Rituals of Sacrificing Followers in the Cemeteries of the Arabian Gulf During the Third Millennium BC and their Civilizational Significance

Archaeological evidence from the Arabian Gulf, specifically the Dilmun burial mounds and Umm Al-Nar cemeteries, reveals a widespread ritual of human sacrifice following the death of leaders during the third millennium BC. This practice, likely influenced by older traditions in Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, was common across most Gulf burials but not universally adopted. The study suggests that while the ritual's origins may trace back to eastern civilizations, its persistence in the Gulf reflects complex cultural exchanges and local adaptations.

ALaqeel, M. (2023). Rituals of Sacrificing Followers in the Cemeteries of the Arabian Gulf During the Third Millennium BC and their Civilizational Significance. Shedet, 11(11), 0. https://doi.org/10.21608/shedet.2023.194931.1181