Patterns of pre-Islamic settlement in the Qumayrah microregion, northern Oman: First results of an archaeological and geological survey

Abstract

The Qumayrah microregion lies in the mountains of northern Oman, roughly halfway between two large oasis settlements—Bat and Hili. It is situated at the crossing of routes leading from the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman into the interior. Results of a previous archaeological excavation and survey confirmed the presence of sites from prehistoric times to the Islamic period in the area. In light of both the continuity of settlement and the location of the microregion, its survey became an essential undertaking. The project has a multidisciplinary character, combining traditional archaeological survey methods with geological prospection. The aim of the pedestrian survey is to identify settlement points, which could link the Qumayrah microregion with Hili Oasis, while the geological prospection is tasked with collecting information on the raw material resources in the region that could have influenced settlement activity in the area.