Publications
Bat Archaeological Project Report of the 2018-19 Season
A comprehensive survey of the Bat Archaeological Site during the 2018-19 season revealed distinct temporal and spatial variations in land use, with ceramics indicating significant activity during the Umm an-Nar period, particularly around Matariya tower. The study documented 218 features, predominantly Bronze Age artifacts, across 39 transects, highlighting close interaction between communities in Bat South and Bat areas. Petrographic analysis further confirmed this spatial continuity. Targeted excavations focused on Hafit period architecture, intact Umm an-Nar deposits, and ancient topography, setting the stage for future research into prehistoric settlement dynamics. Initial findings were presented at prestigious conferences, with additional publications forthcoming.
Nizwa’s Cultural Tourism: Catalyst for Reviving Heritage, Empowering Growth
Cultural tourism in Nizwa, Oman, serves as a catalyst for heritage revival and economic growth, according to a recent study. The research highlights that tourism attractions and activities positively influence the development of cultural tourism, with significant contributions from economic, social, environmental, and cultural dimensions. Key drivers include job creation and revenue generation through heritage sites like Harat Al-Aqr, social impacts from historical legacy and cultural exchange, environmental benefits from site renovation, and cultural pride reinforced by iconic landmarks such as Nizwa Fort and Souq. The study also underscores the role of cultural tourism in enhancing social cohesion, safeguarding heritage, and fostering mutual understanding between locals and tourists. Utilizing a quantitative research approach with snowball sampling, the study collected data from 50 participants, including both local people and international tourists, and analyzed it using Microsoft Excel and JASP statistical software.
Landscapes of Death: Early Bronze Age Tombs and Mortuary Rituals on the Oman Peninsula
Early Bronze Age mortuary rituals on the Oman Peninsula exhibit complex variations, challenging assumptions about simplicity in funerary practices. The study synthesizes extensive evidence from cairns and other monuments, revealing elaborate rituals that persisted and evolved over time. It provides a comprehensive view of ancient burial customs, supported by detailed architectural analysis, interment data, and material culture. This work serves as a pivotal reference for scholars, offering new models to understand prehistoric life in the region while also serving as an educational resource for students.
The Middle and Late Bronze Age in Central Oman: New Insights from Tawi Said, Al‐Mudhairib and the Wilayat al‐Mudhaybi
New archaeological evidence from Tawi Said, Al-Mudhairib, and Wilayat al-Mudhaybi challenges long-held assumptions about Central Oman's social complexity during the Middle (c. 2000–1600 BCE) and Late Bronze Ages (c. 1600–1300 BCE). Contrary to previous beliefs that Central Oman abandoned settled agricultural life, this study reveals that developments in material culture, subsistence, and social organization were more akin to those in the United Arab Emirates than previously thought. The research, based on excavations and analyses from these sites, encourages a reevaluation of Oman's historical trajectory during this pivotal period.
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