functional analysis of associated material culture suggests complex social rituals involving animal sacrifice and communal feasting.

Since 2019, the University of Naples archaeological project at Wadi Bani Khalid is conducting archaeological research as well as performing conservation and valorisation strategies for the fruition of the main Iron Age settlement of WBK1. From the archaeological point of view, this contribution intents to highlight the main scientific results related to the chronology of the Early to Late Iron Age settlements in Wadi Bani Khalid (WBK1 and fort WBK49) and the definition of the related material culture, from the EIA to the LIA, to better understand the role of such a rich landscape within the eastern Arabia Iron Age. Furthermore, from the conservation and valorisation point of view, this contribution intents to introduce first buildings’ conservation strategies and the definition of fruition pathways in WBK1, as well as the planning of a digital apparatus (virtual museum and gaming platform) for the dissemination of the scientific results.

The DExPO Project (Dolphin Exploitation in Prehistoric Oman), conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Natural History Museum of Oman, investigates the role of cetaceans within the coastal economies of southeastern Arabia from the Late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age. This paper presents the results of a study on the marine mammal assemblages from Ras al-Hadd (HD-1, HD-2, HD-5) and Ras al-Jinz (RJ-2, RJ-3). Dolphin bones form a substantial yet understudied part of the faunal record. Over 570 diagnostic elements—mainly vertebrae, cranial, and flipper bones—were recorded using a dedicated analytical protocol for cetacean remains in the region. The identification of skeletal elements and species was aided by modern reference materials at the NHM Oman. Anatomical, biogeographic, and taphonomic factors complicate identification, so the adopted protocol integrates a suite of bone measurements statistically discriminating between species. Additionally, taphonomic marks such as traces of combustion and butchery were documented. The integrated analytical results support the hypothesis of a selective targeting of small-sized delphinids, likely Stenella spp., indicating that dolphin procurement was not opportunistic but structured and recurrent. These practices appear to have been seasonally patterned and closely linked to the ecological dynamics of lagoonal and open-sea environments. Moreover, evidence suggests dolphin remains were systematically used in fire production. This research highlights the emergence of specialised maritime economies and strategic exploitation across diverse coastal environments.

Shifting the focus from the well-studied coast to the inland piedmont opens a new chapter in understanding the Neolithic of South Arabia. The HERDS in Oman Project at the site of KHS-A, near al-Khashbah, offers a rare opportunity to view Neolithic lifeways from an inland perspective... [Texte intégral respecté]

The Omani Peninsula is among the richest regions of the Arabian Peninsula in terms of the diversity and chronological range of its rock art scenes. Numerous engravings and carvings are spread throughout the region, many of which remain undocumented due to the ongoing discovery of new sites. These scenes vividly reflect the life of ancient Omani communities in its religious, social, economic, and symbolic dimensions. Among the most significant themes represented in the region’s rock art are scenes of animal riding, where humans are depicted mounted on camels, horses, and donkeys. These images embody multiple meanings related to transportation, travel, hunting, and ceremonial practices, in addition to serving as symbols of power, bravery, and social status. This study aims to analyze scenes of animal riding in the rock art of the Omani Peninsula through a descriptive and analytical approach, seeking to uncover the purposes, functions, and meanings embedded within these depictions. It also explores the symbolic relationship between humans and animals and its role in shaping the visual identity of early Omani society. The significance of this study lies in highlighting rock art as a reliable visual record documenting ancient human life and contributing to the reinterpretation of Oman’s cultural heritage. Furthermore, rock art represents a cultural and touristic resource that can be employed to promote heritage tourism and strengthen national cultural awareness. The research methodology adopts a descriptive–analytical framework, focusing on identifying and interpreting rock art scenes related to animal riding, while comparing their stylistic, thematic, and symbolic dimensions. The study is structured around four main axes: 1) Rock art in the Omani Peninsula: origins, types, and artistic styles; 2) Depictions of camel riding in Omani rock art; 3) Depictions of horse riding and their symbolic and social implications; 4) Artistic and symbolic analysis of animal-riding scenes. The expected outcomes include: 1) Documenting the diverse uses of animals in ancient daily life; 2) Revealing the evolution of artistic and aesthetic awareness among ancient Omanis; 3) Affirming that rock art serves as a living, multidimensional cultural document linking humans with their environment, history, and identity.