Archaeology Of The United Arab Emirates

This volume presents results from the rescue excavations of the Qidfa’ 1 site, a multi-period tomb (Wadi Suq-Late Bronze /Early Iron Age). The richness of the discoveries demonstrates the wealth and significance of the culture of the 2nd millennium BC in southeast Arabia.

New excavations conducted across the United Arab Emirates over the last few years are presented here, revealing a wealth of new data on all periods of UAE archaeology from the Palaeolithic to the recent past. Some of these discoveries fill important gaps in our knowledge, while others have fundamentally revised what we thought we knew already.

Advances in UAE Archaeology details the results of new excavations conducted across the United Arab Emirates over the last few years. These excavations have revealed a wealth of new data on all periods of UAE archaeology from the Palaeolithic to the recent past. Some of these discoveries have filled in important gaps in our knowledge, while others have fundamentally revised what we thought we knew already. For example, the Marawah Island excavations have added a new facet to our understanding of the Neolithic period by revealing intriguing and hitherto unknown funerary rituals. Excavations in Al Ain in the emirate of Abu Dhabi continue to reveal extraordinary evidence of falaj irrigation, stretching back 3000 years. The ubiquity of this system across this oasis city further validates its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of particular importance is the discovery of extensive remains from the Late Pre-Islamic period, a significant time in history that has been best revealed in the excavations at Mleiha in the emirate of Sharjah. The research presented here was conducted by specialists from across the world working alongside an ever-growing cadre of Emirati archaeologists who will take the lead in the coming years in revealing more of this country's extraordinary archaeology and history.

Qidfa' 1: Excavation of a Late Prehistoric Tomb, Fujairah Emirate, United Arab Emirates presents results from the rescue excavations of the Qidfa' 1 site, a multi-period tomb (Wadi Suq-Late Bronze /Early Iron Age). The architecture of the two-storey structure and the material culture found in the U-shaped tomb are presented to establish a chronology for the site, and its importance for archaeology in the Fujairah Emirate is discussed. The data obtained and the diversity of the materials discovered contribute to a better understanding of the changes that took place in south-east Arabia during the 2nd millennium BC. The principle aim of the report is therefore to discuss the funeral architecture and present the finds, especially those which came from the intact upper chambers, such as pottery vessels, stone vessels and copper/bronze vessels, in addition to other artefacts such as daggers, axes, adzes, bangles, anklets, arrowheads and other personal items. The richness of the discoveries demonstrates the wealth and significance of the culture of the 2nd millennium BC in southeast Arabia. By disseminating the results of this important but previously unpublished excavation the book will open a window for further discussions.