The Mleiha Area F Graveyard Sharjah U A

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final english 16.indd 1 11/30/16 3:30 PM

Editor - in - Chief Introduction
Dr. Sabah Abood Jasim Sabah Jasim
Director General
Bronze Age Tombs

Emirate of Sharjah
General Supervisor
Sabah Jasim and Eisa
Eisa Yousif
Report on the Pala

Designed by
Central Region of S
Manal Salem Al Suwaidi
Knut Bretzke
Report on the 201

German Archaeolo
Suhailah
Knut Bretzke
Sharjah Archaeology Authority

Preliminary Repor
P.O. Box: 30300 - SHARJAH Excavations at Mle
Tel.: +971 - 6 - 5668001 (UAE)
Fax:+971 - 6 - 5660334 Bruno Overlaet, Ernie
Website: www.sharjaharchaeology.com
E-mail: info@saa.gov.ae

Annual Magazine concerend with publication of the results
of archaeological excavations and researches in the Emirate of
Introduction Mleiha (Sharjah, UAE): The 2009 & 2012

Sabah Jasim Belgian Excavations of Mound AI- Pottery
and Chronology
4
Ernie Haerinck and Bruno Overlaet
40
Bronze Age Tombs from Jebel Faya,
Emirate of Sharjah
Sabah Jasim and Eisa Yousif Cost Effective Drones in Archaeological
Survying: Possible Musallah on the Jebel
8
Faya near Mleiha, Sharjah, UAE
Bruno Overlaet
Report on the Palaeolithic field work in the
84
Central Region of Sharjah Emirate
Knut Bretzke
The Mleiha Area F Graveyard, Sharjah
18
(UAE). Preliminary Report on the 2015
Belgian Excavations
Report on the 2015 field work of the Bruno Overlaet, Enrnie Haerinck and others
German Archaeological Expedition at
89
Suhailah
Knut Bretzke
Report on the 2015/16 Season of
23
Excavations at the site of Wadi al-Hilo
(Emirate of Sharjah, UAE)
Preliminary Report on the 2014 Belgian Margrethe Uerpmann, Hans-Peter Uerpmann and
Excavations at Mleiha area AV, Sharjah Sabah Jasim
(UAE)
108
Bruno Overlaet, Ernie Haerinck and others
30
Vol. 15. 2016

Introduction
Since the previous issue of “Sharjah Antiquities” was published in 2015, the field In the meantime, excavatio
of archaeology in Sharjah has witnessed important events and developments. the Emirate of Sharjah.
series of preliminary report
Perhaps the most important event saw the accomplishment and inauguration which in turn have publish
of the Mleiha Archaeological Centre on Wednesday 27th January 2016 by H.
Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad al-Qasimi, member of the Supreme The 1st article is a prelimin
Council and Ruler of Sharjah. team of Sharjah Archaeolo
The work resulted in the d
The important archaeological discoveries throughout the area of Mleiha area dates to Umm an-Nar perio
have lead to Sharjah occupying a stronghold among sites within the international
archaeological map. As such, under the instruction of H. Highness, the new The 2nd article is a report
centre is dedicated towards archaeological research undertaken over the past region of the Emirate of S
twenty years in Sharjah, in particular at Mleiha and the surrounding area. A
selection of artefacts, gypsum models, maps, plans, photos and documentary The 3rd article is a report
films are displayed throughout the centre’s galleries which recount the story of Archaeological Expedition
humans who lived on this land for thousands of years. such as hand axes, scraper
Survey and excavation campaigns have been continued by the local archaeology The 4th article is a preli
team, as well as by a number of foreign teams. These have resulted in important Mlieha, Area AV.
discoveries, notably the significant discovery of a large, square shaped The 5th article is dedicated
tombstone found inside a monumental tomb at Mleiha. The tombstone contains found in excavation of
funerary bi-lingual inscriptions engraved in South Arabian and Aramaic. The
remarkably preserved text mentions the identity of the deceased, as well as the The 6th report discusses
date of the construction of the tomb. The South Arabian inscription reveals that surveying and the experien
the buried man was ‘Amid son of GR son of Ali, the priest of the king of Uman. surrounding area.
The Aramaic text on the tombstone’s frame refers to the date when the tomb was
built; 90 or 96 of the Seleucid era, the equivalent of 222/221 or 215/214 BCE. The 7th report was also s
Mleiha, Area F graveyard w
Thus the newly discovered inscription provides the oldest reference to the name discovered at the end of 20
of Uman. Prior to this discovery, the oldest references to the name were in
classical sources from the 1st century CE. The 8th and final report
Sharjah site of Wadi al-Hil
In terms of activities and events carried out by the local archaeology team, the archaeology teams.
concentration of efforts was fully dedicated to the undertaking of maintenance,
restoration and reconstruction of monuments and artefacts for the purpose of
rehabilitation in connection with the opening of the Mleiha Archaeological Dr. Sabah Abboud Jasim
Centre.
Director General
Sharjah Archaeology Autho

In the meantime, excavation campaigns by foreign teams have continued across
the Emirate of Sharjah. The results of these excavations were recorded in a
series of preliminary reports submitted to the Sharjah Directorate of Antiquities
which in turn have published them in this issue of “Sharjah Antiquities”:
The 1st article is a preliminary report on 2005 field work conducted by the local
team of Sharjah Archaeology, in the northern end of Faya mountain foothills.
The work resulted in the discovery of three Bronze Age tombs; One of them
dates to Umm an-Nar period and the other two belong to Wadi Suq period.
The 2nd article is a report on the 2014 Palaeolithic field work in the central
region of the Emirate of Sharjah, by the German Archaeological Expedition.
The 3rd article is a report which deals with 2015 field work of the German
Archaeological Expedition at the site of Suhailah where a number of stone tools
such as hand axes, scrapers, points and other artefacts were discovered.
The 4th article is a preliminary report on the 2014 Belgian Excavations at

Mlieha, Area AV.
The 5th article is dedicated to the results of the study of pottery and chronology
found in excavation of mound A1 at Mleiha during the 2009 and 2012 campaigns.
The 6th report discusses cost effectiveness of drones in archaeological

surveying and the experience of the Belgian team using these in Mleiha and the
surrounding area.
The 7th report was also submitted by the Belgian Expedition about work in
Mleiha, Area F graveyard where an important bilingual funerary inscription was
discovered at the end of 2015.
The 8th and final report is on the 2015/2016 season of excavation at the
Sharjah site of Wadi al-Hilo, carried out jointly by both the local and German
archaeology teams.
Dr. Sabah Abboud Jasim

Director General

Ernie Haenrick... Goodbye
It is with profound sadness and regret that Sharjah Archaeology Authority

mourns the renowned Belgian archaeologist Ernie Haenrick, Professor of
South-eastern Arabia archaeology at the University of Ghent and head of
the Belgian archaeological expedition to Sharjah, who sadly passed away
on Wednesday 5th October 2016.
Ernie was a pioneering archaeologist who devoted the majority of his life
to his work as a professor and researcher. He conducted excavations in a
number of archaeological sites throughout the region of the ancient Near
East. Of these perhaps the most notable was at Ed-dour in the Emirate
of Umm al-Quiwain where his work began in 1986, and where he was
accompanied by his beloved wife Bernice, from whose premature death
Ernie never fully recovered.
Ernie’s dedication and perseverance has left us with a wealth of

archaeological discoveries and given us an invaluable insight into issues
ranging from cultural and trade relations to religious beliefs in ancient
South-Eastern Arabia. He also authored many articles, research papers and
books on archaeology and the ancient history of this region.
We are honoured that the Emirate of Sharjah was chosen by Ernie as his
last station in a long and illustrious career. From 2009 until present we
have had the honour of his significant contribution as head of the Belgian
archaeological expedition at the site of Mleiha and we are profoundly
sorry that he is not joining the rest of his team this season as planned; his
departure is a tremendous loss to the field of archaeology and to his many
friends and colleagues.

Authority
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Ernie Haenrick

Bronze Age Tombs from Jebel Faya, Emirate of Sharjah
Sabah Jasim & Eisa Yousif

Fig 2: A plan showing the distribu
were unearthed. Upon c

Fig 1: Map of UAE showing the location of Jebel Faya
of the excavation a full
a very interesting type o
Jebel Faya, comprised of lime stone had been unexpectedly discovered on April 13th 2005 and resulted in architecture was revealed.
ridges, is located at a distance of within a date palm orchard and then the discovery of three Bronze Age
approximately 50km to the east of excavated in 1998 (Jasim 2003). We tombs within close proximity of each Tomb FAY NE 2
the town of Sharjah; west of the Hajar were looking for any traces of more other (Fig. 2).
mountains and in close proximity to Umm an-Nar tombs, or perhaps even Coordinates: N 25º 07’ 19.
Jebel Mleiha’s “Fossil Rock” (Fig. 1). a settlement belonging to that period. A trench measuring 10m x 10m 50’ 59.48”
Our attention was initially drawn was set at the location of the above
An archaeological survey conducted to what seemed to be construction mentioned ashlars. Not far down This is a large tomb with
on foot along the foothills of relics; of particular interest were from the upper surface parts of what square or rectangular sha
Jebel Faya near its northern end, small stone ashlars of a type known seemed to be irregular stone walls measuring 6.90m x 6.2m
commenced in April 2005 with the to have been used in the construction became apparent (Figs. 3-4) and as inside (Fig. 5). The w
objective of searching the vicinity of Umm an-Nar tombs. A limited excavations continued an increasing constructed with various
of a large Umm an-Nar tomb which campaign of excavations commenced number of architectural features shaped local stones, w

f Sharjah
vertically on either side. The slabs
are unequally sized; the one on the
eastern side is larger, measuring
0.86m in length and 0.30m in height
and with a thickness of 0.38m.
Another slab, laid on the floor of
the entrance, serves as a threshold.
The entrance of the tomb provides
access to the internal burial chamber
which consists of three elongated
compartments (A, B and C). These
are separated by two partition walls;
the eastern wall measuring 4.70m and
the western wall measuring 4.50m.
Both partitions are sprung from
the northern wall and extend in a
southerly direction across the internal
chamber, stopping short of the
southern wall at a distance of between
1.25m-1.30m. The western partition
wall is faces the main entrance. The
burial compartments measure 1.40m,
1.50m and 1.70m respectively from
east to west (Fig. 6). The plan this
tomb is closely resembles one from
Qarn al-Harf at the Emirate of Ras al-
Khaimah
(https://w.w.w.dur.ac.uk/archaeology/
research/projects/all/?mode=pro).
Fig 2: A plan showing the distribution of the Bronze Age tombs on the foot hill of Jebel Faya The tomb appears to have been
heavily looted and plundered in
antiquity. A very small amount of
were unearthed. Upon completion evidently been sourced from the fragmented bones were found, but the
of the excavation a full picture of nearby Jebel. It was apparent that the size and quality of this sample renders
a very interesting type of funerary mason had been keen to select flat it of very limited value for study.
13th 2005 and resulted in architecture was revealed. faced stones for the first row on the Unearthed artefacts included bronze
very of three Bronze Age floor of the internal burial chamber. fragments and a small collection of
hin close proximity of each Some stone ashlars were also used various beads which are presumably
Tomb FAY NE 20
2). for the construction of the western
part of a necklace. Little quantity of
Coordinates: N 25º 07’ 19.30”, E 55º wall. In general the walls were well
Wadi Suq potsherds were present.
measuring 10m x 10m 50’ 59.48” constructed, measuring between
the location of the above 1-1.37m in thickness and had survived
ashlars. Not far down This is a large tomb with an almost to a height of approximately 0.70m.
Tomb FAY NE 21
pper surface parts of what square or rectangular shaped plan,
be irregular stone walls measuring 6.90m x 6.2m from the The tomb’s entrance is located Coordinates: N 25º 07’ 19.37”, E 55º
pparent (Figs. 3-4) and as inside (Fig. 5). The walls were in the south eastern corner and is 50’ 58.98”
continued an increasing constructed with various irregularly approximately 0.60m wide. It is
of architectural features shaped local stones, which had supported by large stone slabs placed Located at a distance of 6m to the

Wadi Suq tomb of FAY NE 20 (Fig. 4).
It seems that stone ashlars of various
sizes were used; the largest measures
0.40m x 0.21m x 0.11m and the
smallest is 0.18 x 0.16 x 0.11m. The
fact that only the lowest stone row
had survived meant that no entrance
to the tomb could be detected - it is
assumed that any entrance would
have been located above that level.
A straight partition wall extending in

an east-west direction and measuring
5.20m x 0.50m divides the burial
chamber into two equal parts. The
partition wall terminates to leave a gap
of 0.66m between it and the western
wall of the burial chamber, thus
enabling movement between the two
Fig 3: View of tomb FAY NE 20 along the foothill of Jebel Faya
sections of the burial chamber (Fig. 8).
The circular plan together with the

ashlars masonry, suggest an Umm
an-Nar date (2500-2000 BCE). This
assertion is further substantiated
by the presence of a small pottery
jar measuring 7.5cm in both height
and body diameter; with its squat
shoulder, short neck, wide mouth,
an out-flared rim measuring 5.5cm
in diameter and simple accentuated
Fig 5: Plan and Cross section of t
round base measuring 4.5cm in
diameter (Fig. 9) this jar resembles
Black-on-Red examples from the
Island of Umm an-Nar (Frifelt 1991,
Figs. 103, 143-144).
The jar is wheel made with well

levigated buff clay with a red coating
and well fired. It bears faint traces of
painted decoration consisting of two
Fig 4: FAY NE 20 at the beginning of excavation, showing the presence of ashlars outside
parallel horizontal bands around the
neck followed by double zigzag lines
west of Tomb FAY NE 20, FAY NE 0.10m from the outer edge of the running around the shoulder. Other
21 was excavated simultaneously. plinth (Fig. 7). The vast majority of decorative elements may have also
Tomb FAY NE 21 is of circular plan, the first row had survived in situ, been present on the upper half of the
measuring 5.80m in diameter from while other rows had obviously been body but have not survived. A band
the inside; the ring wall measures destroyed or had collapsed and were of zigzag lines on the upper shoulder
7.15m and consists of sugar lump- found scattered around the tomb. It is the most common design to be seen
shaped worked stones, the first row seems that a number of stone ashlars on almost all pottery jars uncovered
of which were had been laid on a were removed and reused during the in graves from the island of Umm
foundation plinth at a distance of subsequent construction of the nearby an-Nar and other third millennium Fig 6: Tomb FAY NE 20 after exca
10

omb of FAY NE 20 (Fig. 4). sites throughout the peninsula such
hat stone ashlars of various as Hili, Bat, Amlah and Ganada
used; the largest measures as well as across the Gulf in Iran
0.21m x 0.11m and the (Frifelt 1991, 92). Jars bearing zigzag
0.18 x 0.16 x 0.11m. The patterns were also reported from the
only the lowest stone row site of Muweihat in Ajman (Haenrick
ed meant that no entrance 1991, Fig. 5), Jebel Emalah (Benton
b could be detected - it is and Potts 2010, Figs. 59, 67, 69-70),
that any entrance would and Mleiha in the Emirate of Sharjah
located above that level. (Jasim 2003). This design is therefore
used as a chronological marker for
partition wall extending in the end of the third millennium BCE
st direction and measuring (Frifelt, ibid. 92).
0.50m divides the burial
nto two equal parts. The Other finds included personal
all terminates to leave a gap adornments such as a collection of
between it and the western beads of various materials, colours
he burial chamber, thus and shapes (Fig. 10). The interment
movement between the two of personal adornments with the
the burial chamber (Fig. 8). deceased seems to have been a
common practise during the Umm
ar plan together with the an-Nar period as evidenced by the
asonry, suggest an Umm variety of beads found in the tombs
te (2500-2000 BCE). This from that period. A total of 977 variant
is further substantiated beads were recovered including three
esence of a small pottery different types of silver/lead alloy
ring 7.5cm in both height examples, all of which were present
diameter; with its squat in one particular necklace (Figs. 10:
short neck, wide mouth, E-F; 11 1-2) which was comprised
red rim measuring 5.5cm of 19 long beads that were barrel to
er and simple accentuated biconical in shape and ranged in size
Fig 5: Plan and Cross section of tomb FAY NE 20
se measuring 4.5cm in between 1.5 - 1.8cm in length and 0.5
Fig. 9) this jar resembles - 0.6cm in diameter. Each long bead
Red examples from the was manufactured using a single
Umm an-Nar (Frifelt 1991, sheet of metal which had been either
, 143-144). rolled or folded; some beads were
fused, while others were not (Fig. 11:
s wheel made with well A). The necklace also included 23
buff clay with a red coating short, fully fused and relatively heavy
red. It bears faint traces of beads that were barrel to biconical
coration consisting of two in shape and ranged in size between
orizontal bands around the 0.7 - 0.9cm in length and 0.4 - 0.5cm
wed by double zigzag lines in diameter (Fig. 11: B). Similar
round the shoulder. Other biconical beads made of silver, lapis
elements may have also lazuli and carnelian were found in
nt on the upper half of the the royal graves of Ur in southern
have not survived. A band Mesopotamia (Reade 2003, Figs.
ines on the upper shoulder 74e; 80). The third type of silver/
common design to be seen lead alloy bead used in the necklace
all pottery jars uncovered was long and tubular in shape and
from the island of Umm ranged in size between 3 - 3.7cm in
d other third millennium Fig 6: Tomb FAY NE 20 after excavation, showing the entrance (looking north) length and 2.2 - 2.5mm in diameter
11

(Fig. 11: C). There were thirteen of (one only) (Fig. 12: B). A
these types of bead present and again shaped carnelian pendant
they were formed from a single sheet top for suspension was al
of metal and not fused together. The (Fig. 13: A) as well as a lo
tubular beads had been arranged in steatite bead (Fig. 13: B).
sets of five and terminated on either
side with a plano-concave piece of
metal measuring 1.00cm x 3.00mm. Tomb FAY NE 2
Five small round holes were set
in a horizontal position to serve as Coordinates: N 25º 07’ 17.
stoppers or supports for the long 50’ 58.08”
tubular beads which are a perfect fit
(Fig. 11: D). This tomb lies at a di
approximately 50m to t
A variety of 505 soft stone micro- western side of tombs Fa
beads were found in varying shapes, Faya 21. It is small, su
colours and sizes. Shapes vary from and circular in shape
circular or semi-circular to square Fig 7: A view of Umm al-Nar tomb showing the plinth, the ring wall and the central partition wall external diameter of 3.8m.
or semi-square; colour ranges from of multiple stone rows
black (dominant) to greyish, light 0.70m in width which sur
brown and whitish; size ranges upper opening which is
between 2.2 - 2.6mm in diameter diameter (Figs. 14-15).
and 1.3 - 2.1mm in thickness (Fig.
12). Soft stone micro-beads from this The entrance is located
tomb find close parallels at the sites of the eastern side, and
of Jebel al-Emalah (Benton and Potts shape of a simple opening
1994, Fig. 80), Umm an-Nar (Frifelt 0.75m in width. There
1991, Figs. 245, 247). situated at distance of 0.
the upper stone row
Other beads discovered included a second step at distance
a single tortoise shaped soft stone below. The second step is
example, with one black face and one part of the second stone r
whitish face (Fig. 12: A). Another the floor of the burial
necklace of 310 small, reddish, soft which lies 0.40m below
stone micro beads was also unearthed.
These are generally circular in shape The tomb had been loote
with two flat faces bearing a relatively probably accounts for the
wide hole in the middle and with absence of any skeletal
thicknesses varying from 2mm to However some very
6mm (Figs. 10: G; 12: 1). A few talc funerary objects were
micro beads were also present. Soft inside the burial cham
stone and talc micro beads are both socketed bronze spear h
characteristic features of Umm an- found driven together into t
Nar tombs (Frifelt 1991, Figs. 245, side of the wall just abov
247; Benton and Potts 1994, Figs. (Figs. 16; 18: 1-2). The larg
79-80; Jasim 2003, Fig. 16). One soft two spear heads measure
stone, greyish/whitish, barrel shaped length, with a blade width
bead was also found as were a variety The second measures 21cm
of some 35 carnelian beads (Figs. 10: with a blade width of 3.5cm
A, C, D; 12: 2; 13: 1). The carnelian spear heads possess a raise
beads ranged in shape from circular, Even though these types o
round, barrel to biconical or lozenge Fig 8: Plan & Section of tomb FAY NE 21 had appeared by the end o
12

(one only) (Fig. 12: B). A plumb bob millennium BCE (Cleuziou 1981,
shaped carnelian pendant pierced on Fig. 11: 1-2; Potts 1998, 183), they
top for suspension was also present are considered to be a characteristic
(Fig. 13: A) as well as a long tubular feature of the Wadi Suq period in
steatite bead (Fig. 13: B). the Oman Peninsula. The Faya spear
heads resemble many examples from
Wadi Suq assemblages such as Jebel
Tomb FAY NE 22 al-Buhais (Jasim 2011), Shimal 1 (
Donaldson 1984, Fig. 14: 4), Ghalilah
Coordinates: N 25º 07’ 17.85”, E 55º 2 (Donaldson 1984, Fig. 28: 10),
50’ 58.08” Shimal 102 (Vogt and Franke-Vogt
1987, Fig. 21: 5-6), Shimal 6 (De
This tomb lies at a distance of Cardi 1988, Fig. 14: 10), Asimah
approximately 50m to the south- (Vogt 1994, Figs. 23: 1; 54: 1-2; 56:
western side of tombs Faya 20 and 8-9), Dhayah (Kastner 1991, Fig. 3a)
Faya 21. It is small, subterranean and other related sites in the Oman
and circular in shape with an Peninsula (Potts 1998, Figs. 2a-2b).
all and the central partition wall external diameter of 3.8m. It consists
of multiple stone rows measuring Of particular interest is the presence
0.70m in width which surround the of a broad bronze dagger with
upper opening which is 2.5m in straight sides tapering to a curved
diameter (Figs. 14-15).
end, and stepped shoulders that
terminate in a tang which bears a
The entrance is located in the middle
single perforation. The perforation
of the eastern side, and takes the
shape of a simple opening measuring in the tang was presumably intended
0.75m in width. There is a step for a rivet which would affix the
situated at distance of 0.50m from blade to a wooden shaft/handle (Fig.
17a and 17b). Two similar daggers
Figure 9: Umm an-Nar pottery Jar from tomb
the upper stone row, followed by FAY NE 21
a second step at distance of 0.12m have been reported from Alignment
below. The second step is actually a A grave A2 and grave A4 at the site in UAE such as Jebel al-Buhais (Jasim
part of the second stone row above of Asimah at Ras al-Khaimah (Vogt 2011) and Shimal (Donaldson 1984,
the floor of the burial chamber, 1994, Figs. 54: 6; 57: 1). Our example Fig. 57: 11-12; Velde 2003, Fig. 7: 5).
which lies 0.40m below. is closely comparable to one found at
Asimah, however it has a flat cross
The tomb had been looted and this Conclusion
section while the cross section of the
probably accounts for the complete
Asimah blade is a lozenge-shape that
absence of any skeletal remains. FAY NE 20 is a large, well
is formed by a central crest on either
However some very interesting constructed, above ground tomb near
funerary objects were discovered side. These three examples constitute
the foothills of Jebel Faya. Although
inside the burial chamber. Two the only ones of this kind to have been no diagnostic material was retrieved
socketed bronze spear heads were discovered in the entire region. from the burial chamber, the method
found driven together into the western Other finds include a copper razor of its construction - and particularly
side of the wall just above the floor (Fig. 18: 3). This type of object the setting of the entrance - clearly
(Figs. 16; 18: 1-2). The larger of these has been reported from a late third suggests a Wadi Suq date. The closest
two spear heads measure 24cm in millennium context at Mowaihat parallel to this tomb in the one found
length, with a blade width of 3.5cm. and sites in Mesopotamia (Haerinck at the site site of Qarn al-Harf in
The second measures 21cm in length, 1991, 14, Fig. 8:28). Thin, flat blades the Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah. No
with a blade width of 3.5cm. Both the usually characterized with fat or other example can be cited within
spear heads possess a raised mid rib. curved cutting edges and represented the region, moreover despite the
Even though these types of weapons by different shapes and sizes have also presence of a large number of Wadi
had appeared by the end of the third been found at several Wadi Suq sites Suq type tombs that have been
13

Fig 12: A variety of carnelian and stone beads
Fig 10: A selection of personal adornments found in Tomb FAY NE 21
from tomb FAY NE 21
Fig 14: A general view showing b
Figure 15: Tomb FAY NE 22 after
excavated at the nearby

Jebel al-Buhais, only one
(Tomb BHS 1) was an abo
construction while the
are subterranean. FY
provides compelling evi
the contemporaneous co
and use of both over
subterranean tombs during
Suq era. Although the tom
badly plundered, both its
size and distinguished a
suggest a prestigious c
it can therefore be added to
extraordinary funerary m
Fig 13: A variety of beads from tomb FAY NE excavated at the necropoli
Figure 11: Necklaces made of a selection of silver/lead alloy bead types from tomb FAY NE 21 21
14

2011). Transitional types of tomb,
ranging from Hafit to Umm an-Nar
were also unearthed at the nearby
foothills of Jebel Emalah (Benton
2006). More developed tombs have
been discovered at Mleiha (Jasim
2003) and recently at Faya. The
discovery of this Umm an-Nar tomb
in Faya has further widened the
geographical distribution of Umm
an-Nar culture well beyond its
previously known boundaries within
the Oman Peninsula. FAY NE 21 is
a simple variant of ashlar masonry
which characterises the funerary
architecture of the late Umm an-Nar
iety of carnelian and stone beads period and thus represents a new
Y NE 21 addition to the wide variety of tombs
belonging to this culture.
Fig 14: A general view showing both Tomb FAY NE 20 & Tomb FAY NE 21 (looking west).
FAY NE 22 is considered to be of
special interest in terms of both its
architecture and its content. Although
it dates to the Wadi Suq period it
also possesses features that are
unique among the rest of the Wadi
Suq tombs in the area. As far as the
funerary architecture is concerned,
it is the smallest subterranean tomb
to have been thus far discovered in
the area. It also differs from other
Wadi Suq tombs in the shape of its
entrance which takes the form of a
simple opening, devoid of stone slabs
Figure 15: Tomb FAY NE 22 after excavation (looking west) against its two sides and with no lintel
or threshold. The presence of two
excavated at the nearby area of al-Buhais (Tombs BHS 1, BHS 66 and bronze spear heads driven into the
Jebel al-Buhais, only one example BHS 90) (Jasim 2011). wall is a familiar feature attested at
(Tomb BHS 1) was an above ground other Wadi Suq tombs in the region,
construction while the majority The discovery of FAY NE 21 along such as Jebel al-Buhais (Jasim 2011)
are subterranean. FY 20 therefore the foothills of Jebel Faya and in such and Asimah where it was postulated
provides compelling evidence for close proximity to the previously that they represented a complete
the contemporaneous construction uncovered large Umm an-Nar tomb spear attached to a wooden shaft
and use of both over-ground and at Mleiha demonstrates that the Umm which would have occupied the entire
subterranean tombs during the Wadi an-Nar culture was well established length of the burial chamber (Vogt
Suq era. Although the tomb has been across the entire middle area of 1994, 127). This phenomenon occurs
badly plundered, both its substantial Sharjah (Fig. 12). The excavation in many Wadi Suq tombs and might
size and distinguished architecture of the necropolis of Jebel al-Buhais have some religious significance
suggest a prestigious construction and has revealed examples of the earliest (Jasim 2011).
it can therefore be added to the list of forms of Umm an-Nar funerary
extraordinary funerary monuments architecture side by side with Of special interest is the presence
riety of beads from tomb FAY NE excavated at the necropolis of Jebel older and transitional forms (Jasim of the broad dagger with a stepped
15

shoulder and perforated tang. This is
unique in type among archaeological
assemblage and has no parallels
elsewhere in the region apart from
the Asimah examples. The Asimah
blades have been roughly dated to Fig 17: Two socketed bronze heads from tomb Cardi, B. (1988). ‘The grav
between 2100 - 1900 BCE and would FAY NE 22 44-71). Copenhagen: Carst
have been objects of high value that
were imported into the area, probably
from Central Asia and Elam (Vogt Cleuziou, S. (1981). ‘Oman
1994, 126). Since this type of dagger 1979 (pp. 280-293). Berlin:
shows no typological connection with
the large corpus of daggers known
Donaldson, P. (1984). ‘Preh
from any Wadi Suq sites in the region, Fig 18a: Dagger bronze blade with stepped
the assumption of a foreign origin for shoulder & perforated tang.
the blades seems plausible.
Frifelt, K. (1991). The Isla

Publications 26/1.
Haenrick, E. (1991). ‘The r

Gentse Bijdragen tot de Ku
Fig 18b: Dagger blade with stepped shoulder Jasim, S. A. (2003). ‘Third
& perforated tang. (Eds.), Archaeology of the
the UAE (pp. 86-99). Lond
Kastner, J. (1991). ‘Some

K. Schippmann, A. Harling
Arabische Emirate und Om
Potts, D. T. (1998). ‘Some

and Epigraphy, Vol.9, pp.
Millennium B. C. From th
Vogt, B. (1985). ‘The Um

1984’. Archaeology in the
Vogt, B. 1994. Asimah:

Emirates. Shell Markets M
Fig 19: Bronze socketed spear heads (1-2),

Fig 16: Plan & Section of Tomb FAY NE 22 copper razor (3) from Tomb FAY NE 22.
16

Bibliography
Cardi, B. (1988). ‘The grave goods from Shimal tomb 6 in Ras al-Khaimah, UAE’. In D. Potts (Eds.),Araby the Blest (pp.
44-71). Copenhagen: Carsten Niebuhr Institute Publications.
Cleuziou, S. (1981). ‘Oman Peninsula in the Early Second Millennium BC’. In H. Hartel (Eds.), South Asian Archaeology
1979 (pp. 280-293). Berlin: Riemetr Verlag.
Donaldson, P. (1984). ‘Prehistoric tombs of Ras al-Khaimah’. Oriens Antiquus, Vols. 20-23.
Frifelt, K. (1991). The Island of Umm an-Nar, Vol. 1. Third Millennium Graves. Aarhus: Jutland Archaeological Society
Publications 26/1.
Haenrick, E. (1991). ‘The rectangular Umm an-Nar period grave at Mowaihat (Emirate of Ajman, United Arab Emirates)’.
Gentse Bijdragen tot de Kunstgeschiedenis en Oudheidkunde 29, pp. 1-30.
gger blade with stepped shoulder Jasim, S. A. (2003). ‘Third Millennium Culture in the Emirate of Sharjah’. In D. Potts, H. al-Naboodah & P. Hellyer
tang. (Eds.), Archaeology of the United Arab Emirates: Proceedings of the First International Conference on the archaeology of
the UAE (pp. 86-99). London: Trident Press.
Kastner, J. (1991). ‘Some preliminary remarks concerning two recently excavated tombs in Dahah/Ras al-Khaimah’. In
K. Schippmann, A. Harling & J-F. Salles (Eds.), Golf Archaeologie: Mesopotamien, Iran, Kuwait, Bahrain, Vereingigte
Arabische Emirate und Oman (Vol. 6, pp. 233-244). Buch am Erlbach: Internationale Archaeologie.
Potts, D. T. (1998). ‘Some issues in the study of the pre-Islamic weaponry of south eastern Arabia’. Arabian Archaeology
and Epigraphy, Vol.9, pp. 182-208.Reade, J. 2003. “The Royal Tombs of Ur”. In: Art of the First Cities, The third
Millennium B. C. From the Mediterranean to Indus. The Metropolitan Museum of Arts, New York. Pp. 93-147.
Vogt, B. (1985). ‘The Umm an-Nar tomb A at Hili North: A preliminary report on three seasons of excavation, 1982-
1984’. Archaeology in the United Arab Emirates, Vol.4, pp. 20-35.
Vogt, B. 1994. Asimah: An Account of Two Months Rescue Excavation in the Mountain of Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab
Emirates. Shell Markets Middle East, Dubai, UAE.
nze socketed spear heads (1-2),

r (3) from Tomb FAY NE 22.
17

Report on the 2014 Paleolithic field work in the Central
Region of Sharjah Emirate
AH I
AH II
Report 2014 by AH III
Knut Bretzke
AH IV
University of Tübingen, Dep. of Early Prehistory and Quaternary Ecology, Burgsteige 11, D-72070 Tübingen, Germany
Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Research unit ‘The role of culture in early expansions of humans’
(ROCEEH), Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Introduction initially attempted to expand the area our field work, which enabled the
of trench 37 along the entire length by removal of about 20 to 35 cm of Fig. 2. Distribution of geologica
The 2014 season was the first season about 1 m to the east. After checking sediments in trenches 24 and 38 in campaign.
of the German mission where we the local conditions, however, we addition to about 100 cm in trench
conducted two Paleolithic field decided to extend trench 37 only in 37. We reached bedrock in the entire excavated from present su
projects in parallel. The fortune the northern part by 1 m to the east area of trench 24, in the eastern half depth of about 1.50 m.
discovery of two Acheulean over a length of 1 m (Fig. 1). of trench 38 and in all parts of trench
handaxes in Suhailah in 2012 and 37, except a small area of about 30 Following the procedur
further findings during a visit in 2013 11 workmen from the department x 20 cm in the north of this trench. previous seasons, we
encouraged us to begin systematic provided significant support of The extension area of trench 37 was defined geological horizons
field work here in addition to the archaeological horizons
continuation of excavation at site piece plotted all finds larg
FAY-NE1. The 2014 team consisted cm and recorded the cente
of Dr. Knut Bretzke, Alexander Janas each area excavated to fill o
(technician) and Max Schreibers (Fig 2). During 16 days of
(M.A. student). We conducted field we recorded 1431 lithic
work at Jebel Faya and Suhailah 1045 buckets. Given a me
between February 16 and March 14. of about 9 l, the sedime
removed during the 2014
at Faya can be estimated
Excavation at FAY-NE1 m³. In addition to lithic
buckets, we recorded the
Central goals of the 2014 season and location of 39 features,
at Faya included the recording of mainly stones larger than 5
the entire archaeological sequence use the measurements of la
present in the south western part to document holes in the
of the site and the increase of the of finds. Two of the feat
number of artifacts related to the potential hearths iden
archaeological assemblages from accumulations of dark sedi
AHs II and III. To reach these goals burnt materials.
we continued excavation in trenches
38 and 24 and re-opened trench 37, Field work during the last
which was not excavated since 2010. paigns of excavation at
In 2010, excavations in trench 37 was concentrated in trench
were stopped just below AH II. We 24. Here we stopped exca
thus expected to reach AH III soon year in GH 6 and AH
Fig. 1. Trenches at site FAY-NE1. Dark gray area east of 37 was intended to excavate in 2014, but
after beginning to work here. Since last days of excavation w
not realized due to local conditions; red hatched area: extension of trench 37 realized this year.
trench 37 is just one meter wide, we Shown in red areas of excavation activity in 2014, note the new trench 46 connecting trenches 24 noticed that the characteris
and 9.
18

e Central
AH I
AH II
AH III
AH IV
2070 Tübingen, Germany
rly expansions of humans’ AH V

Main, Germany AH VI
AH VII
work, which enabled the
f about 20 to 35 cm of Fig. 2. Distribution of geological horizons (GHs), archaeological horizons (AHs) and lithic artifacts in trenches 38 and 24 at the end of the 2014
campaign.
in trenches 24 and 38 in
o about 100 cm in trench
ached bedrock in the entire excavated from present surface to a with a larger area excavated featuring
nch 24, in the eastern half depth of about 1.50 m. changed sediment characteristics, we
38 and in all parts of trench decided to change to GH 7 after GH
a small area of about 30 Following the procedure of the 6 was removed in all parts of trenches
n the north of this trench. previous seasons, we excavated in 24 and 38. In this new GH we dis-
sion area of trench 37 was defined geological horizons (GH) and covered a new layer of lithic arti-
archaeological horizons (AH) and facts and defined AH VII. This AH is
piece plotted all finds larger than 2 stratigraphically well separated from
cm and recorded the center point of AH VI. All lithic artifacts excavated
each area excavated to fill one bucket in 2014 belong to GH 7/ AH VII,
(Fig 2). During 16 days of excavation which expand over the entire area
we recorded 1431 lithic artifacts and covered by trenches 24 and 38. The
1045 buckets. Given a mean volume assemblage of AH VII contains 243
of about 9 l, the sediment volume lithic artifacts. While trench 24 was
removed during the 2014 campaign successfully dug to bedrock (Fig. 3),
at Faya can be estimated to about 9 there is still an area of about 4 by 1 m
m³. In addition to lithic artifacts and in trench 38 where 5 to 10 cm of sedi-
buckets, we recorded the dimension ment covers bedrock. Sediments here
and location of 39 features, which are were again extremely hard and their
mainly stones larger than 50 cm. We removal was very time consuming.
use the measurements of large stones
to document holes in the distribution Trench 37 was filled with red sand
of finds. Two of the features were Fig. 3. Trench 24 at the end of the 2014 field
to protect the profiles from damage.
potential hearths identified by season. Excavation exposed bedrock in the Such procedures are here of critical
accumulations of dark sediments and entire area. importance given the location of
burnt materials. excavated sediments changed from this trench just below the drip line.
the typical reddish brown color of After removing the sand from trench
strongly cemented fine and medium
Field work during the last two cam- 37, excavation began on day two
paigns of excavation at FAY-NE1 with the removal of a large block in
sand with some silt and sub-angular
was concentrated in trenches 38 and the northern part of trench 37. The
gravel-sized clasts of GH 6 to red-
24. Here we stopped excavation last surface below the block was about
dish sediments containing clasts of
year in GH 6 and AH VI. During the 20-30 cm higher than in the southern
intended to excavate in 2014, but about 1 – 2 cm in size which are less
strongly cemented. During the first
last days of excavation we already part. While excavations in the higher
n of trench 37 realized this year.
days of this year’s excavation and
ench 46 connecting trenches 24 noticed that the characteristics of the part started in GH 4, excavations in
19

Fig. 6. Protective installations in
in trench 37. On day 9 w

the border between GH 5
which was at z ≈ 48.6 m
well defined by a layer of l
15 cm) blocks (Fig. 4). GH
AH IV. We excavated a
number of 870 artifacts th
to AH IV in trench 37. D
last week of excavation w
the top of the step in the
stopped further work in th
despite a half circular no
central part of trench 37 w
provided more sediments
excavate (Fig. 4).
With the definition of A

trenches 24 and 38, the arch
sequence diverges signific
the sequence established
Fig. 5. Excavation in trench 46 viewed from east (left) and the southern profile at the end of the terrace. To draw conclusion
campaign viewed from north.
relationship between both
the southern part began in GH 5. The parts on day four of the excavation. we would need to connect
border between GH 4 and GH 5 is well Already on day three we reached AH with trench 9 further eas
defined by an accumulation of large III in GH 5 in the southern part of ten of the excavation we t
stones. Moreover, the red-brown color trench 37. Unfortunately the number to remove sediments from
of GH 4 changes to brown in GH 5. of finds remained relative low with a between trench 24 and 9 (Fi
This change in color is accompanied total count of 59. In the lower part of here was conducted in
Fig. 4. Trench 37. Left: stone accumulation
by a decrease in the amount and size GH 5 we excavated loosely scattered 46 (Fig. 5). Of those GHs d
at the border between GH 5 and GH 6. Right: of limestone fragments from GH 4 to lithic artifacts which are despite their our excavation only GH 5
Situation at the last day of excavation, note the GH 5. Since the deeper southern area relative low density a well separated can be identified in trench 4
small circular notch in the bedrock.
was larger than the higher northern AH. We call this AH III.a. A number all other GHs occur behin
one, we reached the same GH for both of 31 lithic artifacts belong to this AH
20

Fig. 6. Protective installations in trench 42 (left) and trench 37 (right).
in trench 37. On day 9 we reached

the border between GH 5 and GH 6,
which was at z ≈ 48.6 m and again
well defined by a layer of large (10 –
15 cm) blocks (Fig. 4). GH 6 contains
AH IV. We excavated a significant
number of 870 artifacts that belong
to AH IV in trench 37. During the
last week of excavation we reached
the top of the step in the bedrock and
stopped further work in this trench,
despite a half circular notch in the
central part of trench 37 would have
provided more sediments of GH 6 to
excavate (Fig. 4).
With the definition of AH VII in Fig. 7. Potential location of two floor props to prevent the blocks from falling into trench 38.
trenches 24 and 38, the archaeological
sequence diverges significantly from
the sequence established on the
southern profile at the end of the terrace. To draw conclusions about the
relationship between both sequences,
ay four of the excavation. we would need to connect trench 24
n day three we reached AH with trench 9 further east. On day
5 in the southern part of ten of the excavation we thus began
Unfortunately the number to remove sediments from the area
mained relative low with a between trench 24 and 9 (Fig. 1). Work
of 59. In the lower part of here was conducted in the new trench
excavated loosely scattered 46 (Fig. 5). Of those GHs defined for
acts which are despite their our excavation only GH 5 and deeper
w density a well separated can be identified in trench 46, because
all this AH III.a. A number all other GHs occur behind the big Fig 8. Suhailah. Overview trench 1 (left), excavated profile (right).
artifacts belong to this AH
21

Report on t
block removed in trench 38 making the same time if not less. We added To gain insight into the vertical and
a stratigraphic correlation impossible. a roof on top of this wall to control horizontal distribution of finds on the
We thus decided to call the sediments the water flow from the shelter roof slopes, we defined a 2 x 10 m trench
in trench 46 that are above GH 5, and lead the water away from the (Fig. 8), which covered the location
GH 1t (GH 1 terrace), to separate fragile edges of trench 37. While we of handaxe one and runs up the hill.
them from GH 1 defined behind the made a conscious decision toward From this trench we collected every
big blocks. GH 1t was not further the installation of an easy removable lithic artifact to determine the degree
subdivided. In this GH we found protection for this year, next year of potential mixture and whether
AH It. On day nine of excavation we one should think about a long-term different periods might relate to
reached the border to GH 5 and finds, protection probably similar to those different heights on the slope. University of Tübingen, D
which occur soon after the transition in trench 42. During the other two working days at
to GH 5 were recorded as AH III. At Suhailah we collected artifacts from
the end of the excavation in trench 46
The situation in trenches 38 and 24 all areas adjacent to the find spots Introduction
is different. Here the sediments are of the handaxes and measured their
we reached a depth of about 1.20 m often cemented providing thus stable location within our grid. We collected
and stopped working in GH 5/AH III profile walls even when the depth of 277 lithics in total, while 211 come
(Fig. 5). In total we found here 135 the trenches exceeds 2 m. While I
Field work subsequent the
from the trench collection and 66
lithtic artifacts where 109 belong to think we could leave trench 24 in the of Acheulean like handaxe
from collecting the other areas.
AH It and 26 to AH III. present state, the big blocks in trench revealed Suhaila’s high
38 might better be stabilized using To test the underlying geology and for increasing our k
Excavation in trench 37 under the
floor props. Placing one of these props potential for excavation, we exposed a about the Paleolithic
present roof of the rock shelter
profile of about 1.5 m depth at x = 549
exposed profiles of 2.30 m height.
between the block north of trench 38 interior plain. This locatio
m, y = 500 m (Fig. 8). No artifacts were
Such profile depths necessitate
and the small remainder of the removed evidence for archaeologic
block in trench 38 would prevent the found under the present surface. The
protection in particular when parts from different periods of
underlying geology was in the upper
of the sediment column are relatively
latter from falling into trench 38. A Age. While finds from t
second prop could be placed between part dominated by sand with 1-5 cm
loose. This is the case in all of those Paleolithic range among
the two large blocks (see fig. 7). This rounded clasts, while the lower part
trenches excavated in the southwest important of the locality
would certainly stabilize the entire was dominated by a conglomerate of
of FAY-NE1. Walking within the rock diversity of the archaeolog
rounded larger pieces up to 20 cm in
shelter can already lead to significant
situation in trench 38.
size. The stratigraphy shows that the adds further significance to
damage. Regarding trench 37 the
near wadi and the wind are probably for Paleolithic research in
situation is even worse. Here flowing
Field work at Suhailah the main agents responsible for the
water from the roof leads to substantial deposition and erosion at Suhailah.
damage because trench 37 is located The 2015 season of the
at the drip line. To protect the profiles In addition to the collection of potential Archaeological Expeditio
We started field work at Suhailah from March 1 to Marc
under the rock shelter we decided Lower Paleolithic assemblages, we
on February 22. Main goal was the
to build stone walls in trenches 42 began documenting other sites in the focused on the docume
and 1 (Fig 6), which allows secure
systematic collection of those areas
direct vicinity of our working area. artifacts related to the
where we found the two handaxe
access to the trenches from north The ‘Black Flint Scatter’ I already discovered handaxes in a
in 2012. Using GPS coordinates
while stabilizing the profiles against mentioned in my report last year, is attempts related to
recorded at the location of discovery,
mechanical pressure. While the stone
we first located the two areas the first of these additional scatters the local geology, which
walls are an excellent protection and we began to measure using our grid
of interest. To allow systematic knowledge for interpretati
a long-term installation, in trench at Suhailah. Here we conducted no
collection and piece plotting of all present archaeological
37 we would need protection that
collected finds, we established a collection. A brief inspection of the
2015 team consists of the
can be removed easily next year. We artifacts again indicated that the site
north oriented grid with point x =
therefore build a wall from half-filled has great potential for excavation.
Alexander Janas, M.A.
600 m, y = 500 m and z = 200 m
50 kg flour bags (Fig. 6). We filled the Still the main issue would be to find
technician trainee Laura
located on top of the next hill at GPS:
bags with screened sediments from addition to the author, al
25°22’23.55”N/55°59’23.81”E. With ways for gaining insight into the
the excavation. It took the workmen chronology of the obviously different with the University of
the chosen dimensions it should be
half a day to build this protection
possible to include finds from a wide lithic scatters present at Suhailah. Two of the Department’s
hence we can expect that they
area potentially including all find This remains an interesting challenge supported our field work o
would be able to remove it in about and 10.
areas within this one grid. for the next years.
22

Report on the 2015 field work of the German Archaeological
sight into the vertical and
distribution of finds on the
Expedition at Suhailah
defined a 2 x 10 m trench
which covered the location
e one and runs up the hill.
trench we collected every
act to determine the degree Report 2015 by
l mixture and whether Knut Bretzke
periods might relate to
heights on the slope. University of Tübingen, Dept. of Early Prehistory and Quaternary Ecology, Burgsteige 11, 72070 Tübingen, Germany
other two working days at
we collected artifacts from
adjacent to the find spots Introduction Field work at Suhailah defined last year to collect all artifacts
daxes and measured their from the surface. Two areas of 2x1
ithin our grid. We collected m at the western and eastern end of
in total, while 211 come Field work subsequent the discovery trench 1 were excavated by 3 cm spits
The main challenge at Suhailah is the
trench collection and 66 spatial structuring of the distribution of following the natural geology (Fig. 2a
of Acheulean like handaxes in 2012
ecting the other areas. and b). All sediments were screened
revealed Suhaila’s high potential lithic artifacts. The observed patterns
include both areas with a continuous through 5 and 7 mm mesh. Artifacts
e underlying geology and for increasing our knowledge
scatter of lithic artifacts and spatially larger than 2 cm were piece plotted
or excavation, we exposed a about the Paleolithic history of the using a Leica total station. Finds
bout 1.5 m depth at x = 549 interior plain. This location provides
discrete distributions. While the latter
from screening were measured at the
m (Fig. 8). No artifacts were are rather unproblematic in terms
er the present surface. The
evidence for archaeological remains of defining an archaeological site, midpoint of the excavated area.
geology was in the upper

from different periods of the Stone the first features normally not clear
Age. While finds from the Lower borders and often extent over relative
nated by sand with 1-5 cm In four days of excavation we
lasts, while the lower part Paleolithic range among the most large areas. Moreover, sometimes
reached in the eastern part of trench
such continuous scatters seem to
nated by a conglomerate of important of the locality, the present 1 a depth of about 90 cm (Fig. 3).
extent over ridges into adjacent
ger pieces up to 20 cm in diversity of the archaeological record The deposits were divided into five
adds further significance to Suhailah slopes, which make the definition of
stratigraphy shows that the geological horizons (GH 1, 1a, 1b,
an archaeological site difficult.
and the wind are probably for Paleolithic research in Sharjah. 2, 2a) based on macroscopically
agents responsible for the observed differences in color and
and erosion at Suhailah. Since handaxe #1 comes from such
a situation, we had to define artificial
The 2015 season of the German characteristics of the matrix and clast
to the collection of potential Archaeological Expedition lasted components. Artifacts were found
boundaries to increase the chance of
documenting finds chronologically
leolithic assemblages, we from March 1 to March 15 and only in GHs 1-1b. GH 1 is about
related to this artifact. We defined the
umenting other sites in the focused on the documentation of 10 cm thick and according to the
nity of our working area. artifacts related to the previously Munsell color chart light grey in color
slope where we found the handaxe
k Flint Scatter’ I already (7.5 YR 7/1). The matrix supported
discovered handaxes in addition to as site SUHAILAH 1 (N 25.37332°,
sediments contain fine sand and clasts
in my report last year, is attempts related to understanding E 55.98992°). While the northern
f these additional scatters the local geology, which is essential and southern borders are well visible
with subrounded edges up to 15 mm
to measure using our grid in size. The border to GH 1a is well
knowledge for interpretations of the and represented by chert outcrops
h. Here we conducted no visible. GH 1a is a ca. 5 cm thick
present archaeological record. The almost vertically oriented, the eastern
brief inspection of the band with increased amount of clasts
and western limits were arbitrarily
2015 team consists of the technician
defined towards the top of the hill and
gain indicated that the site ranging in size between 3 and 6 cm.
Alexander Janas, M.A. and the The color is significantly lighter (5
potential for excavation. the bottom (Fig. 1).
ain issue would be to find
technician trainee Laura Bauer in YR 8/1) than in GH 1. The 8 to 14
gaining insight into the addition to the author, all affiliated One main goal of the 2015 season was cm thick GH 1b features similarities
y of the obviously different with the University of Tübingen. to test if artifacts occur in stratified with GH 1 except differences in color
ters present at Suhailah. Two of the Department’s workmen position in Suhailah 1. Building (light reddish brown, 5 YR 6/3) and
ns an interesting challenge supported our field work on March 9 on our work in 2014, we started the significantly decreased number
xt years. and 10. excavation in trench 1, which we of lithic artifacts. All layers below
23

Fig. 1. Site Suhailah 1. View from the west (left) and the east (right). Chert outcrops to the left and the right mark the north south extent of the site, while
the western and eastern limits are represented by the excavation in the foreground and the car in the background (left).
GH 1b lack lithic artifacts while

containing chert nodules of different
shapes. This observation is related to Fig. 4. Trench 1 western excavati
the proximity of the site to the chert

outcrop. The reddish brown (5 YR
5/4)GH 2 is 20 to 40 cm thick with a
sandy matrix and clasts up to 10 mm
in size. The border to GH 2a is well
visible and sharp. GH 2a is composed
of reddish yellow coarse sand with
clasts up to 4 cm in size.
Similar to the eastern part in trench 1,

we excavated to a depth of 1 m in the
western part during four days (Fig. 4).
Fig. 5. Trench 1. Western excavat
In contrast to the other part, however,
Fig.2. Trench 1, natural surface of excavated parts in the west (left) and east (right).
we continued excavating for two
Fig. 6. Trench 2. Surface of GH1
Fig. 3. Trench 1 eastern excavation. Northern and (left) eastern profile (right).
Fig. 7. Test pit southwest of Suhai
in our test pit.
24

orth south extent of the site, while
ack lithic artifacts while

chert nodules of different
is observation is related to Fig. 4. Trench 1 western excavation. Northern and (left) eastern profile (right).
mity of the site to the chert

additional days in an area of 1x1 m
The reddish brown (5 YR and reached a depth of 1.55 m. The
is 20 to 40 cm thick with a deposits in the western part of trench
rix and clasts up to 10 mm 1 are subdivided into five geological
he border to GH 2a is well horizons. GH 1 is about 25 cm thick
sharp. GH 2a is composed an consists of a matrix with very fine
yellow coarse sand with sand pale brown (10 YR 6/3) in color
4 cm in size. and very few clasts with sizes up to
5 mm. GH 2 is about 13 cm thick
the eastern part in trench 1, and reddish yellow brown in color
ted to a depth of 1 m in the (7.5 YR 7/6). The matrix supported
rt during four days (Fig. 4). sediments are poorly sorted. The
Fig. 5. Trench 1. Western excavation in front cleaned surface of the northern part in the center.
to the other part, however, matrix is medium fine sand. Clasts
nued excavating for two are more numerous than in GH 1 and
often feature rounded edges. GH 2a
is 5 to 15 cm thick and light grey in
color (10 YR 7/2). The medium sand
matrix is interspersed with gypsum
accumulations. The border to GH
2b is unclear and features wedges
potentially related of desiccation
cracks. GH 2b is 30 to 37 cm thick,
reddish yellow in color (5 YR 6/6)
Fig. 6. Trench 2. Surface of GH1 (left), during excavation (right).
and composed of poorly sorted coarse
sand. Clasts are in size up to 15 mm.
Crystalline deposits occur similar to
GH 2a, but here shaped as network
rather than spherical accumulations.
The yellowish red (7.5 YR 6/8) GH
3 is about 24 cm thick and consists
of poorly sorted coarse sand.
Compared to GH 2b, the amount
of clasts is significantly increased.
Fig. 7. Test pit southwest of Suhailah 1. The artifact bearing surface to the left was not discovered
in our test pit.
25

Fig. 8. Systematic collection of artifacts from the surface in Suhailah 1 (left), labeling of all collected artifacts in the lab (right).
Fig. 9. Handaxes (lower left) and other bifacial

tools.
Fig. 13. Collecting lithic artifacts
The majority is about 6 c

GH 3a is the currently dee
in our excavation at Suh
most obvious difference to
the significantly increased
Fig. 11. Cores.
of the sediments, which
yellow (7.5 YR 6/8) in col
and clast characteristic
relative similar to GH 3a.
of the 2015 season, GH 3a
depth of about 42cm.
Profiles from both parts

1 share similarities but
Fig. 10. Tools. Limace (upper left), points differences. To fully
(lower and middle left), sidescraper (upper and
middle right). geology underlying the
Lower Paleolithic finds we w
to physically connect thes
Fig. 12. Artifacts representing a component younger than the handaxe related assemblage. These We began this work by cl
artifacts might be related to the ABT. surface of the northern p
26

ab (right).
Fig. 13. Collecting lithic artifacts from circle with a diameter of 5 m. Green rope indicating the diameter, hammer located at the center.
The majority is about 6 cm in size. so far not excavated area in trench test excavation in an area of 2x1 m (Fig.
GH 3a is the currently deepest layer 1 (Fig. 5). Due to the limited time 6). After two days of work we stopped
in our excavation at Suhailah. The available this year, we decided not to the excavation at a depth of about 30
most obvious difference to GH 3a is start excavation to leave this work for cm. We found lithic artifacts in all spits,
the significantly increased hardening next year when it should be possible although in decreasing numbers.
of the sediments, which are reddish to reach the necessary depth in the
yellow (7.5 YR 6/8) in color. Matrix 8x1 m area. Given the importance Our excavations in Suhailah 1 did
and clast characteristics remain of stratified assemblages, from the not discover stratified archaeological
relative similar to GH 3a. At the end Lower Paleolithic in particular, we horizons. However, we were able
of the 2015 season, GH 3a reached a decided to test another area within to document artifacts within GH 1
depth of about 42cm. Suhailah 1 despite the fact that our in all three excavated areas. These
work in trench 1 revealed no artifact artifacts did not form distinct layers
Profiles from both parts in trench bearing horizon below the surface. but seem to be randomly distributed
1 share similarities but feature also We identified a potentially interesting within the sediment column. We thus
differences. To fully understand the area downhill in the western part of hypothesize that the development of
geology underlying the potential the site. Here the chert outcrop might the surface scatter of lithic artifacts
Lower Paleolithic finds we would have have protected deposits from erosion. is related to deflation and other
to physically connect these profiles. The observation of comparably few erosional processes that remove
ndaxe related assemblage. These We began this work by cleaning the artifacts were lying on the surface was sediments between artifacts but leave
surface of the northern part of the an additional argument to start a small the latter at their position. We were
27

points and a limace among other technological similarities
retouched artifacts (Fig. 10). The older Suhailah 1 assembl
majority of cores of this assemblage the lithic artifacts from
feature radial scar patterns and to be significantly differen
globular shapes (Figure 11). the older and the younger c
at Suhailah 1.
In addition to the clear Lower
Paleolithic component visible in the Although the March 20
lithic assemblage from Suhailah1, of the German
the collection provides evidence Expedition was only a sho
for the presence of a much younger the results of the field wor
component. Undirectional bladelet promising. The collection
cores, small bifacially retouched assemblage related to the
flakes and blades, a burin and a lateral from Suhailah will allow
retouched blade (Fig. 12) would a more detailed underst
argue for an assemblage related to the hominin behavior in
Arabian Bifacial Tradition (ABT). of Sharjah during the la
Finds from this period are very well Pleistocene and thus before
presented in the region. Given the of modern humans as see
close proximity to outcrops of good NE1. Our work this season
raw material, the presence of the ABT evidence for the presence o
might not besurprising. archaeological periods in
Once we better under
One of the major goals of our work geological and depositional
at Suhailah is the comprehensive the region, this diversity ove
documentation and characterization small area might provide a
of the archaeological remains building a relative chronolo
present in the protected area. Given different typo-technologic
Fig. 15. Aukaida region. Handaxe (left), site overview (right). the vast amount of lithic artifacts present at Suhailah.
visible on the ground in almost all
parts, a complete collection might Survey
able to collect first data to support in Shuhailah are no isolated finds but not be productive. We thus began
this hypothesis by excavating a 1x1.5 part of an assemblage. To gain further with systematic sampling of defined
m trench south west of the Suhailah details about the lithic typo-technology areas to get comparable collections Similar to previous y
1. Here an artifact bearing surface we started collecting all finds from the (Fig. 13). Assemblages collected conducted surveys in th
seemed to dive under a cover (Fig. surface at Suhailah1. During two days from a circle with a diameter of 5 m Our own focus laid on
7). Removing the cover however, of systematic collecting, we assembled will provide data on artifact density, of the paleolake Aqabah
revealed that the surface does not 986 artifacts (Fig. 8). typo-technological characteristics et al., 2010). These lake
stretch under this cover. This either provide a rare oppor
and spatial patterns of typo-
indicates that we have excavated not The Suhailah 1 assemblage contains increase our knowledg
technological characteristics. We
deep enough (which we are willing flakes, cores and tools and thus paleoenvironmental condi
began with two test areas south of
to test next year) or supports the collected six sediment sam
provides a solid basis for a detailed Suhailah 1. In the first circle (Test
deflation thesis. We believe that such three locations; including
typo-technological study. Preliminary 1) we were able to collect 26 lithic
geological background work and the results of the 2015 collection support (Fig. 14) potentially used b
understanding of the regions geology artifacts. The assemblage from the
second circle (Test 2) was with 139
previous statements that the handaxes
is critical for our archaeological work found in 2012 are not isolated finds
at Suhailah. artifacts significantly larger. This
but are part of an assemblage. Finds
already indicates that the density of
from 2015 underlining this include
Preliminary results from the small two handaxes, handaxe preforms and lithic artifacts is not the same. A brief Parton, A., Parker, A.G., Fa
sample of lithic artifacts collected last other bifacial tools (Fig. 9). The tool inspection of the two assemblages An early MIS3 wet phase
year clearly showed that the handaxes assemblage includes sidescrapers, showed that artifacts in Test 1 feature the Seminar for Arabian St
28

d a limace among other technological similarities with the
artifacts (Fig. 10). The older Suhailah 1 assemblage, while
f cores of this assemblage the lithic artifacts from Test 2 seem
adial scar patterns and to be significantly different to both,
hapes (Figure 11). the older and the younger component
at Suhailah 1.
n to the clear Lower
component visible in the Although the March 2015 season
emblage from Suhailah1, of the German Archaeological
ction provides evidence Expedition was only a short season,
esence of a much younger the results of the field work are very
t. Undirectional bladelet promising. The collection of a whole
mall bifacially retouched assemblage related to the handaxes
blades, a burin and a lateral from Suhailah will allow us to gain
blade (Fig. 12) would a more detailed understanding of
n assemblage related to the hominin behavior in the interior
Bifacial Tradition (ABT). of Sharjah during the late Middle
m this period are very well Pleistocene and thus before the arrival
in the region. Given the of modern humans as seen in FAY-
imity to outcrops of good NE1. Our work this season also added
al, the presence of the ABT evidence for the presence of different
besurprising. archaeological periods in Suhailah.
Once we better understand the
e major goals of our work geological and depositional history of
ah is the comprehensive the region, this diversity over a relative
ation and characterization small area might provide a chance for
archaeological remains building a relative chronology for the
the protected area. Given different typo-technological entities
amount of lithic artifacts present at Suhailah.
the ground in almost all
omplete collection might Survey
oductive. We thus began
matic sampling of defined Fig. 14. Sampled profile with lake sediments at Jebel Aqabah (N 25.03809°, E 55.80619°).
et comparable collections Similar to previous years, we
. Assemblages collected conducted surveys in the region.
cle with a diameter of 5 m Our own focus laid on the sediments al. (2010). (25° 5’33.44”N, 55°59’0.98”E). The
de data on artifact density, of the paleolake Aqabah (Parton, artifact assemblage seemed represent
ological characteristics et al., 2010). These lake sediments Together with Eisa Yousif we one period and lacks obvious signs
ial patterns of typo- provide a rare opportunity to surveyed the Aukaider region west for admixture. Given that artifacts
increase our knowledge about of Maleha. In close vicinity to the usually occur within scatters of large
cal characteristics. We
paleoenvironmental conditions. We pipeline and power line we identified extent, this site provides a unique
h two test areas south of
collected six sediment samples from a very promising location (Fig. 15) opportunity to study an undisturbed
1. In the first circle (Test
three locations; including a profile characterized by a spatially well- assemblage potentially from the
e able to collect 26 lithic
(Fig. 14) potentially used by Parton et defined scatter of large bifacial tools Middle Pleistocene.
The assemblage from the
cle (Test 2) was with 139
significantly larger. This
References
dicates that the density of
acts is not the same. A brief Parton, A., Parker, A.G., Farrant, A.R., Leng, M.J., Uerpmann, H.-P., Schwenninger, J.-L., Galletti, C., Wells, J., 2010.
of the two assemblages An early MIS3 wet phase at palaeolake Aqabah: preliminary interpretation of the multi- proxy record. Proceedings of
at artifacts in Test 1 feature the Seminar for Arabian Studies 40, 267-276.
29

Preliminary Report on the 2014 Belgian Excavations
at Mleiha area AV, Sharjah (UAE)
Report 2014 by
Bruno OVERLAET Ernie HAERINCK Bart DE PREZ
Possum PINCE Laurence VAN GOETHEM Patrick MONSIEUR
Abstract looted but the remaining finds point A ground penetrating radar survey
to a date in the 2nd century BCE. in the fall of 2013 targeted its
The superstructure of the tombs had surroundings, extending the research
During the previous excavation a more or less square plan, suggesting area eastwards up to the modern
season in 2013, the Belgian expedition tower shaped monuments. wadi4. This survey made it possible
made a Ground Penetrating Radar to locate a series of tombs with a Fig. 2. The 2014 Belgian field tea
A Belgian Archaeological Expedition monumental square superstructure (director) handling the drone for
Survey at area AV along the eastern (archaeologists), Hubert Steenbek
is working since 2009 at Mleiha in
rim of Mleiha (Sharjah, UAE) during and the following excavations
the Emirate of Sharjah (United Arab revealed the presence of modest pit
which a series of monumental tombs
Emirates) in close collaboration with tombs between the clusters of these
were located. The 2014 stay at Mleiha
Sharjah’s Directorate of Antiquities1. monumental tombs (Fig. 3). On
was mainly a study-campaign in view
of future publications. However, During these first five years a large one of these clusters, a low mound
during two weeks, a small team surface with 7 monumental tombs labelled Z, two squares of 7 by 6.5
continued the excavations of two and 4 more modest pit graves (zone meters were set out around two of
monumental tombs that were started P) was excavated2 on the eastern these monumental tombs. The results
the previous year. Both tombs were fringes of the site (Area AV3). of the GPR survey could thus be
corroborated but a more extensive
excavation had to be postponed to
2014, due to a lack of time.
TOMBS Z1 and Z2.
During what was mainly a campaign

to study the ceramics and architectural
elements of the previous campaigns
that are kept in the storage facility
at Mleiha, a small team with a few
workmen continued the research of the
zone Z tombs in the fall of 2014. Tomb
Z1 (square A) was further excavated
Fig. 1. Drone photography of graveyard area AV with the zones excavated by the Belgian team.
1
The 2014 expedition by the Royal Museums of Art and History, Brussels, succeeds the 2009-2013 Belgian joint expedition by the Royal Museums of Art and History and
Ghent University. The expedition is supported by the Royal Museums, the FWO (Research Foundation - Flanders) and the IAP VII (Greater Mesopotamia: Reconstruction of
its Environment and History) and works in close collaboration with the Directorate of Antiquities of the Emirate of Sharjah, headed by Dr. Sabah Jasim, whose support has been
crucial for our research. The expedition is directed by B. Overlaet (RMAH), members and collaborators of the 2014 team are E .Haerinck (senior archaeologist), B. De Prez, P.
Pincé and L. Van Goethem (archaeologists), H. Steenbeke and M. Coppejans (architectural reconstructions) and Patrick Monsieur (amphora identifications).
Haerinck & Overlaet 2011a ; 2011b / Overlaet & Haerinck 2014 / Overlaet 2015. Fig. 3. The excavated zones in ar
2
3 (bottom left; after Verdonck et al.

The Directorate of Antiquities has recently introduced the code A V for this general area. It includes our working zones P, Qa-b-c and Z, all part of one large graveyard.
4
of the 2014 excavations are shown
Verdonck et al. 2014.
30

vations
penetrating radar survey

ll of 2013 targeted its
gs, extending the research
wards up to the modern
s survey made it possible
a series of tombs with a Fig. 2. The 2014 Belgian field team and two of our trusted local workmen. From left to rigth: Galparosh Khan (Sharjah workman), Dr. Bruno Overlaet
al square superstructure (director) handling the drone for aerial photography, Prof. Em. Dr. Ernie Haerinck (senior archaeologist), Laurence Van Goethem and Bart Deprez
(archaeologists), Hubert Steenbeke and Martine Coppejans (architectural reconstructions) and Ali Badr (Sharjah workman).
following excavations
he presence of modest pit
ween the clusters of these
al tombs (Fig. 3). On
ese clusters, a low mound
, two squares of 7 by 6.5
re set out around two of
umental tombs. The results
R survey could thus be
ed but a more extensive
had to be postponed to
to a lack of time.
OMBS Z1 and Z2.
hat was mainly a campaign

e ceramics and architectural
of the previous campaigns
ept in the storage facility
a small team with a few
continued the research of the
mbs in the fall of 2014. Tomb
e A) was further excavated
useums of Art and History and

Mesopotamia: Reconstruction of
bah Jasim, whose support has been
nior archaeologist), B. De Prez, P.
dentifications).
Fig. 3. The excavated zones in area AV (top) and their position on the relief map of the surface covered by the Ground Penetrating Radar Survey of 2013
(bottom left; after Verdonck et al. 2014). A detail of the GPR results showing the monumental tombs and an aerial view of the two tombs at the beginning
art of one large graveyard.
of the 2014 excavations are shown on the right.
31

and the superstructure of tomb Z2 over large distances. The nearby epi, meaning ‘under the term of’;
(square B) was studied (Fig. 3-4). trench QB, close to graveyard area Z, the other mentions the name of the
for example, was a virgin area and did fabricant. Except for the earliest
The sides of both tombs are directed not produce a single sherd. stamps, Rhodian stamps also mention
more or less to the cardinal points the name of a month of the Rhodian
The proximity of some tombs to
and merely 2.20m separates them calendar. Often a symbol is added,
each other probably indicates some
from each other. They are more usually to the fabricant’s name (head
close family or tribal relationship. It
or less aligned with a third tomb, of the sun- god Halios, an animal,
is imaginable that such groups would
an attribute of a god, etc.), which is
use a specific graveyard area over a
immediately to the east. A fourth
Fig. 5. Tombs Z1 (left, view from
tomb with a different orientation is not the case here. The name of the of the sub-surface layer.
long timespan. Variations in tomb
visible immediately to the south on ‘fabricant’ represents not the potter
construction, shape or size from one
the GPR results (contours delineated but rather the owner of the amphora
zone to another could be chronological
with black line on Fig. 3 right). workshop, who also may have been
markers but may also be linked to
specific ethnic or tribal groups.
The general characteristics of such the wine-grower.
monumental tombs are well known
and have been described at several The stamp of square B mentions the
official Agemachos and the Rhodian
MISCELLANEOUS
instances. They are usually mud
brick “towers”, sometimes decorated SUB-SURFACE FINDS month Dalios in the genitive.
with crenelated battlements made of Agemachos can be quite accurately
gypsum brick; they can be placed on a dated ca. 181 – 179 BCE6. The
raised podium and often have a small Crucial finds from the sub-surface fabricant’s stamp is only partially
platform at the centre of the north layer were two stamped Rhodian preserved, but can be reconstructed
side. They are usually covered with amphora handles. One was found in as Diskos. Indeed, since before the
white gypsum plaster and constructed the southeastern quarter of square ending of the name in the genitive ]
with mud brick, but sometimes also B, the other near the southwestern kou there is only space left for some
with more weather resistent gypsum corner of tomb Z1. Amphora sherds letters this name has to be very short
bricks. The simplest type of these found in the grave pit of tomb Z1 join and [Dis]kou is the only candidate
tombs may have been solid brick to sherds that were found scattered that fits for the reconstruction. The
blocks, the more elaborate (and
in the surface layer of both squares, fabricant Diskos II (there exists a
possibly later) tombs appear to have
which could suggest they all may homonym who has to be dated earlier
belong to one and the same amphora, and who is always associated with
had an interior room in the upper
structure 5.
once deposited in tomb Z1. Rhodian a Rhodian month) is well-known
amphorae were stamped on both from the famous Villanova deposit
Fig. 6. Rhodian amphora fragmen
Since both tombs are next to one handles. One bears the name of the on the island of Rhodes where he
another, the finds from the disturbed eponym, the yearly elected official, is associated on several complete Left: handle with stamp from Disk
surface layer in square ZB; right:
sub-surface layer can not be linked preceded by the Greek preposition amphorae with four eponyms dated
to a specific tomb, but are rather
ca. 189-186 BCE : Xe
representative for the whole cluster of
Pratophanes, Kratidas and
graves and indicative of the complete
Even if the production of the
period of use of this part of the
of Diskos II must have las
graveyard. These sub- surface layer than 4 years (maybe up to
finds are items that were discarded or this chronology, presented
lost by the looters who once raided the known associations w
the tombs. Joining sherds of broken eponyms, still gives a co
vessels are often found inside the sharp dating range.
grave pit and immediately around
the tomb structures. Since area Z is The two stamps of Mleiha
located along the wadi, sherds could belonged to the same am
also be displaced by natural elements this remains very hard
such as flash floods and floodings. There are of course some
The experience suggests, however, arguments : the proximity
Fig. 4. General plan of the squares with tombs Z1 (left) and Z2 (right). spots and the fact that
that sherds would not have travelled
32

ing ‘under the term of’; While the production of the amphora
mentions the name of the or amphorae can be accurately dated,
Except for the earliest especially by the stamp of the eponym,
hodian stamps also mention some of the crucial questions in the
of a month of the Rhodian present context are the moment of the
Often a symbol is added, deposition in the tomb and what the
the fabricant’s name (head function might have been. Amphorae
n- god Halios, an animal, are known to have been re-used for
e of a god, etc.), which is some time before being deposited
Fig. 5. Tombs Z1 (left, view from the North) and Z2 (right, view from the South) after the clearing
se here. The name of the of the sub-surface layer. in the tomb. The production date is
represents not the potter only a terminus post quem. One of
the owner of the amphora the present fragments shows repair
who also may have been holes, something which had also
grower. been noted on another fragment from
Mleiha8. It suggests there may have
of square B mentions the been some secondary use between the
gemachos and the Rhodian production on Rhodes and its use in
Dalios in the genitive. the funerary context.
s can be quite accurately
181 – 179 BCE6. The Other finds include glazed pottery, a
stamp is only partially gold bead and stone vessel fragments.
but can be reconstructed They can be less precisely dated but
Indeed, since before the do support the amphora dates.
the name in the genitive ]
is only space left for some A green glazed handle belongs to
name has to be very short an amphora type with ornamental
kou is the only candidate handles that is known from several
or the reconstruction. The locations in Mleiha9, from Ed Dur10
Diskos II (there exists a and al Fueda in northern Oman11.
who has to be dated earlier The extremities of the handle end
s always associated with in ridges over the shoulder of the
n month) is well-known amphora and sometimes end in
famous Villanova deposit human hands with extended fingers.
Fig. 6. Rhodian amphora fragments. The ridges on the present fragment
and of Rhodes where he
ted on several complete Left: handle with stamp from Diskos II; centre: wall fragments from tomb Z1 and the disturbed sub- end in what could be such a “hand”,
with four eponyms dated
surface layer in square ZB; right: handle with stamp of Agemachos. but without the indication of fingers.
An almost complete example of such
ca. 189-186 BCE : Xenophanes, have been perfectly related with the an amphora with simple straigth
Pratophanes, Kratidas and Ieron I7. eponym Agemachos, that is to say ca. ridges was discovered in a tomb at
Even if the production of the amphorae 181 – 179 BCE, which is only some the nearby trench QB in association
of Diskos II must have lasted longer 5 to 7 years after the eponym Ieron I with iron swords with hook shaped
than 4 years (maybe up to 20 years), with whom he is certainly associated. grips. The same combination is
this chronology, presented thanks to Nevertheless, the differences of style encountered in the Samad Late Iron
the known associations with these of the letters and of the shape of the Age assemblage at al Fueda, the
eponyms, still gives a considerable cartouche of the stamping device, as equivalent of the PIR A and B phase
sharp dating range. well as the profiles of the handles at Mleiha12. Their extreme rarity at
don’t seem to point in that direction. ed Dur, where only a few fragments
The two stamps of Mleiha may have were found among several thousands
On the other hand, several Rhodian
belonged to the same amphora, but of registered sherds, may be explained
this remains very hard to prove. amphorae of the same period could
by such an early date, well before the
There are of course some plausible have been deposited in the same
apex of this coastal site.
arguments : the proximity of the find tomb. Only a certain match with the
ight). spots and the fact that Diskos II could Another find of interest was a
missing sherds can bring a solution.
33

with a central knob, often in
of a lion. Such vessels
various sizes from Mleiha
other sites in the Arabian
They are likely impor
southwest Arabia (althou
may be local imitations)
probably used for valuable
or perfumes. Such beehive
dated from the third centu
the first century AD18
These first finds point to a 2

BCE date (late PIR A or
B), something which later
to be in accordance with the
were left by the looters in
pit of tomb Z1. Among
alabaster vessel and iron wea
TOMB Z1 : CONSTRU
AND FINDS
Tomb Z1 is the most wes

three tombs visible on the G
(Fig. 3). The square outline o
became visible as soon
centimeters of the surface
removed. A sandy patch
Fig. 7. Finds from the sub-surface layer of zone Z: Gold bead (top left), fragment of a beehive shaped stone vessel and fragment of a glazed amphora where the looters had gaine
handle (bottom right) compared to a complete example from the 2013 zone QB excavations (bottom left).
stood out against the m
fragmentary gold bead, originally material. This entrance
5 consisting of two concentric circles looters had dug straight to
Boucharlat & Mouton 1998; Mouton 1997; 2006; 2010.
6
Finkielsztejn 2001, p. 193. of five hollow spheres, each about pit was completely filled
7
Maiuri 1924, p. 253-258. 2.4 mm in diametre. The outer circle A few gypsum fragments, p
8
Monsieur et al. 2013, p. 212-213, fig. 6. is almost completely lacking – only alabaster vessel fragment
9
Boucharlat & Mouton,1993, p.231, 242, fig.13 nr.13./ Mouton1997, p.68, fig.23 nrs.1 and 8; the imprint or fragments of the globes as some iron fragments w
2008, p.388- 389, fig.62 nr.22, fig.63 nr.2./Moutonetal., 1992 p.42, fig.23. A1st possibly even
nd
remain - but the type is familiar on the floor of the grave p
from other East Arabian sites such in this fill. It suggests ve
a 2 century AD date was tentatively suggested for these glazed amphora. Several vessels
of this type were also discovered by the local Sharjah team during the excavations of similar as Thaj13, Dibbah14 and Samad al smashed to retrieve thei
monumental tombs.
Shan15. A specimen with a single
10
Rutten 2006, p. 186, cat. nrs. 1039-1046. or accidentally broken d
11
circle of globes was found in a tomb at
Yule 1999, p. 129, 138, 180, fig. 37, Taf. 8. looting, left on top of the
12 Area C at Mleiha16 and ed Dur17. This
Yule 2013, p. 20, fig. 15. over time ended up back
13 type of bead was widely distributed
Hameed al-Hashash 2006, p. 16, pl. 2. grave pit. Some of the s
14
Jasim 2006, p. 227, 233, 235, fig. 56, 63 nr 28.
and used over a long timespan.
15 were found in the fill fitted
Yule 2001, Taf. 95, 99.
16 An alabaster or calcite sherd with an that were retrieved in the su
Mouton 1997, p. 72 ; 2008, p. 59, fig. 28 ; Jasim 1999, p. 74, fig. 8, 11.
17
Haerinck 2001, Pl. 100, 129 nr. 84, colour pl. E4.
unpierced lug on the wall belongs to a area around the two monum
18
Hassell 1997.
small beehive shaped vessel with a lid amphora wall sherds on F
34

with a central knob, often in the shape The construction of the funerary gravel layer is of uneven thickness
of a lion. Such vessels are known in monument is documented in Fig. 8. and is not present everywhere in the
various sizes from Mleiha tombs and What looked at first impression to be graveyard area. Its variation can also
other sites in the Arabian peninsula. an regular platform, was in reality an be seen in the section of tomb Z1.
They are likely imported from evenly eroded surface. The more or Measured from the average top of the
southwest Arabia (although some less horizontal top surface clearly cuts gravel layer, the grave pit is about 1
may be local imitations) and were
through tilted mud bricks in the center, to 1.05 metre deep. The excavations
probably used for valuable ointments
well visible in the tomb’s section. of similar tombs showed that the
or perfumes. Such beehive vessels are
grave pit was traditionally covered
dated from the third century BCE to The grave pit was dug in the solid
the first century AD18. underground that must have been
with wooden beams, sometimes
sealed with plaster, on which mud
These first finds point to a 2nd century just close beneath the sandy surface
bricks were placed. There were no
BCE date (late PIR A or early PIR layer. It consisted of a compacted
traces of wooden beams preserved
B), something which later turned out gravel layer on top of a thick layer of
in the case of tomb Z1. Beams were
to be in accordance with the finds that marl. The rim of the grave pit is well
usually placed on top of the gravel
were left by the looters in the burial delineated by this gravel layer and
layer which explains why more of the
pit of tomb Z1. Among these were an easy to recognise. It measures ca. 1.35
sand around the grave pit had to be
alabaster vessel and iron weaponry. by 0.65 metre. On the plan in fig. 8,
removed. The grave builders often dug
out a large area that was later filled in
it is indicated with a red dotted line.
The grave pit itself bellowed out to a
again with sand and levelled to build
the monument’s mud brick upper
TOMB Z1 : CONSTRUCTION more rounded shape measuring 1.45
structure on. The first two layers of
AND FINDS by 0.80 metre at its widest point. The
complete section in fig. 8 is taken just
mud bricks formed a sort of platform
left of the grave pit’s upper rim but still
on which the square tower itself was
Tomb Z1 is the most western of the cuts through the lower part (black line
placed. Depending on the level of the
three tombs visible on the GPR image on the plan). The alluvial compacted
(Fig. 3). The square outline of the tomb
became visible as soon as the top few
centimeters of the surface layer were
removed. A sandy patch indicating
nd fragment of a glazed amphora where the looters had gained entrance
stood out against the mud brick
ry gold bead, originally material. This entrance way the
of two concentric circles looters had dug straight to the grave
ollow spheres, each about pit was completely filled with sand.
diametre. The outer circle A few gypsum fragments, pottery and
completely lacking – only alabaster vessel fragments, as well
t or fragments of the globes as some iron fragments were found
but the type is familiar on the floor of the grave pit and and
r East Arabian sites such in this fill. It suggests vessels were
Dibbah14 and Samad al smashed to retrieve their contents
specimen with a single
or accidentally broken during the
obes was found in a tomb at
looting, left on top of the tombs and
Mleiha16 and ed Dur17. This
over time ended up back into the
ad was widely distributed
over a long timespan. grave pit. Some of the sherds that
were found in the fill fitted to sherds
er or calcite sherd with an that were retrieved in the sub- surface
lug on the wall belongs to a area around the two monuments (e.g.
ive shaped vessel with a lid amphora wall sherds on Fig. 6). Fig. 8. Plan and sections of Tomb Z1.
35

surrounding surface, it may have been battlements. A few fragments of a found in the fill and on the floor of Only at the northern side
visible as an uneven stepped base. On thick plaster layer with impressions the gravepit. A sherd found in the layers of mud brick exten
the northern side this two layer mud of mud brick at the back and a single surface layer of square B joined beneath the upper layers. R
brick base is larger and has a different gypsum stone with a rounded front to these sherds. Whether these a plaster lining against the m
orientation. Some of the monumental (20 x 14 x 6 cm), apparently from a sherds belong to any (or both) of start from this level, sugges
Mleiha tombs have a platform added decorative ridge, were found in the fill the stamped handles discussed was at this point that the
above can unfortunately not be
against their north wall, which could of the tomb and near the south-west shaped monument began.
ascertained.
explain such an anomaly. There was, corner of the monument. They may be
The looters have destroye
however, no trace of such an “offering part of the top cover of the monument • Arrowheads (Fig. 9). Fragments
the southern part of
platform” on top of this base in the but could as well be from elsewhere. of 5 arrowheads were discovered.
One of them has a pronounced but like in the case of
case of tomb Z1.
Although the tomb had been looted, midrib (Z-T1-F6). Their fragments of burial goods w
The original tread or antique surface is some items remained in the grave fragmentary condition does not the fill. More is undoubted
difficult, sometimes even impossible pit and in the looters entrance that allow a precise determination in the fill of the actual gra
to detect and may have varied leads to it (Figs. 6 and 9). Like in all within the typology proposed may offer more dating ele
considerably around the monument other tombs at Mleiha that have been by Mouton. A precise dating is the moment, the finds a
studied, there were no human remains not possible since they occur at
since they were built in an irregular to iron weaponry fragme
left in situ19. The finds that were Mleiha from the late 3rd century
alluvial plain and dug out soil may same character as those
made, however, are consistent with BCE onwards21.
have lingered around. The two layer arrowheads, fragments of
the PIR A and B periods and refer to
base may have surfaced more on one the same timespan as the sub-surface • Sword fragments (?) (Fig. 9). sword grips.
side than on another. An amphora finds discussed above. Two iron fragments represent
handle next to the south-west corner more weaponry. A small FINAL REMARK
of tomb Z1 was discovered laying Alabastron (Fig. 9). A slender, fragment belongs to the double
on level +5, indicated on the sections horizontally veined alabaster bottle edged blade of a sword. A small
During the two weeks of ex
in fig. 8 with a dotted line. At the
was found smashed in the disturbed bent iron pin may be part of the
fill and on the floor of the grave pit. tang that ran throught the grip of the construction of
eastern side of the monument this
The 11.8 cm high bottle has a wall a sword. monumental tombs of the l
level is well in the compacted gravel
of merely 1.6 mm thick and a solid Z in area AV was studie
layer. This means that either this tip with a flat 8 mm wide base. A the noteworthy finds were
amphora fragment was laying in a pit comparable alabastron but shorter TOMB Z2 : CONSTRUCTION dated Rhodian amphora
or – which seems more likely - the and with a much broader base was that provide a datum
original thread around the monument discovered at the area C graveyard this graveyard area of ar
Tomb Z2 was not fully excavated,
was irregular and it was built on a at Mleiha and dated to the PIR A BCE. The other finds,
slight slope. period 20 . only part of the upper structure could
vessels, gold beads, iron
be studied in the available time span and pottery were well
The actual “tomb tower” had a square (Fig. 10). The data presented here with a 2nd -1st century B
plan with sides of ca. 3.50 metre.
• Gold spacer bead (Fig. 9). A are necessarily preliminary and Further research of mou
Two to three layers of mud bricks will have to be completed after next
delicate, 11.3 mm long gold include the continuation o
were preserved in some parts on top spacer bead was found on the excavation seaon. Z2 excavation and the
of the base platform. The original floor of the grave pit. It is made of the exposed surface.
height of the square “tower” can of 7 short tubes with a flat rim The square tower shaped monument
to document the compo
measured about 3 by 3 m. The outline
the graveyard (monumen
not be established. Whether it was a on one side that are mounted on
of the ca. 2.50 m long grave pit was
solid block of mud brick or rather a an oval beaded wire. The central
partially traced (red dotted line in fig. smaller tombs) and to
walled (and possibly even roofed) area tube is closed leaving openings
for six parallel strings. The item 10), but it was left to excavate in the understanding of the time
remains at present undecided. The construction methods.
was obviously once part of a coming year. The general construction
outside of such funerary monuments
more complex jewel that was is very similar to that of tomb Z1. A
are traditionally plastered and often
looted from the tomb. noticeable difference is the apparent
also gypsum bricks are used for the absence of a mud brick base that 19
On possible explanations, see Over
construction of the walls and for • Wall fragments of a Rhodian created a stepped platform for the 20
Mouton 2008, p. 57, fig. 26 nr. 1.
decorative ridges and/or crenelated amphora (Fig. 6). Sherds were square tower shaped monument. 21
Mouton 1990.
36

in the fill and on the floor of Only at the northern side the lower
avepit. A sherd found in the layers of mud brick extend slightly
e layer of square B joined beneath the upper layers. Remains of
se sherds. Whether these a plaster lining against the mud bricks
s belong to any (or both) of start from this level, suggesting that it
amped handles discussed was at this point that the visible tower
can unfortunately not be
shaped monument began.
ained.
The looters have destroyed much of
wheads (Fig. 9). Fragments
the southern part of the monument,
rowheads were discovered.
them has a pronounced but like in the case of tomb Z1,
b (Z-T1-F6). Their fragments of burial goods were left in
entary condition does not the fill. More is undoubtedly present
a precise determination in the fill of the actual grave pit and
the typology proposed may offer more dating elements. At
outon. A precise dating is the moment, the finds are limited
ossible since they occur at to iron weaponry fragments of the
a from the late 3rd century same character as those from Z1, i.e.
onwards21. arrowheads, fragments of blades and
d fragments (?) (Fig. 9). sword grips.
iron fragments represent
weaponry. A small FINAL REMARKS
ent belongs to the double
blade of a sword. A small
ron pin may be part of the During the two weeks of excavations,
hat ran throught the grip of the construction of two of the
monumental tombs of the low mound Fig. 9. Finds from tomb Z1: an alabastron, a gold spacer bead and iron weaponry.
ord.
Z in area AV was studied. Among
the noteworthy finds were two well
Z2 : CONSTRUCTION dated Rhodian amphora handles
that provide a datum post quem for
this graveyard area of around 180
was not fully excavated,
BCE. The other finds, alabaster
of the upper structure could
vessels, gold beads, iron weaponry
in the available time span and pottery were well in agreement
The data presented here with a 2nd -1st century BCE date.
ssarily preliminary and Further research of mound Z will
to be completed after next include the continuation of the tomb
seaon. Z2 excavation and the expanding
of the exposed surface. This aims
e tower shaped monument
to document the composition of
about 3 by 3 m. The outline
the graveyard (monumental versus
2.50 m long grave pit was
aced (red dotted line in fig. smaller tombs) and to refine our
was left to excavate in the understanding of the time frame and
. The general construction construction methods.
milar to that of tomb Z1. A Fig. 10. Plan and section of Tomb Z2.
difference is the apparent
a mud brick base that 19
On possible explanations, see Overlaet 2015.
stepped platform for the 20
Mouton 2008, p. 57, fig. 26 nr. 1.
21
wer shaped monument. Mouton 1990.
37

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de Mleiha (E.A.U.), in: Phillips C.S., Potts D.T. & Searight S. (eds.), Arabia and her Neighbours. Essays on prehistorical and historical
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Mouton, M., 2010. The monolith
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and Beyond, Multidisciplinary
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Finkielsztejn, G., 2001. Chronologie détaillée et révisée des éponymes amphoriques rhodiens, de 270 à 108 av. J.-C. environ. Premier bilan,
Mouton, M., Mokaddem, K. &
(= BAR Int. Ser. 990), Oxford.
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Haerinck, E., 2001. Excavations at ed-Dur, vol. II. The Tombs. (The University of Ghent South-East Arabian Archaeological Project), Leuven,
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Haerinck, E. & Overlaet, B., 2011a. The Belgian Archaeological Excavations at Mleiha, Sharjah 2009, Sharjah Antiquities 13: 54-57.
Mer – Mededelingen der Zitting
Haerinck, E. & Overlaet, B., 2011b. The Belgian Archaeological Excavations at Mleiha, Sharjah 2010: Preliminary Report on the 2nd Season,
Rutten, K., 2006. Het aar
Sharjah Antiquities 13:58-63.
University, (3 vol.: not publish
Hameed al-Hashash, A., 2006. Brief Report on the Excavations at Thaj, Atlal, The Journal of Saudi Arabian Archaeology 19: 15-20.
Verdonck , L., Haerinck, E. & O
Hassell J., 1997. Alabaster Beehive-Shaped Vessels from the Arabian Peninsula: Interpretations from a Comparative Study of Characteristics, (United Arab Emirates), in: La
Contexts and Associated Finds, Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy 8:245–281. International Conference on G
Jasim, S.A., 1999. The excavation of a camel cemetery at Mleiha, Sharjah, U.A.E, Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy 10: 69-101. Yule P., 1999. ‘Amla/al Zahirah
archaeology of the Sultanate of

Jasim, S.A., 2006. Trade centres and commercial routes in the Arabian Gulf: Post-Hellenistic discoveries at Dibba, Sharjah, United Arab
Emirates, Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy 17: 214–237. Yule P., 2002. Die Gräberfelder
Band 4), Rahden/Westfalen: Le

Maiuri, A., 1924. Una fabbrica di anfore rodie, Annuario della Scuola archeologica di Atene 4-5 (1921-1922): 249-269.
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Mouton, M., 1997a. Les tours funéraires d’Arabie, nefesh monumentales, Syria 74: 81–98.
Ibadism and Oman, Oman and
Mouton, M., 1997b. Excavations at Mleiha, Sharjah Archaeology 4 (Archaeological Surveys in Sharjah Emirates, Fourth Report, 1988), 1997:
44-71.
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ode de construction des tombes Mouton, M., 2006. Les plus anciens monuments funéraires de Pétra: Une tradition de l’Arabie pré- islamique, Topoi 14: 79-119.
on prehistorical and historical

Mouton, M., 2008. La Péninsule d’Oman de la fin de l’Age du Fer au début de la période sassanide (250 av.-350 ap. JC), (= BAR Internat.
Series 1776 & Society for Arabian Studies Monographs No. 6), Oxford.
aterialien zur Archaeologie der

Mouton, M., 2010. The monolithic djin blocks at Petra: a funerary practice of pre-Islamic Arabia, in: Weeks L. (ed.), Death and Burial in Arabia
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surveys and excavations in the Sharjah Emirate, 1990 and 1992: 21-45.
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Overlaet, B. & Haerinck, E., 2014. Monumental tombs along the Arabian Caravan Routes, Akkadica Supplementum 12: 205-214.
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arative Study of Characteristics, (United Arab Emirates), in: Lambot S., Giannopoulos A., Pajewski L., André F., Slob E. & Craeye Chr. (eds.), Proceedings of the 15th
International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar GPR 2014, p. 2-7.
pigraphy 10: 69-101. Yule P., 1999. ‘Amla/al Zahirah – Späteisenzeitliche Gräberfelder: Vorlaufiger Bericht der Ausgrabungen 1997, in: Yule P. (ed.), Studies in the
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es, Fourth Report, 1988), 1997:
39

MLEIHA (SHARJAH, U.A.E.) : THE 2009 & 2012 BELGIAN
the middle of the 2nd
EXCAVATIONS OF MOUND AI − POTTERY AND CHRONOLOGY with the onset of a se
prolonged economic
Long distance trade
have largely or even c
Report by halted during the transit
B phase which lasts the
Ernie Haerinck 1 Bruno Overlaet 2 of the 2nd century BCE
of the 1st century BCE. It
in the poor archaeologic
Abstract Nar type tombs (fig. 1). The largest a matter of debate (fig.3). all along the Arabian co
occupation of the site, however,
Mleiha (Sharjah, UAE) is the main dates from the 3rd century BCE to The preceding Late Iron Age in the
inland site in Southeast-Arabia from the mid-3rd century AD, when it Oman peninsula is characterized by
rd rd
the 3 century BCE to the 3 was apparently the only inland site an apparent decline of settlements.
century AD. The ceramics from the of importance in Southeast-Arabia. Mud brick or stone houses seem to
Belgian excavations in 2009 and have ceased to exist in the PIR A
2012 at Mound AI are presented. A chronological framework for period. Yet, there was no absolute
Apart from local and regional Southeast-Arabia and Mleiha for break with the Iron Age since some
ceramics, there are imported wares
this period was first proposed by
of the Iron Age villages contain
Michel Mouton. It distinguished
mainly from Southern-Mesopotamia, material that is related to the PIR
four periods within the “Pré-
Southeastern-Iran and the Eastern A assemblages. To explain the
Islamique Récent” or PIR time frame
Mediterranean basin. changes, it has been suggested
for the Oman peninsula, roughly
that nomadic newcomers, arriving
equivalent to the Hellenistic,
from outside the Oman peninsula,
Parthian and early Sasanian periods
Keywords in the remainder of the Near East. installed themselves in the region
Their exact chronology, defined in and prospered from the exploitation
Mleiha, UAE, pre-Islamic Arabia,
pottery, ceramics, chronology. Mouton’s PhD in 1992 (Mouton of the international trade routes.
1999; 2008: 22-35), was later Our current views suggest the
Mleiha has a long occupation history revised (Cuny & Mouton 2009; PIR A phase, a period with strong
dating back to at least the third Mouton 2010: 276 lowers PIR international trade activities at
millennium BCE, as documented D some 75 years) but their exact Mleiha, starts in the first half of the
by three monumental Umm-an chronology and significance is still 3rd century BCE and ends around
Fig. 3. General Chronology of Ml
1 2
Prof. Em. Ghent University.
B.Overlaet@KMKG.be
3
B. Overlaet, E. Haerinck, P. Pincé, B.
and Finds, (forthcoming).
4
The 2009-2013 Belgian Archaeologic
History (Brussels), Ghent University a
Foundation - Flanders), the IAP VII (G
Fig. 1. Google Earth view of the eastern part of Mleiha with the location Fig. 2. Mound AI after the completion of the 2012 excavations. The smaller
of the Belgian excavations (red), fort CW, fortified building H and mound AJ is visible in the background. expedition was directed by Bruno Over
graveyards. draughtsman- photographer Eric Smek
40

BELGIAN
the middle of the 2nd century BCE
RONOLOGY with the onset of a severe and
Gulf. The PIR B period may have
to be considered as a transition
economic activities. The PIR D
phase represents the final stages of
prolonged economic downturn. phase between the economically settlements like ed-Dur and Mleiha
Long distance trade activities may prosperous phases A and C; as such in the Oman peninsula. By the mid-
have largely or even completely without a specific set of distinct 3rd century AD they had lost all
halted during the transitional PIR diagnostic pottery but rather their economic importance and
B phase which lasts the remainder recognisable through the absence trade routes as activities in the Gulf
of the 2nd century BCE and most of archaeological data. The PIR were controlled by the Sasanians.
of the 1st century BCE. It is visible C phase, from the end of the 1st
century BCE to the first half of the
The Belgian excavations of Mound
in the poor archaeological records
of debate (fig.3). all along the Arabian coast of the 2nd century AD, is a time of strong
AI and of the Area AV graveyard
to the east of it (fig. 1) fit within
ding Late Iron Age in the the framework of a study on the
ninsula is characterized by transition from the Iron Age to the
nt decline of settlements. PIR A phase. The present paper
k or stone houses seem to discusses the ceramic evidence of
ed to exist in the PIR A Mound AI. The structures and finds
et, there was no absolute will be discussed in a forthcoming
3
h the Iron Age since some paper .
on Age villages contain
hat is related to the PIR Mound AI is one of two low mounds
blages. To explain the adjacent to the Eastern graveyard
it has been suggested area at Mleiha (areas AV and C,
adic newcomers, arriving see fig. 1). The whole area is now
ide the Oman peninsula, referred to as “Area AI” after the
hemselves in the region largest of the two mounds which
ered from the exploitation were registered during the first
ernational trade routes. surveys of Mleiha in 1986 by the
French archaeological team as
ent views suggest the “Mleiha 5 mounds AI and AJ”. At
ase, a period with strong the time, a magnetic survey of the
nal trade activities at two mounds had been conducted
arts in the first half of the revealing the presence of “possible
ry BCE and ends around structures” (Boucher & Hesse 1986:
27, 32, fig. 13). A small coin hoard
with local Abi’el coins had been
found together with a pottery sherd
with Aramaic letters of possible 1st
Fig. 3. General Chronology of Mleiha and ed-Dur.
1 2
Prof. Em. Ghent University. Curator Ancient Near East and Iran, Royal Museums of Art and History, Jubelpark 10, B-1000 Brussels. E-mail: Bruno.Overlaet@Gmail.com/
B.Overlaet@KMKG.be
3
B. Overlaet, E. Haerinck, P. Pincé, B. De Prez, L. Van Goethem & A. Timmerman: The 2009 & 2012 Belgian Excavations of Mound AI at Mleiha (Sharjah, U.A.E.) – Structures
and Finds, (forthcoming).
4
The 2009-2013 Belgian Archaeological Expedition at Mleiha in the Emirate of Sharjah (United Arab Emirates) was a collaboration between the Royal Museums of Art and
History (Brussels), Ghent University and Sharjah’s Directorate of Antiquities, headed by Dr Sabah Jasim. The research was funded by both institutions, the FWO (Research
Foundation - Flanders), the IAP VII (Greater Mesopotamia: Reconstruction of its Environment and History) and the Directorate of Antiquities of the Emirate of Sharjah. The
he 2012 excavations. The smaller
expedition was directed by Bruno Overlaet (RMAH) and Ernie Haerinck (UGent), members of the team excavating on area AI were engineer-architect Annelies Timmerman,
draughtsman- photographer Eric Smekens and archaeologists Bart De Prez, Mahdokht Farjamirad, Possum Pincé, Thomas Van de Velde and Laurence Van Goethem.
41

century CE date. However, the find not have a well-defined stratigraphy out of PIR A tower tombs with their treasury, or maybe
of a bronze Iron Age arrowhead but turned out to be heavily single burial chambers (for this type simply unable to gain
suggested the area’s occupation disturbed. As such, it did not allow see Overlaet & Haerinck 2014). to the political situation
a detailed ceramic sequencing and However, these last years the local 1993: 293; Schuol 2000:
could have started much earlier
the ceramics can only be discussed Sharjah team directed by Dr S. 292-310). At this point
(Boucharlat & Garczynski 1988 (ed. within a broad chronological Jasim and E. Yousif has excavated like to draw attention to
1997): 66, 93, Pl. XII) and could framework. Still, it does allow to a large number of elaborate tombs
that sites like Failaka i
illustrate the transitional phase from make some general observations on that contained material associated
and Thaj in Northe
Iron Age to PIR. the chronology of Mleiha and, in with the PIR A. The identification
Arabia also witnessed a
extenso, of the Oman peninsula. of the PIR B phase thus becomes
Mound AI was investigated during problematic and the period may certainly a reduction in
the first campaign of the Belgian Two main groups of ceramics could in fact be largely absent or seems size between roughly 1
be distinguished within the Mound at least to be poorly represented at and the beginning of the
Archaeological Expedition at
Mleiha (see Mouton 2014: 58 who
AI repertoire. The oldest group
Mleiha4 in 2009. The presence of era. Also, the number of
represents the “PIR A” phase but Bahrain that can be attr
PIR C glazed wares and a spike became aware of the decrease in
still has some affinities with the
of a Rhodian amphora type that is settlement density, with large areas this period is rather lim
of the site remaining unoccupied).
Late Iron Age and possibly extends
compared to the numbers
into Mouton’s PIR B period. It
dated between 270 and 250 BCE
(Pl. 12 no. 4) (Monsieur et al. 2013: The occupation of Mleiha may in the 1st-2nd c. AD.
was rather limited in terms of
221, fig. 21) among the surface sherds and other finds, but these
have been very limited during the means that the general
PIR B and one should envisage the
ceramics seemed to corroborate mostly occurred in well-defined was unstable, safety cou
the preliminary conclusions of the possibility that the first wave of the guaranteed and that overla
and secure contexts. The second
French team. A small test trench of plundering of monumental tombs
group represents the “PIR C” or had shifted or at least, h
30 m2 revealed mud brick walls, ed-Dur phase and represents the
took place in this period.
lost their importance.
a fireplace, two tannurs and some final occupation of Mound AI. It This interpretation needs of course time, a large fleet of comm
finds that confirmed an occupation seems thus that in area AI the PIR some underlying explanation. The going vessels, necessary
during the PIR C period (Haerinck B period (mid/late 2nd c. – mid- collapse of the Seleucid empire distance sea trade that
& Overlaet 2011 & 2013). In 2012 1st c. BCE) is altogether lacking. around the mid-2nd c. BCE with this overland trade, was
the trench was extended to 306 m2 We wonder if PIR B is really that the establishment of the Parthian developed yet.
of which 256 m2 were excavated clearly discernible at Mleiha as hegemony in Mesopotamia by
down to virgin soil. stated by the French team and one Mithridates I (ca. 140 BCE) created The pottery presented
could even suggest that this period new borders on the trade routes a selection of the
sherds which are
This paper presents a survey of is in fact largely absent at the site.
the AI ceramics and illustrates the and uncertainties that had a serious
M. Mouton presented several plates according to their ware
negative impact on the scale of trade
large variety in ceramics at the site. with material that he identifies as characteristics such as th
activities in the Gulf and on the
Although quite a number of sherds PIR B (Mouton 2008: 61- 82, fig. and the presence or abs
Oman peninsula. Characene, which
were found, only some 300 were 30-50), but it is by no means clear
would become a vassal kingdom of slip or painted decoratio
diagnostic and were kept for study. that it really is to be attributed to
the Parthians, was not yet powerful same time, it is also
All pottery was fragmentary; no this period. Indeed, his pottery
illustrations, and also the small finds
complete vessels were recovered. enough and was involved in a to classify them acco
Complete profiles are almost fit very well into the PIR C period conflictual relationship with the their possible productio
lacking. The presence of a wide as it is attested at ed-Dur. Another Parthians. Furthermore, it was since that element can h
array of imported wares next to characteristic element of Mleiha’s at that time more interested in reconstructing the trad
local wares, however, is a clear PIR B according to the French team business relations with its Syrian Dr K. Rutten (2009a) m
indicator of the important position were the tower shaped tombs of counterparts. The establishment same approach in her P
of Mleiha in the international trade area F with an entrance for re-use of Parthian power was equally not of 2006 on the ceramics
network from as early as the 3rd and large, subdivided underground evident. The Parthians probably at ed-Dur from the late 1
century BCE. burial chambers (Mouton 2008: 63- insufficiently realised the economic to the early/mid-2nd c.
65, fig. 32-33, Pl. 5 no. 2). Those impact and importance of the further). Her work integ
It was unfortunate that mound AI did tombs were seen as a development international trade networks for results of phytolith a
42

IR A tower tombs with their treasury, or maybe they were to determine the ceramics’ region PIR A - The East/Southeast-
ial chambers (for this type simply unable to gain control due of origin (De Paepe et al. 2003; Arabian wares (Pl. 1-8)
laet & Haerinck 2014). to the political situation (Teixidor Vrydaghs et al. 2014). On the other
these last years the local 1993: 293; Schuol 2000: 271-274, hand, the French team has done an
eam directed by Dr S. 292-310). At this point we would exemplary job on the pottery from - Common, medium coarse and
E. Yousif has excavated like to draw attention to the fact Mleiha, a pottery study with which coarse wares (Pl. 1-8) are without
umber of elaborate tombs doubt the largest group (see also
that sites like Failaka in Kuwait we largely do agree. For some points
ained material associated Boucharlat & Mouton 1993: 227-
and Thaj in Northeast-Saudi we may have a different approach,
PIR A. The identification 228; Mouton 2008: 42-47) and it
Arabia also witnessed a void or classification or interpretation.
R B phase thus becomes is likely that most vessels were
and the period may certainly a reduction in settlement Nevertheless, their approach does
locally produced. The distinction
largely absent or seems size between roughly 140 BCE not substantially differ from ours
between the groups is not always
be poorly represented at and the beginning of the Christian although they did not systematically
easy to make. They are available
ee Mouton 2014: 58 who era. Also, the number of tombs at distinguish ceramics from funerary
in a variety of colours and include
ware of the decrease in Bahrain that can be attributed to and settlement contexts. several subgroups such as medium
density, with large areas this period is rather limited when fine vegetal orange ware, pinkish
e remaining unoccupied).
In view of the wide variety in
compared to the numbers of tombs orange to a light red buff, buff and
upation of Mleiha may pottery, we opted to illustrate the
in the 1st-2nd c. AD. This probably orange ware, an orange and brown
n very limited during the pottery as much as possible using
means that the general situation coarse ware and a coarse light
one should envisage the colour photographs, rather than
was unstable, safety could not be
y that the first wave of the guaranteed and that overland routes
only with drawings. We think it brown ware as well as a grey ware.
g of monumental tombs provides the best impression of All have a vegetal and/or medium
had shifted or at least, had largely
e in this period. the complex diversity in fabrics, to coarse mineral temper.
lost their importance. At the same
colours and finish of the sherds.
pretation needs of course time, a large fleet of commercial sea We can further distinguish between
The scale in photographs can only wares without a particular surface
erlying explanation. The going vessels, necessary for long
be approximate, but we made the treatment, those having a red slip
of the Seleucid empire distance sea trade that could replace
attempt to present them as much as (occasionally burnished) and those
e mid-2nd c. BCE with this overland trade, was not fully
possible on a uniform and relatively with a grey slip (see also Mouton
ishment of the Parthian developed yet.
large scale. 2008: fig. 12- 16, 18-19). Some do
y in Mesopotamia by
have a red slip outside and a grey
es I (ca. 140 BCE) created The pottery presented here is
a selection of the diagnostic slip inside.
ers on the trade routes PIR A - THE LOWEST LEVELS
tainties that had a serious sherds which are classified To the group without a particular
mpact on the scale of trade according to their ware and other surface treatment which have
in the Gulf and on the characteristics such as their shape The earliest levels at mound AI mostly a buff paste (Pl. 1) belong
ninsula. Characene, which and the presence or absence of a represent the PIR A-phase from the some bowl fragments (Pl. 1 no. 1-4,
come a vassal kingdom of slip or painted decoration. At the
mid-3rd to mid or late 2nd century compare to Mouton 2008: fig. 12
ans, was not yet powerful same time, it is also attempted
BCE. Apart from local or East/ no. 1-10), but mainly fragments of
nd was involved in a to classify them according to
Southeast-Arabian wares (Pl. 1-8), smaller to medium sized jars (Pl.
l relationship with the their possible production region
there are South- Mesopotamian (Pl.
1 no. 5-14 to Pl. 3 no. 1, compare
Furthermore, it was since that element can help us in to Mouton 2008: fig. 14). Although
9–10:3), Southeast-Iranian (Pl. 11)
e more interested in reconstructing the trade routes. sector AI is a settlement area there
and Greek wares (pl. 12). Although
relations with its Syrian Dr K. Rutten (2009a) made this were only few coarse large storage
rts. The establishment same approach in her PhD-thesis
the provenance of some wares jars with a heavy rim (Pl. 2 no. 1-5,
n power was equally not of 2006 on the ceramics excavated
remains at present still enigmatic compare to Mouton 2008: fig. 19).
The Parthians probably at ed-Dur from the late 1st c. BCE (Pl. 10:4–5) or under discussion (as Only one coarse vessel fragment
ntly realised the economic to the early/mid-2nd c. AD (see in the case of eggshell ware), it does shows an incised herringbone
nd importance of the further). Her work integrated the seem as if Northeast-Arabian wares decoration (Pl. 3 no. 1). Handles
nal trade networks for results of phytolith analysis, used were absent. were found as well (Pl. 3 no. 3; Pl.
43

Pl. 1. PIR A - East/Southeast-Arabian common and medium coarse ware. Pl. 2. PIR A - East/S
44

Pl. 2. PIR A - East/Southeast-Arabian coarse ware.
45

Pl. 3. PIR A - East/Southeast-Arabian coarse ware. Pl. 4. PIR A - East/S
46

Pl. 4. PIR A - East/Southeast-Arabian coarse (no. 1-3) and cooking ware (no. 4-5).
47

Pl. 5. PIR A - East/Southeast-Arabian medium coarse to coarse ware with orange/red to plum slip. Pl. 6. PIR A - East/S
slip.
48

o plum slip. Pl. 6. PIR A - East/Southeast-Arabian common, medium coarse and coarse ware with orange/red to plum
slip.
49

Pl. 7. PIR A - East/Southeast-Arabian medium coarse to coarse ware with a grey to dark grey/black slip. Pl. 8. PIR A - East/S
50

k grey/black slip. Pl. 8. PIR A - East/Southeast-Arabian painted common and painted coarse ware.
51

4 no. 1-3). The thick coarse black ware with fine vegetal and mineral of the glaze is the most common, in tomb areas, are the
ware, so characteristic for ed- Dur inclusions. Most often it are quite green to dark green does occur as of Rhodian wine am
and later settlements, is lacking thick fragments with rather faint well, mainly on jars or amphorae. with stamped handle
in the PIR A phase (Boucharlat & reddish to dark brown/blackish The glaze can be pitted or powdery, no. 2-5) (Boucharlat &
Mouton 1993: 228; Mouton 2008: paint (see also Mouton 2008: 42, crazed, flaking to well adhering. 1993: 228; Mouton 200
46). It only occurs in our later PIR fig. 11: no. 14-20). The pending Bowls are the most common (Pl. 9:1- fig. 20-21; Monsieur et a
C levels (see Pl. 23). 6, 10:2), though jugs and amphorae
triangles with horizontal hatching
Rhodian jar fragments a
are quite characteristic for the PIR
are attested as well (Pl. 9:7-9, 10:1). found in funerary co
Other sherds have a red/orange slip A phase. This kind of decoration
Fishplates are seemingly absent Mleiha; in the settlement
(Pl. 5 & 6) and some of these were is absent during the PIR C phase,
during the PIR A period but are only 4 sherds were found.
burnished (e.g. Pl. 5 no. 4; Pl. 6 no.
but returns in PIR D, however, in a
much more dense pattern together quite well represented in the PIR C find on mound AI, is a toe
2 and 4). The red/orange slipped period (see infra). of the lower wall (Pl. 12
with scrolls on e.g. two-handled
vessels mostly do have a buff to jars (Benoist et al. 2003: 65-66, fig. belongs to an early type
light red core. Quite often the slip 8 no. 7). This material, generally far the oldest example d
is only faintly visible or preserved referred to as “Late Mleiha Ware” is PIR A - The Southeast-Iranian at Mleiha. It is to be
in patches, due to weathering. probably to be considered as a local wares (Pl. 11) c. 270-250 BCE (Mo
However, a few do have a more production (Attaelmanan & Yousif al. 2013: 221, fig. 21).
plum or Bordeaux red to deep red 2012; Attaelmanan & Mouton 2014: stamped amphora handle
colour (e.g. Pl. 6 no. 2 and 4). The 522). It is very different from the
Southeast-Iranian pottery (see also to now been found.
fine painted ware which originates
latter are maybe to be compared Boucharlat & Mouton 1993: 228; dated to the late 3rd c. BC
probably from Southeast-Iran (Pl.
to Magee’s “Burnished Maroon Mouton 2008: 41-42, fig. 11 no. 220 BCE), the remainde
11, see infra).
Slipped Ware” as attested at Tepe 1-3, 5-7 and 10-13) seems to be are mostly to be dated b
Yahya (Magee 2004: 23, 34, 65, fig. rarely present in the PIR A phase. 200 and 150 BCE.
4.10, fig. 4.32, fig. 5.35, fig. 5.36, PIR A - The South-Mesopotamian Some rare sherds of a fine light red
fig. 5.42) and also a Southeast- wares (Pl. 9–10:3) (Pl. 11 no. 1-2) or light brown (Pl.
Iranian origin can therefore not be 11 no. 3-4) burnished ware were PIR A - The Wares of u
excluded. Others have a grey to dark - Only one fragment of a fine maybe produced in Southeast-Iran. provenance (Pl. 10:
grey/black slip. This group doesn’t whitish/very light yellow bowl It are mainly open vessels. Some
show burnishing, at least not in the (eggshell ware) was found (Pl. 10 rare fine orange (Pl. 11 no. 4-5)
assemblage we excavated (Pl. 7). no. 3). The thin walled eggshell to red painted pottery sherds (Pl.
Only one greyish sher
Both the red and the grey/black slip ware was a luxury ware, popular 11 no. 6) were found as well. The
no. 4) with smoothed su
were already present previously from the Achaemenid to maybe the vessels are made of a fine orange/
and testify to the continuity of some early Sasanian period and known attested, but its origin is
light red to red paste. Some do have
Iron Age characteristics (Mouton to have been produced in South- a red slip with dark brown to black
It is not clear whether the
2008:45-46). Mesopotamia and/or Southwest- found at Qala’at al Bahrai
paint on it or a partial reddish slip as
Iran. However, the existence of in all levels attributed
- There are also sherds that can be decoration besides painted motifs
Achaemenid to the late
qualified as cooking ware, with a
production centres in Northeast- on the unslipped surface. It is very
Arabia cannot be ruled out either period, (Højlund &
well possible that these vessels
1994: 212, 226, 245, 26
greyish/blackish core and often a
blackened surface (Pl. 4 no.4-5). (Hannestad 1983: 45-47; Bernard et originate from Southeast-Iran.
al. 1990: 256-262; Gachet & Salles is of the same manufact
- A painted common (Pl. 8 no. 1993: 70; Rutten 2009a: 155-158, sherd from Mleiha.
1-5) or painted coarse ware (Pl. group 10). PIR A - The Greek wares (pl. 12)
8 no. 6) was likely also produced A couple of coarse, thic
in Southeast-Arabia, since its - Glazed ware is present, but it is with chrysotile as tem
paste characteristics are similar certainly far less than in the upper 10 no. 5) (Boucharlat &
In area AI one sherd of a black
to the previous groups. The small layers (Pl. 9, 10:1-2) (See also glazed vessel (Pl. 12 no. 1) with 1993: 228; Mouton 2008
collection contained sherds of Boucharlat & Mouton 1993: 227; a shiny black slipped surface was 214) could be of Sout
coarse ware and of a fine common, Mouton 2008: 40-41, fig. 10). A found (see Mouton 2008: 49). The origin, though a So
a common buff and a common dull whitish to light green colour best represented group, particularly production cannot be
52

ze is the most common, in tomb areas, are the fragments either. The chrysotile or white passed through Northeast-Arabia
dark green does occur as of Rhodian wine amphorae asbestos fiber bundles embedded in carried mainly non Northeast-
nly on jars or amphorae. with stamped handles (Pl. 12 the sherds are up to 3.5 cm long. It Arabian goods. Goods produced
can be pitted or powdery, no. 2-5) (Boucharlat & Mouton is unclear to what shape of pottery in Northeast-Arabia were rarely
aking to well adhering. 1993: 228; Mouton 2008: 48-49, these small sherds once belonged; transported to Southeast-Arabia.
the most common (Pl. 9:1- fig. 20-21; Monsieur et all. 2013). there is, however, no doubt that the This will change with the shift from
hough jugs and amphorae Rhodian jar fragments are mainly paste had to be hand formed in view caravan to maritime transport in
d as well (Pl. 9:7-9, 10:1). found in funerary contexts at of the large fiber bundles in the paste. PIR C, which allowed much larger
are seemingly absent Mleiha; in the settlement sector AI As a result of the heating during amounts of goods to be transported
e PIR A period but are only 4 sherds were found. A surface the baking process, the relatively (Haerinck 1998 & 2008). Northeast-
represented in the PIR C find on mound AI, is a toe with part soft chrysotile (Mohs scale 2.5- Arabian ceramics make up no less
ee infra). of the lower wall (Pl. 12 no. 1). It 3) has been transformed in a hard than 23.39% of the total pottery
belongs to an early type and is so magnesium silicate (Mohs scale 7). assemblage at the PIR C settlement
far the oldest example discovered of ed-Dur. In that period ed-Dur
Northeast-Arabian wares (medium
at Mleiha. It is to be dated between was the only coastal site between
fine buff & medium fine red
The Southeast-Iranian
c. 270-250 BCE (Monsieur et Qatar and the Musandam and
and black wares) are seemingly
wares (Pl. 11)
al. 2013: 221, fig. 21). Some 25 from there goods were transported
absent in our assemblage. Also the
stamped amphora handles have up further inland. It is surprising that
French team (Mouton 2008: 47-
-Iranian pottery (see also to now been found. Three can be even then these Northeast-Arabian
48, Northeast- Arabian red ware)
t & Mouton 1993: 228; dated to the late 3rd c. BCE (233 – ceramics remained rare, almost not
220 BCE), the remainder of them
observed that this group was rare
2008: 41-42, fig. 11 no. existent at Mleiha.
at Mleiha during the PIR A phase,
and 10-13) seems to be are mostly to be dated between c.
and none was identified for the PIR
sent in the PIR A phase. 200 and 150 BCE.
C (unless the few vessels dated by
sherds of a fine light red PIR C – THE UPPER LEVELS
Mouton to the PIR B period actually
. 1-2) or light brown (Pl. OR ED-DUR PHASE
belong to PIR C, see Mouton 2008:
4) burnished ware were
70, 105). However, at ed-Dur in PIR
PIR A - The Wares of uncertain
oduced in Southeast-Iran. provenance (Pl. 10:4–5)
inly open vessels. Some C, particularly the characteristic
Most ceramics recovered at Mleiha
orange (Pl. 11 no. 4-5) vessels made of a medium fine red
Area AI belong to the PIR C or
inted pottery sherds (Pl. and black pottery with medium fine
Only one greyish sherd (Pl. 10 ed-Dur phase and the pottery
were found as well. The mineral temper, mainly sand and
no. 4) with smoothed surface was matches perfectly with the ed-Dur
e made of a fine orange/ often with popped lime particles
assemblage as was established
attested, but its origin is unknown. visible or pitted areas where it has
o red paste. Some do have during the 9 seasons between
with dark brown to black
It is not clear whether the grey ware disappeared (so called Thaj ware)
found at Qala’at al Bahrain, present are rather well represented (2.46%
1987 to 1995 of excavations at
or a partial reddish slip as the latter site by the Belgian team.
n besides painted motifs
in all levels attributed from the of the total assemblage) (Haerinck
Although the amount of sherds
slipped surface. It is very
Achaemenid to the late Parthian et al. 1993: 187, fig. 4 no. 7-12; De
period, (Højlund & Andersen and the represented shapes from
sible that these vessels Paepe et al. 2003: 212- 214; Rutten
1994: 212, 226, 245, 263 & 272) mound AI are much more limited
from Southeast-Iran. 2009a: 245-253). The medium fine in comparison to the vast amount
is of the same manufacture as the
buff Northeast-Arabian ware even of sherds studied at ed-Dur (a
represents 20.93% of the registered
sherd from Mleiha.
total of 12780 diagnostic sherds &
The Greek wares (pl. 12) A couple of coarse, thick sherds pottery (Rutten 2009a:228-245). complete vessels), it is undeniable
with chrysotile as temper (Pl. It is quite interesting to observe that both assemblages belong to the
10 no. 5) (Boucharlat & Mouton that Northeast-Arabian ceramics same period.
I one sherd of a black
essel (Pl. 12 no. 1) with
1993: 228; Mouton 2008: 46, 146, are rarely attested during the PIR A full and detailed study of the
lack slipped surface was 214) could be of South-Arabian A phase at Mleiha. It looks as if ed-Dur ceramics was undertaken
e Mouton 2008: 49). The origin, though a Southeastern in this early phase, the caravan by Mrs Katrien Rutten and was
sented group, particularly production cannot be excluded trade to Southeast-Arabia that presented in June 2006 as a PhD
53

Pl. 9. PIR A - South-Mesopotamian glazed ware. Pl. 10. PIR A - Sout
uncertain provenanc
54

Pl. 10. PIR A - South-Mesopotamian glazed ware (no. 1-2) and eggshell ware (no. 3); and PIR A wares of
uncertain provenance (no. 4: grey ware and no. 5 coarse sherd with chrysotile astemper).
55

Pl. 11. PIR A - Southeast-Iranian wares: fine light red (no. 1-2) or light brown burnished wares (no. 3-4) Pl. 12. PIR A - Gree
and fine orange (no. 5) to red painted (no.6)pottery.
56

ed wares (no. 3-4) Pl. 12. PIR A - Greek wares: black glazed sherd (no. 1) and fragments of Rhodian amphorae (no. 2-5).
57

thesis at Ghent University (Rutten origin. This may indicate that the majority of our assemblage from
2009a). This exemplary study of overland caravan route through AI can be attributed to locally
a large collection, securely dated or from Northeast-Arabia had lost produced Southeast-Arabian wares.
between ca. 25 BCE and 125 much of its importance when the Furthermore there were South-
AD, was supplemented by quite a maritime trade through ed-Dur Mesopotamian wares excavated
number of petrographic, chemical was flourishing (Haerinck 1998, and some painted wares that were
and phytolith analyses and the 2008). Still, there never seems to likely produced in Southeast-Iran.
ed- Dur ceramics can be used as have been a substantial amount of
a reference collection for the PIR Northeast-Arabian wares present
C phase in the Oman peninsula. at Mleiha in any of its occupation PIR C - The Southeast-Arabian
Rutten (2009a; 2009b: 360, fig. 1) phases (see above). Indian wares wares (Pl. 13-23)
distinguished 37 different wares and
are absent in our collection from
was able to attribute the production
area AI, and also the French team
of the majority of them (32 of the 37 The local wares are usually of a
did not mention any such sherd
wares) to 6 specific regions. These common to coarse type including
from the PIR C period, nor did they
are Southeast-Arabia (local wares, a rather wide variety of paste and
mention Roman or South-Arabian
27.13%), South-Mesopotamia colour and a distinction is not
(42.91%), Northeast-Arabia
sherds. However, Indian pottery
always easy to make with a simple
(23.39%), the Indian Subcontinent
does occur at Mleiha, but mainly in
(3.86%), Southeast-Iran (2.01%), the the PIR A and PIR D periods (Méry visual examination of the sherds.
Mediterranean (0.33%) and South- & Mouton 2011: 106-107; Reddy This vast group includes a common/
Arabia (0.03%). The remaining et al. 2012; Reddy 2013: 30-32). At medium coarse orange/salmon
ware, common/coarse wares with a
wares from unidentified regions ed-Dur Indian wares make up only
buff slip, coarse buff, light brown,
represented merely 0.48% of the ed- a limited amount of the assemblage
Dur ceramics. (less than 4%) (De Paepe et al. 2003: orange and greyish wares, coarse
222, fig. 4 no. 14-18; Rutten 2009a: wares with a red or purplish/black
The pottery from the top layers of 258-291). Its eventual presence slip, a thick coarse ware as well as
area AI at Mleiha is very similar to at Mleiha involved a transport a coarse black ware. In the ed-Dur
the ed-Dur material, but with the from coastal sites, whether on the assemblage these wares represent
difference that Northeast-Arabian Gulf or on the Arabian Sea to the 27.13% of the total (Rutten
pottery, Indian wares, Roman and inland and depended of course on 2009a: 76, 88-152; Rutten 2009b).
South-Arabian pottery are almost specific demands by the clients (the However, it is our impression that
completely absent. Apart from local distance from ed-Dur to Mleiha is at Mleiha these wares do have
or Southeast-Arabian wares (Pl. approx. 50 km as the crow flies). a higher percentage in the total
13- 23), only South-Mesopotamian The same observation is valid for assemblage. Further research needs
(Pl. 24 – 30) and Southeast-Iranian the Roman pottery (for ed-Dur: De to confirm this impression.
wares (Pl. 31) could be identified Paepe et all. 2003: 214-215, fig. These wares, as indicated by
with certainty. The so-called “Thaj 4 no. 19-20; Rutten 2007; Rutten petrographic analysis of the ed-Dur
ware” from Northeast-Arabia 2009a: 325-347) or South-Arabian sherds, are of Southeast-Arabian
(Haerinck et al. 1993: 187, fig. 4; De wares (for ed-Dur: De Paepe et al. or local origin and originated
Paepe et al. 2003: 212-214; Rutten 2003: 212, fig. 4 no. 1-2; Rutten particularly from the northern
2009a: 245-253) with its typical 2009a:365-368). and central regions of Southeast-
paste and shapes is absent. Michel Arabia (Rutten 2009a: 88-152;
The pottery at Mleiha seems
Mouton made the same observation Rutten 2009b). The sherds may
(Mouton 2008: 105- 106, his to have had a far more limited contain vegetal or mineral temper,
“Northeast-Arabian red ware”). origin than at ed-Dur that seems or both and this temper occurs in
Only a couple of sherds could thus more cosmopolitan than different sizes and percentages. Pl. 13. PIR C - South
fine buff wares.
possibly have a Northeast-Arabian its inland counterpart. The vast The mineral temper has been
58

of our assemblage from
be attributed to locally
Southeast-Arabian wares.
ore there were South-
mian wares excavated
painted wares that were
duced in Southeast-Iran.
The Southeast-Arabian
wares (Pl. 13-23)
wares are usually of a

to coarse type including
wide variety of paste and
nd a distinction is not
sy to make with a simple
xamination of the sherds.
group includes a common/
coarse orange/salmon
mmon/coarse wares with a
coarse buff, light brown,
nd greyish wares, coarse
h a red or purplish/black
ck coarse ware as well as
black ware. In the ed-Dur
ge these wares represent
of the total (Rutten
, 88-152; Rutten 2009b).
it is our impression that
a these wares do have
percentage in the total
ge. Further research needs
m this impression.
ares, as indicated by
hic analysis of the ed-Dur
re of Southeast-Arabian
origin and originated
y from the northern
al regions of Southeast-
Rutten 2009a: 88-152;
009b). The sherds may
egetal or mineral temper,
nd this temper occurs in
sizes and percentages. Pl. 13. PIR C - Southeast-Arabian common wares: common/medium fine vegetal orange ware and medium
eral temper has been fine buff wares.
59

Pl. 14. PIR C - Southeast-Arabian medium coarse to coarse buff/orange ware with an orange/red slip. Pl. 15. PIR C - Sou
orange/red slip; no
60

orange/red slip. Pl. 15. PIR C - Southeast-Arabian wares: no. 1-4, medium coarse to coarse buff/orange ware with an
orange/red slip; no. 5-9, with purplish/black slip.
61

Pl. 16. PIR C - Southeast-Arabian coarse to very coarse wares. Pl. 17. PIR C - Sout
62

Pl. 17. PIR C - Southeast-Arabian coarse to very coarse wares.
63

64

65

66

67

68

Pl. 23. PIR C - Southeast-Arabian thick coarse black ware.
69

identified as coming from a region have simple decorations such as the coarse black ware is the largest
with abundant gravels and medium incised wavy lines, cross-hatchings group with 16% of the total pottery
to coarse-grained wadi sediments and herringbone patterns, which (De Paepe et al. 2003: 208-211,
(De Paepe et al. 2003: 218-219, have some antecedents in the local 219; Rutten 2009a: 76, 111-128;
223-224; Rutten 2009b: 360- Iron Age production. Rutten 2009b). The sherds are very
361; Vrydaghs et al. 2014). These hard and the vast majority belongs
- The coarse to very coarse
elements are present in the alluvial
fans and wadis of the northern parts
wares (Pl. 16-23) comprise large to closed vessels and particularly
bowls, but mainly larger storage to large storage jars. Quite often
of the Oman mountain. they show horizontal grooves or
vessels and other containers.
- A first group (Pl. 13) of common Noteworthy shapes are large round ribs and sometimes some incised
ware includes a common/ lids (Pl. 20, compare lids from PIR A decorations as well. As already
medium fine vegetal orange and B, Mouton 2008: 47, 69, fig. 18 said, the production centre is to
ware which is certainly local no. 8, fig. 38 no. 5-6) and a massive be situated in the northern parts
(Rutten 2009a: 92-97, group 2) spout from the base of a vessel (Pl. of the Oman Mountains. Similar
and maybe also a medium fine 22 no. 3). Two similar spouts were storage vessels were produced in
buff ware (Rutten 2009a: 228- found at ed-Dur (Rutten 2009a: no. Wadi Haqil (Emirate of Ras al-
245, group 15) (particularly Pl. 13 567-568 in group 9, coarse vegetal Khaimah) until the ‘60’s of the 20th
no. 9) which is, however, possibly orange and brown ware) and many century. Known in literature as Bani
of Northeast-Arabian origin. more were discovered at several Shumayli or Julfar Ware these large
Though, Northeast-Arabian wares, locations at Mleiha. Because of an jars or khayr’s were mainly used
as already said, are rather rarely association of one of these with for water storage, but could contain
encountered at Mleiha, a contrast slags and traces of burning the wheat or rice as well (Costa 1991:
with the situation ated-Dur. French team suggested a possible 106-107, 114, 139, 142, 151-152).
use as either a furnace or a forge
(Ploquin et all. 1999: 175, 179, 185,
- A very large group consists of
medium coarse to coarse PIR C - The South-Mesopotamian
fig. 3, Pl. 3). However, the shape
wares (coarse salmon, orange and of a complete vessel on display in
wares (Pl. 24 – 30)
brown, greyish-brown or greyish-
the Sharjah Museum and that of a
black or black paste) (Pl. 14-23) Next to the local wares produced in
similar vessel discovered in a grave
(compare to Rutten 2009a: 92-130, Southeast-Arabia, the largest group
at Samad (Yule 2001: 264, Pl. 149
groups 3 to 6 and 8). in the whole assemblage is without
no. 3, Pl. 423 no. 3) excludes this doubt the South-Mesopotamian
- Amongst this vast group there is function. The fragment is part of a wares. At ed-Dur this ware
a medium coarse to coarse standard storage vessel of closed represented 42.91% of the total
buff or orange ware with an shape but with a drain. assemblage.
orange, red or a purplish/ - A characteristic group within the
black slip (Pl. 14-15). These - Glazed ware at ed-Dur
coarse ware is the thick coarse
are, as far as we are concerned,
black ware (Pl. 23) which contains represents 31.72% and is thus
more characteristic for Mleiha outnumbering the other groups
coarse rock fragments as well
than for ed-Dur (Rutten 2009a: identified as coming from South-
97-107, group 3). This preliminary
as some powdery lime particles
that sometimes provoked a lime Mesopotamia (Salles 1984: 266-
observation can, of course, point 269; Haerinck et al. 1993: 187,
popping due to the calcination
to a very localised production and
process (Salles 1984: 262-264; fig. 1 & 2; De Paepe et al. 2003:
eventually also to regional contacts
Haerinck et al. 1993: 187, fig. 3; 219-221; Rutten 2009a: 76, 158-
188, no. 579-1070, her group 11).
within Southeast-Arabia. Shapes
are quite simple and include deep De Paepe et al. 2003: 218-219,
223-224; Rutten 2009a: 381-382; There is also quite a considerable
bowls, small, middle sized and
large storage vessels. Some shapes Rutten 2009b: 360-362). At ed-Dur, amount of glazed ware at Mleiha Pl. 24. PIR C - Sout
(Pl. 24-29), but seemingly the
70

black ware is the largest
h 16% of the total pottery
e et al. 2003: 208-211,
n 2009a: 76, 111-128;
09b). The sherds are very
the vast majority belongs
vessels and particularly
storage jars. Quite often
w horizontal grooves or
sometimes some incised
ns as well. As already
production centre is to
d in the northern parts
man Mountains. Similar
essels were produced in
qil (Emirate of Ras al-
until the ‘60’s of the 20th
nown in literature as Bani
or Julfar Ware these large
hayr’s were mainly used
storage, but could contain
rice as well (Costa 1991:
114, 139, 142, 151-152).
The South-Mesopotamian
ares (Pl. 24 – 30)
e local wares produced in

-Arabia, the largest group
ole assemblage is without
he South-Mesopotamian
At ed-Dur this ware
d 42.91% of the total
ge.
ed ware at ed-Dur
31.72% and is thus
ring the other groups
as coming from South-
mia (Salles 1984: 266-
rinck et al. 1993: 187,
2; De Paepe et al. 2003:
Rutten 2009a: 76, 158-
579-1070, her group 11).
also quite a considerable
f glazed ware at Mleiha Pl. 24. PIR C - South-Mesopotamian glazedware.
9), but seemingly the
71

Pl. 25. PIR C - South-Mesopotamian glazedware. Pl. 26. PIR C - Sout
72

Pl. 26. PIR C - South-Mesopotamian glazedware.
73

74

Pl. 28. PIR C - South-Mesopotamian glazedware.
75

76

Pl. 30. PIR C - South-Mesopotamian coarse vegetal buff pottery.
77

amount is less important t
Dur (Boucharlat & Mou
231; Mouton 2008: 94-
French excavations in
Mleiha estimated the glaz
17% of the totality (Mou
95), but of course this p
can be different from on
another. The available
seems to indicate that the
less variation in pottery
Mleiha than at ed-Dur
Most of the sherds are bu

brown or whitish-pale
The alkaline glaze is
that well preserved and
sometimes even being red
fine powdery layer or to s
remains. Joining sherds of
vessel can display dif
or different hues of
colour, due to the soil c
The colours are mostly w
light to dark green. Open
without doubt the best
both at ed-Dur and at M
Within that group, the dish

and bowls are the most
particularly fishplates
well evidenced (Pl. 24 n
Pl. 26 no. 7-9, Pl. 27
also Mouton 2008: fig. 62
At ed-Dur fishplates repre
some 50% of all glaze
(Rutten 2009a: 169, no.
The same observation is
also valid for Mleiha.
The shape of the dishes (

1-3) (see Rutten 2009a:
683-684) and of the carina
(Pl. 25 no. 3-5, Pl. 27 no.
Rutten 2009a: no. 679
equally encountered at ed
Pl. 31. PIR C - Southeast-Iranian painted wares (early Namord ware).
78

amount is less important than at ed- bowl on Pl. 24 no. 6 / Pl. 26 no. 2 South-Mesopotamia to Southeast-
Dur (Boucharlat & Mouton 1993: is identical to a vessel excavated at Arabia. On Pl. 30 nrs 1, 3 and 4, the
231; Mouton 2008: 94-97). The ed-Dur (Rutten 2009a: no. 682), as bitumen lining on the inside of the
French excavations in sector AH at are the dishes on Pl. 24 no. 9-10 / Pl. vessels is well preserved.
Mleiha estimated the glazed ware at 26 no. 5 (Rutten 2009a:635-636).
17% of the totality (Mouton 2008:
95), but of course this percentage Only a few sherds from jars were PIR C - The Southeast-Iranian
can be different from one area to found (Pl. 25 no. 6-8; compare Pl. wares (Pl. 31)
another. The available evidence 25 no. 8 / Pl. 27 no. 11 to a vessel
seems to indicate that there is also from ed-Dur: Rutten 2009a, no. This group is largely made up of
less variation in pottery shapes at 870-876). Bases are common but painted wares (Pl. 31). It are mainly
Mleiha than at ed-Dur. most belong to open vessels, as orange (a warm orange to pinkish-
is obvious from the glaze on the orange) or sometimes red and light
Most of the sherds are buff to light inside (Pl. 25 no. 10-14, Pl. 28 no. pink vessels, usually slipped and/
brown or whitish-pale yellow. 3, Pl. 29; compare Rutten 2009a: or painted. There is also a variety
The alkaline glaze is often not no. 923-962). The decorated sherd in the colour of the slip, from red
that well preserved and decayed, Pl. 27 no. 10 has an exact parallel to dark red and “Bordeaux/claret”
sometimes even being reduced to a at ed-Dur (Rutten 2009a: no. 1067). red, reddish brown to dark reddish
fine powdery layer or to some flaky
brown. The painted decoration is
remains. Joining sherds of the same - The coarse vegetal buff pottery dark grey to black. The chronology
(Pl. 30) is 8.45% of the assemblage
vessel can display different colours
of these Southeast-Iranian wares
at ed-Dur (Rutten 2009a: 199-
or different hues of the same
is for the moment still unclear.
colour, due to the soil conditions.
208) and almost half of them were Southeast-Iran seems to have been
The colours are mostly whitish or
coated with bitumen on the inside. a major production area for painted
light to dark green. Open forms are
The paste of this group is light wares, but due to lack of excavations
without doubt the best represented,
both at ed-Dur and at Mleiha.
greenish white to pale yellow, buff on well dated and stratified sites the
to light brown and even light pink evolution of this painted pottery
Within that group, the dishes, plates to pinkish brown. Rice chaff (Oryza in the 2nd half of the 1st mill.
and bowls are the most common, Sativa) has been used as temper. BCE and the first centuries of the
particularly fishplates are quite Rice was not only cultivated in the 1st millennium AD is unclear (see
well evidenced (Pl. 24 no. 11-17, well-watered and marshy Southern e.g. some comparable material in
Pl. 26 no. 7-9, Pl. 27 no. 1-4; see part of Mesopotamia, but in Susiana Southeast-Iran, where still adequate
also Mouton 2008: fig. 62 no. 1-3). as well (Potts 1997: 272-273). This and extensive research is needed
At ed-Dur fishplates represent even pottery group is mainly represented to build up a reliable chronology:
some 50% of all glazed sherds by storage jars. A couple of sherds Haerinck 1983: 224-211; Magee
(Rutten 2009a: 169, no. 596-642). from ed-Dur had incised Aramaic or 2004: 47-57, fig. 28-32; Choubak
The same observation is probably Old South-Arabian letter(s) before 1999: 94-95). Recently, an
also valid for Mleiha. firing. These jars with bitumen interesting assemblage of painted
coating were of course mainly for sherds was excavated at Dibba,
The shape of the dishes (Pl. 24 no. transport of liquids such as beer, on the Oman sea (Jasim & Yousif
1-3) (see Rutten 2009a: no. 677, date wine or sesame oil, although 2014: 60-67, fig. 28-32).
683-684) and of the carinated bowls preserves of vegetables, fruits or
(Pl. 25 no. 3-5, Pl. 27 no. 5-7) (see cheese and clarified butter (ghee) Several sherds from Mleiha and ed-
Rutten 2009a: no. 679-689) are are also a possibility. They indicate Dur (0.95% of the total assemblage)
equally encountered at ed-Dur. The the export of foodstuffs from belong to what can be qualified as
79

Early Namord Ware (Salles 1984: political ideas could be spread as between Mleiha and ed-Dur is Attaelmanan A. & Mouton
247-248; Haerinck et al. 1993: 97- well (Haerinck 1998 & 2008). about 50 km crossing the desert in Journal of
98; Potts 1998: 209-210, fig. 4-5, a straight line and about 70 to 80
Attaelmanan A. & Yousif E
the captions wrongly identify these In the course of time trade routes km when following the wadi. These Journal of
sherds as Late Namord). Early can change and this is evidenced are distances a camel caravan could
Namord Ware is also attested at in the last centuries BCE and the easily cover in two days. At the same Benoist, A., Mouton, M. &
Dibba (Jasim & Yousif 2014: 60- first centuries AD. During the last time, sites on the Gulf of Oman coast trade and dating, Proceed
62) and is to be dated mainly in the centuries of the first mill. BCE trade could equally have contributed to the
Bernard, V., Gachet, J. & S
1st/2nd c. AD. The PIR D Namord was only possible by caravan trains transhipping of goods. In that case, Fouilles françaises 1986-
ware or Late Namord ware is very of camels. Even after many years one might expect more Indian wares,
different and can better be qualified of research there is no evidence at however, and these are absent in the Boucharlat, R. & Garczyns
in Sharjah Emirates (U.A.
as “fine orange painted ware”
all of the existence, between Qatar PIR C phase material from Mleiha
(it is, however, present at ed-Dur).
(Rutten 2009a: 306-318; Mouton
and the Musandam, of a coastal site
Boucharlat, R. & Mouton,
where ships could dock or anchor
2008: 97-98, fig. 75). The question Archäologie der Seleukid
and unload their cargo off-shore On the whole, it is clear that locally der Symposium 1987 und
as to when the Early Namord ware
using smaller boats. Therefor it is produced ceramics, i.e. those Abteilung Baghdad), Tü
started to be produced remains to
very likely that during the PIR A belonging to the Southeast- Arabian
be resolved.
period all goods reached Mleiha by group, formed the major part of the Boucher, A. & Hesse, A., 1
Emirates (U.A.E.). Third
caravan passing through Northeast- household furniture excavated at
Arabia. However, that traffic carried Mleiha among the PIR A as well as Choubak, H., 1999. Une ét
FINAL REMARKS
mainly foreign objects and only the PIR C assemblage. de l’Archéologie no. 243
a very limited amount of material
Area AI has clearly two different produced in Northeast-Arabia itself. In the 3rd – 2nd century BCE Costa, P., 1991. Musandam
periods of occupation: one Mleiha was the only major site in
Other objects, such as alabaster
Cuny J. & Mouton M., 200
Southeast-Arabia with significant
corresponding to the PIR A phase
vessels, travelled probably straight
in Mouton’s periodization (mainly et modes de peuplement,
from South-Arabia as is maybe also trade connections, particularly with
3rd/2nd c. BCE, eventually lasting
evidenced by the few sherds of Northeast-Arabia, to obtain foreign De Paepe, P., Rutten, K.,
until somewhere in the 1st c. BCE) Analysis of Late Pre-Isla
vessels with chrysotile as temper. goods. With the PIR C phase, this
and the other one being the PIR C, International Conference
situation drastically changed,
or the late first c. BCE until the 2nd
How it may be, even these could also
London-Abu Dhabi: 208
have ended up at Mleiha through however, and possibly Mleiha
c. AD.
As far as we can see the so-called Northeast-Arabian middlemen. became less central to the trade and Gachet, J. & Salles, J.-F., 1
During PIR A some Indian pottery, had to receive goods through ed-Dur südlichen Babylonien
PIR B phase was absent in our
although not represented in our or possibly a site on the East coast Finkbeiner) (Deutsches A
exposure and we even expressed
corpus from mound AI, as well as such as Dibba. M. Mouton already
our doubts concerning its existence Haerinck, E., 1983. La cér
as an archaeologically distinct maybe Southeast-Iranian vessels, observed that the PIR C assemblage typologie, chronologie
assemblage at Mleiha. could equally have reached Mleiha from Mleiha is not completely
from coastal sites on the Gulf of identical to that from ed-Dur but that Haerinck, E., 1998. The sh
A reliable dating of the site is Oman, though more research is they still do share a lot of common coins from Mleiha (Emir
largely possible through the needed to document that route. characteristics (Mouton 2008: 94).
Haerinck, E., 2008. Coins
imported material, ceramics as well Although South-Mesopotamian SE- Arabia (3rd. c. BCE
as objects. With the establishment of the coastal and Southeast- Iranian wares, as Symposium on Recent
The question remains how these site of ed-Dur somewhere in the well as a very limited amount the Emirates, Al Aïn
foreign objects and pottery reached second half of the 1st c. BCE the of Northeast-Arabian pottery is
the inland site of Mleiha. Trade mode of trade changed. Goods present at Mleiha, the imported Haerinck, E., Phillips, C.
pottery is less diversified and there
was of course the main manner in arriving at the port of ed-Dur could Materialen zur Archäolo
which artefacts were distributed easily be transported to inland Golfgebiet. Ergebnisse de
is less variety in shapes when
Archäologisches Institut.
but also how cultural, religious or sites such as Mleiha. The distance compared to ed-Dur.
80

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Fig. 1. Google Earth view

fortified building H and g
Fig. 2. Mound AI after the
Fig. 3. General Chronology
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107 (= Society (U. Finkbeiner, ed.) (Deutsches Archäologisches Institut. Abteilung Baghdad), Tübingen: 289-294.
Vrydaghs, L., De Paepe P., Rutten, K. & Haerinck, E., 2014. Regional Exchanges in Southeastern Arabia during the Late
South and East Pre-Islamic Period. Phytolith Analysis of Ceramic Thin Sections from ed-Dur (UAE), in: Ancient Plants and People.
Contemporary Trends in Archaeobotany, (M. Madella, C. Lancelotti & M. Savard, eds.), The University of Arizona
Press, Tucson, 2014: 26-46.
“From Gilead
edericq on the Yule, P., 2001. Die Gräberfelder in Samad al Shan (Sultanat Oman) – Materialen zu einer Kulturgeschichte, (= Orient-
14. Archäologie, Band 4), Rahden/Westf.
CAPTIONS
Fig. 1. Google Earth view of the eastern part of Mleiha with the location of the Belgian excavations (red), fort CW,
fortified building H and graveyards.
Fig. 2. Mound AI after the completion of the 2012 excavations. The smaller mound AJ is visible in the background.
Fig. 3. General Chronology of Mleiha and ed-Dur.
83

Cost Effective Drones in Archaeological Surveying: Possible
failsafes are standard on
Musallah on the Jebel Fayah near Mleiha, Sharjah, U.A.E. drones, such as automatic
take off in case of low b
automatic landing when
airspace is approached.
Report by This commercially

configuration was extende
Bruno OVERLAET1 (Royal Museums of Art and History, Brussels)
“On Screen Display” modu
mini) that streams the came
Abstract to handle. This brings them in the elements. In the last few years, many
a monitor on the remote
scope of field archaeologists who archaeological expeditions have
The monitor also displays
can use them for oblique overviews resorted with more or less success
and navigational data suc
The Belgian team used an of excavations, vertical photography to the use of low budget drones
time battery voltage, hori
adapted low budget drone for in view of mapping and measuring fitted with a lightweight camera.
vertical velocity, orientatio
mode (standard GPS) and th
aerial photography on the Mleiha and for surveying. The advantages of Commonly reported problems are,
excavations. The drone was tested a high viewpoint to better appreciate however, the limited flight time due and height from the take-
in various circumstances, including a site’s setting within the landscape to battery capacity, the low quality The iOSD works on 5.8 G
on a short aerial survey of the Jebel are beyond discussion. Aerial photography and particularly the has a range of about 350 m
Fayah mountain. Two possible photography is a well-established inability to use the drone in anything makes this configuration s
musallah were documented.
niche in the surveying techniques but very light winds. low altitude aerial surveys
but often remained too expensive or meter) in accordance with ae
After scrutinizing the specifications
Over the last few years there has cumbersome (scaffolds and cameras regulations. The relativelys
of the low end drones on the market,
been a growing availability of attached to kites or hot air/helium necessitates video piloti
the Belgian archaeological expedition
drones, not only for commercial use balloons) to be used systematically. First-PersonView) via th
at Mleiha of the Royal Museums of
but also for recreational purposes. Photography from aeroplanes or when surveying larger are
Art and History, Brussels, decided to
Whereas commercial drones remain helicopters can be useful whenever
start from a standard version of a “DJI
expensive (from about 12.000 Euro available but are generally too
– Phantom 2” quadcopter mounted
upwards) and demand a skilled and costly. Satellite photography has with a GoPro action camera Hero 3+
well trained pilot, often seconded by more and more been exploited in on a damped 2D gimbal for maximum
a wingman to operate the camera, the last decennium and has lead to photo stability. The camera can be
the low budget recreational drones important discoveries but is rarely tilted using the remote controller
are fitted with lightweight “action suited to recognise smaller or discrete (2.4 GHz) between a horizontal and
cameras” and are generally easy archaeological structures or landscape vertical position. Several build in
1 Director of the Belgian expedition at Mleiha by the
Royal Museums of Art and History, Brussels. The

expedition is supported by the Royal Museums, the
FWO (Research Foundation--- Flanders) and the
IAP VII (Greater Mesopotamia: Reconstruction of
its Environment and History) and works in close
collaboration with the Directorate of Antiquities of
the Emirate of Sharjah, headed by Dr. Sabah Jasim.
2 Verdonck , L., Haerinck, E. & Overlaet, B.2014.
GPR survey to explore social stratification in a pre-

--Islamic burial area at Mleiha, Sharjah (United
Arab Emirates). ---In: Lambot, S., Giannopoulos,
A., Pajewski, L., André, F., Slob E. & Craeye Chr.,
Proceedings of the 15th International Conference
Fig. 1. The drone mounted on a backpack during the ascent of the Jebel Fayah (left) and use of the Fig. 2. Subtle shadow marks of
on Ground Penetrating Radar GPR 2014, p. 27. drone at the excavations at Mleiha (right). foreground the dry bed of a sha
84

g: Possible
failsafes are standard on the DJI is impossible to keep track of it with minutes of flying time is possible on
h, U.A.E. drones, such as automatic return to the naked eye. average. The camera was operated in
take off in case of low battery and photo burst mode, taking wide screen
automatic landing when controlled During the 2014 expedition at Mleiha 12Mp photos every 5 seconds.
airspace is approached. trials were made with this portable, The general experience was very
This commercially available
low cost type drone to document the positive. The drone was flown
excavations and for use on surveys. The
configuration was extended with an
in moderate to strong winds and
goal was to gain experience in different performed well in all conditions. With
“On Screen Display” module (iOSD-
environments and weather conditions. a maximum flight speed of 15m/s. (54
mini) that streams the camera view to
In the last few years, many Flights were made above the excavation km/h.) it can counteract moderate to
a monitor on the remote controller.
gical expeditions have field in the plain and on the nearby Jebel strong gusty winds although this does
The monitor also displays technical
with more or less success Fayah mountain ridge. demand an experienced operator and
and navigational data such as real
e of low budget drones is advised against in the DJI manual.
time battery voltage, horizontal and
h a lightweight camera.
The drone is kept in a custom made
vertical velocity, orientation, control protective case at the excavation On the excavations, the drone was
y reported problems are, mode (standard GPS) and the distance site and can be made ready for flight used to make both oblique and
he limited flight time due and height from the take-off point. vertical photographs and to survey
within minutes. It can thus be used
capacity, the low quality The iOSD works on 5.8 GHz and on the spot without delaying any of the surrounding areas. In the specific
hy and particularly the has a range of about 350 meter. This the on-going activities. For surveys in context of the wadi plain the ideal
o use the drone in anything makes this configuration suitable for areas that cannot be reached by car, moment was shortly after sunrise
ight winds. low altitude aerial surveys (below 50 it is mounted on a backpack. Flying when the lowest relief produces
meter) in accordance with aeronautical time in normal wind conditions is strong shadow marks.
tinizing the specifications
regulations. The relativelysmall drone about 25 minutes per battery pack Fig. 2 shows area AV at Mleiha
end drones on the market,
necessitates video piloting (FPV, but can be significantly reduced with the low mounds in the area
n archaeological expedition
First-PersonView) via the monitor when flying in strong winds. With a corresponding with the remains of
of the Royal Museums of single back-up battery pack, 30 to 40
when surveying larger areas since it monumental tombs, some of which
istory, Brussels, decided to
a standard version of a “DJI
m 2” quadcopter mounted
Pro action camera Hero 3+
ed 2D gimbal for maximum
bility. The camera can be
ng the remote controller
between a horizontal and
osition. Several build in
e Jebel Fayah (left) and use of the Fig. 2. Subtle shadow marks of very low mounds with monumental tombs in area AV. On the right the archaeologically virgin wadi area, in the
foreground the dry bed of a shallow brook. The oblique view emphasises the effect of the shadows.
85

stones and presents a very
composition from the su
area. From the enclosure
staggering view of the red
the desert to the southwest
The view in the other di
blocked by the mountain.
The function of the enclos

be ascertained but it is like
musallah, an open-air
Similar musallah are
widely in the Arab world
can have various shapes
however, it is a simple
a niche to indicate the di
prayers. Sometimes, also
are used as a focus point.
the position of the lar
on the Jebel Fayah enclo
not precisely match with
direction, the deviation
be acceptable. The accura
Fig. 3. Two stone enclosures, probably musallah, on the Jebel Fayah. The line across the mountain ridge indicates the direction of Mecca.
qibla indication in musallah
sometimes even significan
were documented in a previous the survey was an area on the west location. The drone was launched are often laid out by peop
Ground Penetrating Radar survey2. flank where a square shape was at the site to obtain a vertical instruments or skills to
From experience we know that noted in Google Earth at an altitude photo of the structure and oblique exact orientation.
during the wet season, the flora in the
of 313 meter (25°06’09.36” N – photographs of its setting. The flight
wadi can develop intensively within
a few days. Vegetation marks can 55°50’04.80” E), i.e. about 150 meter started around 08:30 A.M., early A second stone enclosure
also here be expected but would be above the Mleiha plain and about 80 enough in the morning to avoid the on the eastern side of the Je
detectable on select moments only. meter below the highest point of the high wind conditions and turbulences between the foot of the
The advantage of a low budget drone Jebel Fayah. Since the location was that characteristically develop around and the sand dunes (25°06
on standby is evident. horizontally about 700 meter from the mountain ridges during the day. – 55°50’48.67” E). It mus
base of the mountain, the drone was Occasional thermals that passed a rectangular shape but
The second part of the trial was the mounted on a backpack and we were eastern corner has been
along the slope necessitated adapting
use of the drone during a survey of guided by Eisa Yousif of Sharjah’s
the flight path but were still of a too covered by the dune.
the Jebel Fayah Mountain. Target of Department of Antiquities to the
moderate strength (max of 1.2m/second has a rectangular mihrab b
ascend) and size to pose problems. correct indication of the q
rounded extension in the
The structure on the Jebel Fayah corner. Possibly this is a co
consists of blackish stones from a the structure. This musalla
natural outcrop that are arranged in
be related to a graveyard. O
a rough square. It has a maximum
and around the car on fig. 7
internal space of approximately 7.90
number of tombs presen
by 8.40 meter. Two large boulders
are incorporated into the West side, circles and rectangular
opposite of what may have been an clearly indicate tombs. Man
entrance. The north-eastern corner is enclosures have apparen
opened up and could also have been disturbed and are incom
used as an entrance. The inside of enough remains to see th
Fig. 4. An old photograph of an Arab praying in a musallah. the enclosure has been cleared from Close by are remains of
86

stones and presents a very different
composition from the surrounding
area. From the enclosure one has a
staggering view of the red dunes of
the desert to the southwest and west.
The view in the other directions is
blocked by the mountain.
The function of the enclosure cannot

be ascertained but it is likely to be a
musallah, an open-air prayer area.
Similar musallah are encountered
widely in the Arab world and they
can have various shapes3. Usually,
however, it is a simple rectangle with
a niche to indicate the direction of
prayers. Sometimes, also large stones
are used as a focus point. Although
the position of the large boulders
on the Jebel Fayah enclosure does
not precisely match with the Mecca
direction, the deviation may still
be acceptable. The accuracy of the
e direction of Mecca.
qibla indication in musallah can vary,
sometimes even significantly, as they
The drone was launched are often laid out by people lacking
to obtain a vertical instruments or skills to define the
the structure and oblique exact orientation.
hs of its setting. The flight
ound 08:30 A.M., early A second stone enclosure is present
the morning to avoid the on the eastern side of the Jebel Fayah,
conditions and turbulences between the foot of the mountain
cteristically develop around and the sand dunes (25°06’56.84” N
ridges during the day. – 55°50’48.67” E). It must have had
l thermals that passed a rectangular shape but the south-
slope necessitated adapting eastern corner has been lost or is
path but were still of a too covered by the dune. The south side
trength (max of 1.2m/second has a rectangular mihrab but a more
Fig. 5. The stone enclosure on the western flank of the Jebel Fayah.
d size to pose problems. correct indication of the qibla is the
rounded extension in the southeast
ture on the Jebel Fayah corner. Possibly this is a correction of with scattered ceramics around them. relation to the graveyard remains to
f blackish stones from a the structure. This musallah seems to Dating monuments such as these be established.
tcrop that are arranged in musallah is rarely possible and at the
be related to a graveyard. On the dune In conclusion we can state that these
quare. It has a maximum
and around the car on fig. 7 are a large moment there are no indications for
first trials on the Jebel Fayah were
ace of approximately 7.90
number of tombs presents. Stone a specific date. There are no signs of
meter. Two large boulders all together positive. The technical
circles and rectangular enclosures habitation or other structures around equipment was effective and allows
the musallah on the western flank
orated into the West side,
f what may have been an clearly indicate tombs. Many of these covering large zones in limited
enclosures have apparently been of the Jebel Fayah. The musallah timespans. A general aerial survey
The north-eastern corner is
disturbed and are incomplete but at the base of the mountain may be of the mountain area could supply
p and could also have been
n entrance. The inside of enough remains to see the pattern. datable once excavations are made of important data to protect local
ure has been cleared from Close by are remains of buildings the nearby structures, although their archaeological and historical heritage.
87

The
Prelimi
Bruno OVERL
Abstract
Area F is situated in the Sout

part of Mleiha. Four m
tombs had been excavated
had been located but not
Fig. 6. Musallah at the foot of the eastern flank of the Jebel Fayah.
by a French expedition
Excavations on this 5th t
started and exploratory tren
opened in 2015 by the Bel
The first results indicate the
decorated with stepped
lime bricks and had two
underground burial cha
unique bilingual funerary
in Ancient South Arabic
Aramaic from the late
BCE identifies the ow
functionary in the service o
of Oman.
Introduction
In previous years, the

excavations focused
where several clusters of m
tombs surrounded by more
graves have been explored
& Haerinck 2014; Overl
The tombs were similar t
area C, excavated by
Fig. 7. The musallah at the foot of the eastern flank of the Jebel Fayah amidst the graves on the
dune.
1 The expedition on behalf of the R

3 P. Crombe , M. De Dapper & E. Haerinck: An archaeological survey of Hawar Island (Bahrain), Arab. arch. epig. 12, 2001: 152-153, fig. 17-18 / Nasser Said Ali Al- Department of Antiquities at Sharja
Jahwari, Settlement Patterns, Development and Cultural Change in the Northern Oman Peninsula – A multi-tiered approach to the analysis of long-term settlement and Martine Steenbeke-Coppejans
trends, Bar International Series 2483, 2013: 220. workmen at Mleiha for their kind a
88

The Mleiha Area F Graveyard, Sharjah (U.A.E.).
Preliminary Report on the 2015 Belgian Excavations1
Report by
Bruno OVERLAET Ernie HAERINCK Bart DE PREZ Possum PINCÉ
Laurence VAN GOETHEM Peter STEIN
Abstract French expeditions in the 1980’s. through a corridor or stair-shaped

This sketched a fairly consistent entrance. It suggested the tombs
concept of monumental tombs that were meant to be re-used and were
Area F is situated in the South-Western could generally be dated to PIR A, i.e. of a later date than those of Areas C
part of Mleiha. Four monumental the 3rd and early to mid-2nd century or AV. The monuments above these
tombs had been excavated and a fifth BCE. All these tombs consist of a tombs were thought to be similar to
had been located but not excavated rectangular underground chamber, those from areas C and AV but with a
by a French expedition in 1986-89. on top of which a square mudbrick room inside rather than a solid core.
Excavations on this 5th tomb were “tower” with slanting sides had been Although these four tombs had also
started and exploratory trenches were constructed. Lime bricks instead of been plundered, the remaining finds
opened in 2015 by the Belgian team. the more fragile mud bricks were suggested a PIR B date. In general
The first results indicate the tomb was occasionally used for the exterior terms, these more complex tombs
decorated with stepped crenelated or for the upper rim which was were considered to be a later variant
lime bricks and had two connected sometimes (if not always) decorated on the PIR A tombs from areas AV and
underground burial chambers. A with stepped crenellations. The C. They were considered to predate
unique bilingual funerary inscription towers had been plastered and many yet another type of tomb (tomb 369
in Ancient South Arabic script and of these monuments had a small in area AH) of PIR C date. This third
Aramaic from the late 3rd century brick platform against the northern type is a rectangular underground
BCE identifies the owner as a side. It has been suggested that these chamber with a stairway entrance
functionary in the service of the king “towers” were solid mudbrick blocks, and a rectangular superstructure.
of Oman. an idea based on comparisons with Although only one such tomb was
funerary blocks from Nabataean discovered at Mleiha, the type is well
Petra and from Qaryat al-Faw known from contemporary ed-Dur
Introduction (Mouton 2008: 37-40, 140) but it was (Haerinck 2001; Mouton 2008: 91-
not possible to confirm this statement 94). This general chronology of the
since nowhere more than 30 or 40 cm Mleiha tombs has been discussed
In previous years, the Belgian of the superstructure was preserved. extensively at several occasions
excavations focused on Area AV (Boucharlat & Mouton 1998; Mouton
where several clusters of monumental
Another type of tombs had been 1997 & 2008).
explored in 1986-89 by a French
tombs surrounded by more modest pit team at Area F. Five tombs had been Recent discoveries of complex
graves have been explored (Overlaet discovered, four of which had been monumental tombs in Mleiha (areas
& Haerinck 2014; Overlaet 2015). fully excavated. All of them had larger 5 and 7) by Dr Sabah Jasim and
The tombs were similar to those of and more complex subterranean Eisa Abbas Yousef of Sharjah’s
area C, excavated by the Iraqi and tomb chambers that were accessed Department of Antiquities had
s on the
1 The expedition on behalf of the Royal Museums of Art and History, Brussels, works in close collaboration with Dr. Sabah Jasim and Eisa Abbas Yousif of the
2-153, fig. 17-18 / Nasser Said Ali Al- Department of Antiquities at Sharjah. Our 7th. campaign started on 16 November and ended on 24 December 2015. Apart from the authors, Mr. and Mrs. Hubert
the analysis of long-term settlement and Martine Steenbeke-Coppejans joined the expedition at the end of the campaign to assist in the drawing and photography. We are also indebted to the staff and
workmen at Mleiha for their kind and professional contribution to the succes of our campaign.
89

started to cast doubt on thi
rather linear progressive ev
tomb constructions. It was
decided to excavate tomb
F to try and define a mo
timeframe for this particu
of monuments. Explorator
in the immediate surroun
to establish whether al
tombs were present, like
case around the monumen
of Mleiha areas C, A
survey with Eisa Abbas
West of the main road th
the site showed that more
constructed tombs are still
the palm gardens adjacent
These 5 tombs are part of an
graveyard area with cluste
monumental tombs (see F
French expedition reported
Fig. 1. Google Earth image of Mleiha with indication of the graveyards and monuments discussed in the paper. F had been flattened with a
The adjacent palm gardens
used bulldozers to lower
of the gardens considera
pushed the top layers to
of the fields and created
embankments, at some
2-3 meters high. Character
goods such as iron arrow
pottery fragments can be
these embankments, as
and lime bricks from the
of burial constructions. Ne
some rocks are still visible
indicate the location of tom
the gardens.
The 1986-89 Excavation

four Area F tomb
(Ref.: Boucharlat & Mou

42-46, figs. 26-30, 34, 37, P
1998; Drieux 1997; Mout
Fig. 2. The four area F tombs excavated in 1986-89 (view towards the SE, photo December 2014). More tombs are located in the now deserted area in 54-59, figs. 18-19, 22-2
front of the road, in the remaining palm gardens to the right and in the green fields in the distance. 2008: 63-65, 241, figs. 32
Mouton & Boucharlat 19
43-44, figs. 17-18, 20, 32
90

started to cast doubt on this idea of a The excavated tomb (now labelled now labelled Tombs F1 to F5
rather linear progressive evolution in “tomb F5”) belongs to a group (originally P.207, P.208, P.204,
tomb constructions. It was therefore that was explored by the French P.205 and P.218) are oriented with
decided to excavate tomb 5 in Area expedition as a part of a project to their walls to the cardinal points.
F to try and define a more precise define the general character of the The square to rectangular buildings
timeframe for this particular group site, its timeframe and its geographic measure between 4.5 and 5.5 m and
of monuments. Exploratory trenches were built with lime bricks and mud
extension. This project took place at
in the immediate surroundings had
a time when archaeology in the UAE bricks on a foundation of irregular
to establish whether also minor
was still in its infancy. The area was rocks. A large amount of lime bricks,
tombs were present, like it is the
in use for agriculture and had been including stepped crenelations were
case around the monumental tombs
of Mleiha areas C, AV, 5 and 8. A flattened with a bulldozer. This had found around the structures. A mud
survey with Eisa Abbas Yousif to the disturbed the upper architectural brick floor (about 0.80 to 1.00 m
West of the main road that crosses remains of the tombs and had brought thick) was present inside the building.
the site showed that more similarly large rocks and bricks to the surface. The entrance into this superstructure
constructed tombs are still present in Although this had indicated the could not be located since only its
the palm gardens adjacent to area F. presence of the structures, it had base was preserved. However, at
These 5 tombs are part of an extensive also severely damaged them and this least 4 of them had a rectangular
graveyard area with clusters of large complicated their early interpretation. platform of approximately 1.2 x 0.8
monumental tombs (see Fig. 2). The First thought to have been water m (missing or destroyed at T.F3) on
French expedition reported that area the North side. In two cases this was
reservoirs and water channels, they
F had been flattened with a bulldozer.
were, however, soon recognised for built on top of the entrance passage
The adjacent palm gardens have since
what they were, constructions on to the underground chambers. These
used bulldozers to lower the level
top of burial chambers, separated by plastered platforms were considered
of the gardens considerably. They
pushed the top layers to the edge narrow passages. Fig. 3 and Plate 1 by the excavators to be “offering
of the fields and created protective document the situation at the end of platforms” and to be an innovation
embankments, at some places of up to the French excavations. of the PIR B period (Mouton 2008:
2-3 meters high. Characteristic burial The superstructures of the 5 tombs, 38-39, 241). However, we suggest
goods such as iron arrowheads and
pottery fragments can be found on
these embankments, as well as rocks
and lime bricks from the upper part
of burial constructions. Nevertheless,
some rocks are still visible in situ and
indicate the location of tombs inside
the gardens.
The 1986-89 Excavations of the

four Area F tombs
(Ref.: Boucharlat & Mouton 1997:

42-46, figs. 26-30, 34, 37, Pl. X-XIII;
1998; Drieux 1997; Mouton 1997b:
cated in the now deserted area in 54-59, figs. 18-19, 22-23, 26-27;
2008: 63-65, 241, figs. 32-33, Pl. 5;
Mouton & Boucharlat 1997: 39-40,
Fig. 3. The 1986-89 French excavations. Tomb F5 is indicated in yellow. The pit in the NW corner
43-44, figs. 17-18, 20, 32-33) of the excavated area may have been a small grave.
91

they might also be simply a doorstep Tomb Superstructure / Burial Chamber / Finds a gold tubular bead, a beeh
to enter the building. Such a feature T.F1 square of 5.5 m vessel (compare Hassell
(P.207)
small bronze bust (compar
can be compared to the plastered stone wall foundation fragmentary, not plastered; no lime bricks; platform on
N-side
entrance platform, possibly originally Burial chamber: rectangular, 6 x 1.6 m on a pedestal from ed-Dur
flanked by eagle statues, in front of
2011: 9, Pl. 53) and a br
roof : 1 m mud brick on wooden beams
the main door to the temple at ed-Dur Floor: 2 trenches with pits.
decorated in a local style
(Haerinck 2011: 6-7, fig. 5, Pl. 10-
gold bead
15, 24-29). A small vase with a row

T.F2 Square of 4.75 m
Yule 2001). All tombs
(P.204) stone wall foundation fragmentary, not plastered; no lime bricks (only in cover of
of perforations, apparently destined burial chamber) thoroughly plundered and
4 small pits next to the entrance to the burial chamber contained ashes. remains were found.
for libations, was dug in at the NE
burial chambers: H-shaped (3.50 x 1.35 ? x 1.10); cut in white marl, central wall
corner of the north wall of tombs F3 cut to 60 cm below top of the marl layer; lime bricks to heighten walls and create
and 4 (Pl. 2). vault.
N-chamber: re-used after deposit of 0.40 m fill; vessel and brick wall that closed
The 2015 Excavation of
The five tombs are positioned close the entrance on top of this deposit.
Floor: 2 trenches with pits in Northern room.
to one another in two East-West Roof: N-chamber, beams and mudbricks (38 x 38 cm); S-chamber, vaulted with
lime bricks.
oriented rows. The narrow space
storage vessel in N-room on 0.40 m deposit
Tomb F5’s eastern and no
between tombs 3 to 4 was closed and had been cleared by the Fr
T.F3 square of 4.50 m / stone walls 1 to 2 rows preserved + lime bricks, plastered /
probably bricked up the complete (P.208) platform at N-side in 1986-89. They had, ho
height of the buildings since the Burial chamber: rectangular, cut in the white marl, height raised with mud bricks, excavated the structure an
outside was plastered to hide the covered with beams and mud brick. remainder of the superstru
opening between them. It must have
Floor: trench with 2 pits. the tomb chamber untouche
Vessel with perforation dug at NE-corner of N-wall (libations?)
given the impression of a single T.F4 square of 4.75 m / stone walls 1 to 2 rows preserved + lime bricks, plastered / Their excavation plan s
long rectangular building with two (P.205) platform at N-side the front part of tomb F5
platforms/steps and entrances in the Burial chambers: H-shape cut in white marl (4 x 4 m), height raised with 7 layers
of stones to 1.85 m
platform was severely
northern facade. The two tombs to the Roof: beams and 85 cm mud brick (size 38 x 38 cm) which was the reason why
north, T.F1 and 2, were apparently of stamped (erased) amphora handle / vessel with perforations dug at NE-corner of was stopped.
a more recent date than F3 and 4 since N-wall
Our excavations of tomb F5
the superstructure of Tomb F2 is built Table 1. Tombs F1 to F4: superstructure, burial chamber and associated finds.
29 November 2015 and w
over the entrance to Tomb F4.
on 17 December 2015. On
The underground burial chambers the tomb could be excavated
were accessed from the North through infra). The base of an amphora of several objects were also found in the will be continued in 2016.
a corridor or stair-shaped entrance. which the spike was removed was disturbed surface layer or fill of the the importance of a bili
monuments and cannot be associated dated inscription necessi
These entrances were not roofed but found by our team in situ in a similar
filled up after use. The platforms of with a specific tomb. Overall, they are preliminary report.
cavity in graveyard Z in November
Tombs F.1 and F.3 are positioned on characteristic for the PIR A to PIR C
2015. Tombs F2 and F4 have an
top of them which makes it improbable period. The majority of the finds seem
H-shaped plan. Two parallel E-W
that the tombs were planned to be re- to have been iron weapons, half of The superstructu
oriented chambers are connected with
used for subsequent burials but were them arrowheads and the remainder
a narrow passage. The southern room
rather closed for eternity. mostly fragments of single edged
of Tomb F2 has two trenches in the
blades. Among the ceramics there
floor for storage vessels. At the start of the
The underground burial chambers were local wares, storage jars and square of 7 by 7 m was
are of two distinct types. Tombs F1 The finds from area F have Rhodian amphora fragments. One cover the complete tomb
and F3 both have a single rectangular unfortunately not been systematically amphora handle had a deliberately (Pl. 3). It was later exte
N-E directed room with two trenches published. Some were included in erased stamp; the other (a surface one meter along its sout
dug in the floor. These had small pits the preliminary reports, others in find) had a stamp with the eponym to include the displaced li
inside that were dug to fit the base of Mouton’s PhD of 1992 (Mouton 2008) Ariston II which dates the amphora to from the southern wall (P
amphorae or similar storage vessels (see Pl. 2). Only for a few items we 167-165 BCE (Monsieur et al. 2013: d). Although being expose
(amphora fragments were found, see know in which tomb they were found; 213-214). Worth mentioning are also than 25 years, most of the
92

ber / Finds a gold tubular bead, a beehive calcite the Western wall were well preserved. The floor of the superstructure was
vessel (compare Hassell 1997), a The platform against the Northern for the most part severely disturbed.
small bronze bust (compare to a bust
d; no lime bricks; platform on facade, already severely disturbed at An E-W trench of 0.50 meter wide
the time of the French excavations, through the dense loamy material of
on a pedestal from ed-Dur: Haerinck
2011: 9, Pl. 53) and a bronze bowl
could no longer be recognised as the floor made it possible to recognise
its construction with mud bricks (Pl. 3
such; merely a few stones remained
decorated in a local style (compare (Pl. 3). Only the southwestern quarter
bottom). The top layer was only intact
Yule 2001). All tombs had been of the building was recognisable.
no lime bricks (only in cover of near the SW corner, in the remainder of
thoroughly plundered and no skeletal
mber contained ashes. The West wall of the more or less the SW quarter only the second layer
remains were found.
cut in white marl, central wall square monument measured 5.20 from the top was still recognisable
cks to heighten walls and create meter and was built on a foundation enough to be cleared (Pl. 4).
essel and brick wall that closed of rocks. Only a few fragments of the
The 2015 Excavation of Tomb F5 lime brick wall were still in situ. Both
8 cm); S-chamber, vaulted with
sides of this wall were plastered. The
inside plaster on a lime brick at the The Burial Chambers.
Tomb F5’s eastern and northern side
SW corner proves beyond doubt that
rved + lime bricks, plastered / had been cleared by the French team
the monument was not solid but had
As a first stage of excavating the
in 1986-89. They had, however, not
at least one internal room (Pl. 6c).
height raised with mud bricks, excavated the structure and left the
remainder of the superstructure and The entrance to the building could burial chamber, it was decided to
the tomb chamber untouched (Fig. 3). not be established but may have been excavate the disturbed areas of the
ll (libations?) structure: the northern half and –
at the centre of the northern wall. The
rved + lime bricks, plastered / Their excavation plan shows that
“platform” may have been a step to separated by an E-W bench – the
m), height raised with 7 layers
the front part of tomb F5 with the
enter the building. SE quarter of the tomb (Pl. 4-5).
platform was severely disturbed,
However, it soon turned out that the
m) which was the reason why excavation The impact of the site’s bulldozing lay-out of the tomb was similar to that
erforations dug at NE-corner of was stopped. could still be seen during the of tombs F2 and 4 and the E-W bench
Our excavations of tomb F5 started on excavations. Parallel NNE-SWW was positioned on top of a separating
ociated finds.
29 November 2015 and were halted running grooves at regular intervals central wall. Neither of the two rooms
on 17 December 2015. Only part of testify to the scraping of the surface was fully excavated to floor level and
the tomb could be excavated, the work by a bulldozer’s blade or rock much of the lay-out and construction
jects were also found in the will be continued in 2016. However, digger (Pl. 3 and 4 top). Some of the needs further research.
surface layer or fill of the the importance of a bilingual and superstructures in area F must have
s and cannot be associated dated inscription necessitates this been well preserved before the area At this stage, only a few general
cific tomb. Overall, they are preliminary report. was flattened. The southern wall of remarks can be made. The subsurface
tic for the PIR A to PIR C F5 stood at least 5 bricks high, i.e. a chambers are constructed with the
e majority of the finds seem minimum of 0.70 to 0.80 meter; the same large rocks on which the walls
een iron weapons, half of The superstructure bricks were dislocated and pulled of the superstructure were build.
wheads and the remainder away in the same direction as the The orientation, however, deviates
agments of single edged bulldozer grooves (Pl. 6b & d). A from that of the superstructure. It is
mong the ceramics there single row of lime bricks from this directed NNE and thus resembles the
At the start of the excavations, a
l wares, storage jars and wall was left in place at the end of orientation of the burial chambers of
square of 7 by 7 m was set out to
amphora fragments. One the 2015 campaign, 4 rows of stones tombs F1 and F2. In analogy with the
cover the complete tomb structure
(Pl. 3). It was later extended with
handle had a deliberately were moved to the storerooms to others tombs, one would expect an
mp; the other (a surface one meter along its southern edge reconstruct this part of the wall. entrance from the North. However,
a stamp with the eponym to include the displaced lime bricks A lime brick stepped crenelation there is a stair shaped entrance that
which dates the amphora to from the southern wall (Pl. 4, 6b & demonstrated that the top of tomb F5 gives direct access to the Southern
CE (Monsieur et al. 2013: d). Although being exposed for more had a similar decoration as the tombs chamber dug at the East side. Its
Worth mentioning are also than 25 years, most of the remains of of areas C and AV (Pl. 6e). orientation places it in a straight
93

angle to the NNE-directed wall. This leaning obliquely against a wall of reading of the Ancient South Arabian
would suggest that it was the original lime bricks and rested on top of some text on the day of its discovery and
entrance and that the South chamber rocks. The inscription on the back alerted us to its exceptional historic
was some sort of vestibule. Only the made it clear that it was in an upside importance. Once the text was
entrance to the room and part of the down position. It thus seems to have fully cleaned, photographs were Text (Overlaet, Macdonald
Eastern end of this chamber has been fallen over forwards from higher up. send to Peter Stein who provided 1. [d?]{ʾ?} npš ʿ
excavated. The floor level has not Once the lime slab was removed, the first preliminary transcription
been reached yet. The entrance is c. a lime brick wall was revealed that and translation of the Aramaic and 2. {d}y (b)n ʿly-h br
1.18 m wide and 1.38 cm long and possibly closes a passage between the Ancient South Arabian text. A more 3. šnt 20+20+20+20
is made up of 4 steps. It was blocked two rooms. Its irregular appearance complete study will follow later
with large rocks, some of which still suggests this wall may have been (Overlaet, Macdonald & Stein 2016).
bricked up from the southern end Translation (Overlaet, Mac
need to be cleared.
which would be logical in view of the The inscription can be compared
1. {This is [?]} the memoria
The Northern chamber was also stair shaped entrance to that room. to two funerary slabs that were
accessed from the Northern side However, further excavation of the discovered out of context at Mleiha
but this may have been a secondary Southern room and the separation before 1986 (Robin 1994). Both
Comment:
intrusive entrance. The Northern stone wall is needed to ascertain this. begin with nfs wqbr “memorial
wall of the underground construction and grave of...”. The first slab, the The reading of the number
is disturbed and the gap seems to whereabouts of which are unknown,
have been filled up more loosely and The funerary inscription was translated by A.F.L. Beeston as
unsystematically. The function of the “Gravestone and grave of Dhariyyat”,
large pits adjacent to the tomb need possibly followed by “servant of the Text2 (Overlaet, Macdonald
further clarification. It is possible kings” (Robin 1994: 80; Macdonald 1. nfs¹ / w-qbr / ʿ
The memorial slab is a rectangular
that the tomb was entered at this 2000, 42, 71 note 99). The second
block of lime measuring 2. gr / bn / ʿly / bqr /
point, e.g. for a re-use of the burial one, which measures 56 by 38.3
approximately 87 by 52 cm and 16
chamber. A re-use was also attested
cm thick. A 7 to 8 cm wide rim with
cm, is now on display in the Sharjah 3. ʿmn / ḏy / bny / {ʿ
in the Northern chamber of tomb F2 Archaeological Museum. It is worn,
where a storage vessel was deposited
an Aramaic inscription is raised 2 to
however, and not all letters can be 4. h / ʿmd / bn / {ʿ
2.5 cm above a central panel with
in the grave and the entrance was well read. The translation by Chr. 5. {bq}r / mx[xxxxx
5 horizontal lines of Ancient South
bricked up, apparently after the tomb Robin was recently revised by Eisa
Arabian writing. The lower rim and
had been robbed and after some 0.60 Yousef to reveal “year ten and forty”
m of debris had accumulated on the
part of the 5th line in the centre is
as the last line (Robin 1994: 80-81, Translation (Overlaet, Mac
damaged, the material seems to be
floor. The Northern room has not Pl. 41; Abbas 2009: 92-94, Fig. 2) and 1. Memorial and tomb of ʿ
dissolved by water infiltration. The
been excavated to floor level and this suggests that the inclusion of the 4. ʿmd son of {ʿmd} {son o
remainder of the surface is, however,
the central wall, separating it from year was part of a standard formula
exceptionally well preserved. The
the southern room is only partially on such funeral slabs. The Seleucid
letters which were cut out in the wet
visible in the bench. The excavation Era, starting in 312/311 BCE, is the Comment:
lime still have crisp edges and there
For the title bqr, cf. Nabata
needs to be continued. In the centre most likely to be encountered along
is no encrustation on the surface. It is
of the separation wall and protruding
a clear indication that the inscription
the Arabian trade routes and this priest (Hoftijzer & Jongelin
from the profile, at the point where would place the tombs respectively in however, we may assume a
was never exposed to the elements
one would expect a passage between 262/261 BCE (50 SE) and in 222/221
and must have been kept inside. This The linguistic character of
or 215/214 BCE (90 or 97 SE). The
to similar inscriptions whic
the two rooms, was a large plain
suggests the superstructure was most
lime slab of approximately 87 by 52
probably roofed and not simply an
discovery of the slab in tomb F5 points 169).
cm. Since several large lime slabs at to a much earlier date for this type
enclosure. Its position and the profile
Mleiha were inscribed with funerary of complex tombs than previously The inscription may be dat
suggest it fell down when the floor
texts, the possibility of an inscription thought. It is not a development from
above the Northern room caved in.
on the back side necessitated its the Area C tombs but belongs to the
removal for safekeeping at the end of Eisa Yousif of Sharjah’s Department same PIR A timeframe. It places
the 2015 excavations. The block was of Antiquities made a preliminary the monumental tombs, which are
94

the Ancient South Arabian
e day of its discovery and ARAMAIC
to its exceptional historic
e. Once the text was
aned, photographs were Text (Overlaet, Macdonald & Stein 2016)
Peter Stein who provided 1. [d?]{ʾ?} npš ʿmwd br gr
preliminary transcription
ation of the Aramaic and 2. {d}y (b)n ʿly-h br-h ʿmwd br ʿmwd
outh Arabian text. A more 3. šnt 20+20+20+20+10+3?+3?+1?[----]
study will follow later
Macdonald & Stein 2016).
Translation (Overlaet, Macdonald & Stein 2016)
iption can be compared
1. {This is [?]} the memorial of ʿmwd son of Gr 2. {which} his son ʿmwd son of ʿmwd {built} over him 3. year 90 [or 97].
unerary slabs that were
out of context at Mleiha
86 (Robin 1994). Both
Comment:
th nfs wqbr “memorial
of...”. The first slab, the The reading of the number 7 at the end of face C is not certain. Perhaps the particular signs form merely some ornament.
uts of which are unknown,
ated by A.F.L. Beeston as ANCIENT SOUTH ARABIAN
ne and grave of Dhariyyat”,
ollowed by “servant of the Text2 (Overlaet, Macdonald & Stein 2016)
obin 1994: 80; Macdonald 1. nfs¹ / w-qbr / ʿmd / bn /
71 note 99). The second
h measures 56 by 38.3 2. gr / bn / ʿly / bqr / mlk /
w on display in the Sharjah 3. ʿmn / ḏy / bny / {ʿl}[-h] / br-
gical Museum. It is worn,
and not all letters can be 4. h / ʿmd / bn / {ʿmd / bn /} gr/
The translation by Chr. 5. {bq}r / mx[xxxxxxx]x{r /}
s recently revised by Eisa
reveal “year ten and forty”
line (Robin 1994: 80-81, Translation (Overlaet, Macdonald & Stein 2016)
bas 2009: 92-94, Fig. 2) and 1. Memorial and tomb of ʿmd son of 2. Gr son of ʿly Investigator [?] of the king 3. of ʿmn which built {over him} his son
sts that the inclusion of the 4. ʿmd son of {ʿmd} {son of} Gr 5. {Investigator of} [the king of ʿmn] ....
part of a standard formula
uneral slabs. The Seleucid
ng in 312/311 BCE, is the Comment:
For the title bqr, cf. Nabataean bqr (D stem) “to examine”, the participle of which (mbqr) is interpreted as some sort of
y to be encountered along
an trade routes and this priest (Hoftijzer & Jongeling 1995: 187). Since the nominal pattern of the present title differs from that of the participle,
ce the tombs respectively in however, we may assume a different function at the king’s court here.
CE (50 SE) and in 222/221
The linguistic character of the text in Ancient South Arabian script is doubtful (Hasaitic?); it is certainly closely related
4 BCE (90 or 97 SE). The
to similar inscriptions which have been published by Robin (1994; cf. Macdonald 2000, 42 with note 99 and Sima 2002,
of the slab in tomb F5 points 169).
earlier date for this type
ex tombs than previously The inscription may be dated to the third-second centuries BCE from a palaeographical point of view.
is not a development from
C tombs but belongs to the
A timeframe. It places
mental tombs, which are
95

known harbour of importa
Arabian side of the Gul
Qatar and the Strait of Hor
had its heydays in the 1st c
The sudden rise of ed-Dur
harbour is directly linked
of Characene on the sea tr
Gulf from the end of the 1
BCE onwards (Haerinck 19
2010: 393). The confusi
sources about its locatio
the result of changing trad
since the name may have
for more than one site.
is to be identified as the
ancient Oman, any harbo
the capital may have been
with this name (on this ap
the problem, see Whiteho
68). A site such as Dibba,
and trade centre on the
Fig. 4. The lime slab with funerary inscription from Tomb F5. coast would also be a likely
(Jasim 2006; Jasim & You
This raises the questio

linked to the position of Mleiha as ruler commenced minting at Mleiha would have adopted an existing title territorial boundaries of th
an international trade hub, as early in the last quarter of the 3rd century such as “King of Oman”. The title “Kingdom of Oman”,
as the mid third century BCE. This BCE (Callot 2010: 391-393, 395-396 later re-occurs on a coin issued by on Mleiha. If one com
is in accordance with the oldest dated “early series”; compare van Alfen Meredat, king of Characene, in the distribution of the
Rhodian amphora fragment from 2010: 567-68). Other authors place mid 2nd century CE (Potts 1988: 153- and the archaeological r
Mleiha, the surface find of a spike 155; Potts 1996).
the beginning of the Abiel coinage identification with the PIR a
in Area AI dated to c. 270-250 BCE slightly later, in the beginning of the seems evident. This inc
(Monsieur et al. 2013: 221, Fig. 21). 2nd century BCE (van Alfen 2010:
Up to now, the oldest reference to
Oman was in Classical sources from territory of the United
550-551). In any case, Mleiha was the and the Northern part
The now lost slab possibly states that the 1st century CE. The Periplus
principal inland site of SE-Arabia in
the deceased was “in the service of Maris Erythraei (Voyage around the Sultanate of Oman. The c
the kings” (however, an alternative the Late Pre-Islamic Era and the seat
Erythraean Sea) and the Naturalis of the Sultanate is archae
of the Abiel Royal House. At least
reading would provide a name, see Historia (Natural History) by Plinius characterised by the dif
Robin 1994: 80; Macdonald 2000, 42, 5 Rulers, of which several with the LIA assemblage and PIR to
the Elder refer to Omana. The
71 note 99), the tomb F5 slab identifies same name, are thought to have issued
location of this Omana remains a only been found at al-Fuw
the deceased as in the office of the coins (van Alfen 2010; possibly Sama’il. Yule pointed out
point of discussion, however, but the
Natural History places it specifically
“King of Oman”. This connection several of these Abiel were women,
of Mleiha with Royalty, possibly in see Macdonald 2010). If Abiel is not on the Arabian coast of the Gulf
the middle but with certainty in the the specific king referred to in the (Salles 1993: 510-511). Omana has
2
second half of the 3rd century BCE inscription of tomb F5, then Abiel is Editorial sigla: { } in the
been associated with various sites, the whole word which, in
is significant. The reference to the possibly a descendant or in any case but the obvious candidate for Plinius’ were incorrectly carved. [
“King of Oman” could very well a successor or usurper of this king. It Omana is the site of ed-Dur in Umm ---- indicates a damaged
uncertain character.
refer to Abiel; according to Callot this is evident that in both situations, he al-Qaiwain Emirate. It is the only
96

known harbour of importance on the of Abiel coins and Greco-Roman the last quarter of the 3rd century
Arabian side of the Gulf between luxury goods that characterise the BCE necessitates a revision of the
Qatar and the Strait of Hormuz and it PIR in the Samad LIA dominated chronology for Mleiha’s funerary
had its heydays in the 1st century CE. region (Yule 2001: 257, 265, Fig. 1; architecture. The complex area F
The sudden rise of ed-Dur as a major 2016, passim, Fig.1). tombs precede or are contemporary
harbour is directly linked to the grip to the monumental tombs of areas C
and AV.
of Characene on the sea trade in the
Final Remarks
Gulf from the end of the 1st century
BCE onwards (Haerinck 1998; Callot
- The deceased: the builder of
the monument was the son of the
2010: 393). The confusion of the
The excavation of Mleiha Tomb F5 is
a work in progress and much of the deceased who held an office for the
sources about its location may be
fieldwork remains to be done, yet the king of Oman. The text does not state
the result of changing trade patterns
results have already been exceptional that the grave was intended for any
since the name may have been used
and are of importance on many other family members although the
for more than one site. If Mleiha
levels. The content of the funerary entrance to the burial chambers was
is to be identified as the capital of
inscription adds to our general not sealed by its superstructure. A
ancient Oman, any harbour serving
understanding of the concept of these planned re-use has been suggested
the capital may have been designated for tombs with large burial chambers
monumental tombs and in a broader
with this name (on this approach to sense to the understanding of the PIR and similar entrances. This may have
the problem, see Whitehouse 1998: period in the Oman peninsula. It is to be reconsidered for PIR A Period
68). A site such as Dibba, a harbour not within the goal of a preliminary tombs. Although the existence of
and trade centre on the Arabian Sea report to discuss these aspects in- monuments for multiple burials is
coast would also be a likely candidate depth, but several observations can documented by an Aramaic text on a
(Jasim 2006; Jasim & Yousif 2014). already be made: stray find bronze plaque from Mleiha
(Teixidor 1992; Abbas 2009: 96-97,
This raises the question of the
e adopted an existing title - Tomb construction: It is ascertained Fig. 5), it may not have been the
territorial boundaries of this ancient
King of Oman”. The title that the superstructure of Tomb F5 original intent or concept in PIR A.
“Kingdom of Oman”, centred
curs on a coin issued by was built in lime bricks, had stepped
on Mleiha. If one combines the
crenelations and was conceived as - The apparent necessity to use
king of Characene, in the distribution of the Abiel coins
entury CE (Potts 1988: 153-
a room, most probably roofed. The Aramaic and Ancient South Arabian
and the archaeological record, an for what is basically a repetition of
1996).
entrance to this superstructure could
identification with the PIR assemblage not be located but may have been at the same contents, points to a mixed
, the oldest reference to seems evident. This includes the the centre of the Northern wall where composition of Mleiha’s population.
in Classical sources from territory of the United Arab Emirates a small step/platform was present.
entury CE. The Periplus and the Northern parts of the - The title “king of Oman” is at present
thraei (Voyage around the Sultanate of Oman. The central part - Date and tomb types: The Aramaic the earliest known reference to the
n Sea) and the Naturalis of the Sultanate is archaeologically inscription on the stone’s rim name “Oman”. In all probability this
Natural History) by Plinius characterised by the different Samad mentions the year 90 or 97, which title was used by the Abiel dynasty. It
refer to Omana. The LIA assemblage and PIR tombs have refers, according to the Seleucid is the only known regional dynasty to
f this Omana remains a only been found at al-Fuwaydah and Era, to 222/221 or 215/214 BCE. have minted coins and must have had
scussion, however, but the Sama’il. Yule pointed out the rarity The construction of this tomb in its seat at Mleiha.
istory places it specifically
rabian coast of the Gulf
93: 510-511). Omana has
2
Editorial sigla: { } in the transliterations enclose letters and passages the reading of which is doubtful, and in the translations
ciated with various sites, the whole word which, in the original, contains one or more doubtful letters. ( ) in the transliterations enclose letters which
vious candidate for Plinius’ were incorrectly carved. [ ] enclose letters in the transliterations, or words in the translations, which have had to be restored.
the site of ed-Dur in Umm ---- indicates a damaged area in which an unknown number of letters or numbers have been lost. x represents a letter of
uncertain character.
n Emirate. It is the only
97

Pl. 2. Finds made d
Silver spout from bo
Pl. 1. The 1986-89 excavations at Area F: plan, sections and photograph. The green line on the plan vessel; 6 Soft-stone
indicates the area on the photograph. The yellow overlay is the part of Tomb F5 that was cleared during reconstructed from
these excavations. (after Mouton 2008). libations; 12. Storag
98

Pl. 2. Finds made during the 1986-89 excavations at Area F (after Mouton 2008). 1. Gold tubular bead; 2.
Silver spout from bowl in the shape of a horse protome; 3. Female bust applique; 4. Bronze bowl; 5. Glass
en line on the plan vessel; 6 Soft-stone beehive shaped container; 7-8. Stamped Rhodian amphora handles; 9. Amphora shape
was cleared during reconstructed from various vessels; 10-11. Perforated vessels dug in near Tombs F3 and 4, supposedly for
libations; 12. Storage vessel from tomb F2.
99

Pl. 3. Excavations of Tomb F5: vertical view on 2015.12.01 (top) and 2015.12.02
(bottom).
100

15.12.02 Pl. 4. Excavations of Tomb F5: vertical view on 2015.12.08 (top) and
2015.12.11 (bottom).
101

Pl. 6. Superstr
in situ. b. Disp
Pl. 5. Excavations of Tomb F5: vertical view on 2015.12.15 (top) and
in situ, note the
2015.12.17 (bottom).
wall. e. Lime b
102

Pl. 6. Superstructure of Tomb F5: a. View from the South with the West wall and mud brick floor
in situ. b. Displaced lower layer of lime bricks from the South wall. c. SW-corner with lime brick
in situ, note the plaster on the inside of the building. d. Displaced layers of lime bricks of the South
wall. e. Lime brick stepped crenelation found at the base of the South wall.
103

Pl. 7. View on the excavation of the Eastern part of the Southern burial chamber and its entrance. Pl. 8. View of th
inscription is on
104

ts entrance. Pl. 8. View of the excavation of the Northern burial chamber with the lime slab in situ (the funerary
inscription is on the back) and removal of the slab.
105

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- 2010. The ‘Abiel’ Coins of Eastern Arabia: A Study of the Aramaic Legends, in: M. Huth & P.G. van Alfen Vessels, Leuven.
(eds.), Coinage of the Caravan Kingdoms - Studies in the Monetization of Ancient Arabia (Numismatic
Studies No. 25, 2010): 403-547. Yule, P., 2001. Recen
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Monsieur, P., Overlaet, B., Jasim, S.A., Yousif, E. & Haerinck, E., 2013. Rhodian amphora stamps found in - 2016. Valourising th
Mleiha (Sharjah, UAE): old and recent finds, Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy 24: 208-223.
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(U.A.E.), Fourth Report (1988)): 44-72.
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rchaeology 3 JC), BAR Internat. Series 1776 & Society for Arabian Studies Monographs No. 6, Oxford.
n des tombes Mouton, M., Boucharlat, R., 1997. Excavations at Mleiha, the third season, Sharjah Archaeology 5
ours. Essays (Archaeological surveys in Sharjah Emirate (U.A.E.), Fifth Report (1989)): 39-54, 62-73.
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Supplementum 12: 205-214.
(eds.), Coin-
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l’Academie Royale des Sciences d’Outre-Mer – Mededelingen der Zittingen van de Academie voor
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Overlaet, B., Macdonald, M. & Stein, P. 2016. An Aramaic Hasaitic bilingual inscription from a monumental
tomb at Mleiha, Sharjah, U.A.E., Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy 27: 127-142.
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Potts, D.T., 1988: Arabia and the Kingdom of Characene, in: D.T. Potts (ed.), Araby the Blest: Studies in
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Whitehouse, D., 1998. Excavations at ed-Dur (Umm al Qaiwain, United Arab Emirates) Vol. I. The Glass
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107

Report on the 2015/16 Season of Excavations at the site HLO1
in the Wadi al-Hilo (Emirate of Sharjah, UAE)
(version revised June 2016)

Directors:
Dr. Margarethe Uerpmann Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Uerpmann Dr. Sabah A. Jasim
Aims of the excavations Some of these large pebbles appeared of the preceding Neolithic structure.
to be set and to potentially represent While these assumptions could not be
a man-made structure. Removing verified without destroying some of Fig. 1: Map of the trenches in the
Earlier excavations at Wadi Hilo the other blocks around them the structures (which had already been
concentrated on the evidence for strengthened this impression. Final damaged during the discovery of the
Bronze Age copper metallurgy at proof for a construction came from whole assemblage – see Fig. 4) it was
the site HLO1. The results of these the discovery of ordered rows and decided not to continue excavating this
excavations were the subject of the layers of smaller pebbles underneath area – except for the interior bottom of
Doctoral Dissertation of Johannes the larger blocks. The pebble-base the grave-chamber. Some additional
Kutterer (Tübingen University 2014) had been laid on the above mentioned small fragments of human bone could
and were published as such in the surface in order to provide stable be discovered as well as some small
same year1. However, evidence for bedding for the larger blocks on top. splinters of flint and pottery.
the presence of Neolithic features at The whole structure turned out to be
a small rounded chamber with even To the west Trench 75 was widened by
the site was also discovered during 3m without giving the newly opened
these excavations. It was the aim of smaller annexes towards the east.
As all theses structures stood on the area a new trench-number. This area
the recent excavations to deepen
early Holocene surface they most contains a field of large rounded
the knowledge about the Neolithic boulders under which further structures
occupation of HLO1. As the evidence probably were erected during the 8th
millennium BC. Unfortunately no may be concealed. However, given the
for the Neolithic presence of people very large size and weight of most of
at HLO1 mainly derived from the artefacts were found in this context.
the boulders, none of the structures
southern parts of the site, new Trench 102 was opened as a 2x2m was clear enough to be considered
trenches were only opened in this square in the eastern part of the for excavation with the now available
area (blue in Fig. 1). earlier excavations. During and after excavation equipment (Fig.4).
Based on radiocarbon dates from the removal of the surface and two
successive layers no indications for In order to completely expose the
Trenches 41 and 42 of the earlier Wadi Suq grave-structure, Trench
excavations, an old surface deriving archaeological features could be
observed. Therefore excavations were 75 was also enlarged towards the
from the 8th millennium BC was not continued in this part of the site. north by opening Trenches 103 and
identified and already largely exposed 104. These trenches connected the
in these trenches in 2013. Its surface Another mayor discovery of the older Trenches 75 and 76. They
consisted of mostly fine-grained earlier excavations in Trench exposed another area of unordered
sediments with some included 75 was that of an oval structure, large pebbles, which did not provide
small river-pebbles. Because of the identified as a grave of the Wadi further information. The same surface
radiocarbon dates for the fireplaces Suq period, which was built into an of large pebbles was already exposed
dug into this surface, its age must earlier subterranean grave. This is in Trench 76. As no structures could
be as old or older than c. 8000 BC. corroborated by two radiocarbon be recognized in Trenches 103 and
Therefore the 2015 excavations were dates on human bone fragments 104 excavations were not continued
started with further exposing this from the fill of the grave. One of in these trenches.
surface in Trench 101. The early them came out as 1956-1892 BC for
Holocene surface could be followed the Wadi Suq period and the other
northward into Trench 78, where a as 6352-6231 BC for the Neolithic 1
Kutterer, J. 2013: The Archaeological Site HLÖ1.
heap of large pebbles was already bone. Fig. 3 gives a view of the well
Doctoral Dissertation University of Tübingen,
exposed during the previous season visible Wadi-Suq entrance of the
Germany
of excavations. chamber and of the hypothetical base Fig. 2: Architecture in Trench 78
108

he site HLO1
However, further cleaning of the
UAE) boulder-field in the old trench 76
indicated the existence of a rounded
wall-structure (Fig. 5). Therefore
excavations were continued in this
trench by taking off successive layers
of the boulders left in this trench by
the earlier excavations. The curved
wall-structure actually continued
. Jasim below the first exposed surface and
turned out to be the best preserved
remnant of a building in this part of
ding Neolithic structure. the site. The fireplace visible in Fig. 5
e assumptions could not be had several superimposed ash-layers,
ithout destroying some of Fig. 1: Map of the trenches in the southern part of HLO1
of which the upper two yielded
res (which had already been radiocarbon dates of 799-558 BC and
during the discovery of the 915-827 BC for the Iron Age.
mblage – see Fig. 4) it was
t to continue excavating this In order to see more of the rounded
ept for the interior bottom of structure Trench 109 was opened
chamber. Some additional north of Trench 76. The same pebble
ments of human bone could field as in the trenches south of it
red as well as some small continued into Trench 109. Although
f flint and pottery. the rounded wall seems to curve
north and east in this trench, the wall
rench 75 was widened by is not as clearly defined as in Trench
giving the newly opened 76. Again there are several fireplaces
w trench-number. This area inside the assumed round building.
a field of large rounded A first radiocarbon date of 1740-
nder which further structures 1670 BC enlarges the time span for
ncealed. However, given the the use of this building into the Wadi
size and weight of most of Suq period. A surprising find was an
ers, none of the structures obsidian flake near the rounded wall,
enough to be considered which may indicate an even earlier
tion with the now available Neolithic occupation.
equipment (Fig.4).
The extension of the Neolithic
to completely expose the remnants in the western part of the
q grave-structure, Trench area was explored in a narrow search
lso enlarged towards the trench (Tr. 107), which was opened
opening Trenches 103 and towards the wadi-cliff. At the eastern
e trenches connected the end of this trench another structure
nches 75 and 76. They built of large pebbles was discovered
(Fig. 7). It might be an annex to a
nother area of unordered
les, which did not provide
larger building, now situated below the
ormation. The same surface
visitor-pathway. However, according
bbles was already exposed
to its elongated shape it could also
76. As no structures could
ized in Trenches 103 and have been a grave-chamber (Fig.
ations were not continued 8). Tiny fragments of a human skull
renches. from the fill of the chamber might
corroborate this interpretation.
On the inside this structure was

013: The Archaeological Site HLÖ1. lined with pebbles of varying
sertation University of Tübingen, sizes. The curved wall to the east
– disappearing under the visitors
Fig. 2: Architecture in Trench 78
109

Fig. 3: Neolithic structure in Trench 75 re-used as a grave In the Wadi-Suq-Period
Fig. 5: Stone structure
Fig. 4: Vertical view of Trench 75 with the opening of the grave pit (A - Wadi Suq / Neolithic
grave) and the western extension (below red line) opened in 2015. The Stars indicate disturbances Fig. 6: The curved wall
by test-pits dug during the first season of excavations. the stone-circle are firep
110

Fig. 5: Stone structure with curved wall in Trench 76 after removal of first pebble-layer
Fig. 6: The curved wall in Trench 76 after removal of the second layer of the surrounding pebble-field. Pebble concentrations inside
the stone-circle are fireplaces
111

pathway - to which the small
structure seams to be connected
– requires further excavations for
a complete understanding of the
whole complex and of the principle
of these constructions, which are
similar to those in Trench 78. Thus
they might indicate a continuation of
the Neolithic occupation towards the
western part of the site.
Final remarks
At the end of the 2015 field-work in

the southern part of the site HLO1 it
may be stated that the aims of this
season were fulfilled. There is proof
that not only large firepits from the
very beginning of the Holocene
are represented, but also structures
built of river-pebbles which were
erected on the same surface into
which the old fireplaces were dug. Fig.7: The outside of the small oval structure at the eastern end of Trench 107
This surface represents the end of
the Pleistocene period (ca. 8000 BC).
The architecture of these structures
is difficult to interpret because of the
small size of the enclosed rooms.
Whilethe beginnings of human
presence at the site are clearly marked
by the early firepits in trenches 41
and 42, later parts of the Neolithic
period are also represented according
to isolated radiocarbon dates from
various fireplaces. As there are no
characteristic Neolithic finds - in
particular of arrowheads – which
could provide an idea about the time
when they were made
– no answer can be given with regard

to the presence of the various phases
of the Neolithic period. Obviously the
excellent environmental conditions
of Wadi Hilo - the “sweet valley” -
attracted people during all periods
from the Neolithic to the recent time
- a unique feature in SE-Arabia.
Fig. 8: Vertical view of the oval structure in Trench 107
Margarethe Uerpmann
Johannes Kutterer (2014): The Archaeological Site HLO1 - A Bronze Age Copper Mining and Smelting Site
Hans-Peter Uerpmann in the Emirate of Sharjah (U.A.E). Dissertation. Universität Tübingen. Available at:https://publikationen.
uni-tuebingen.de/xmlui/handle/10900/56440
112

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1

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Bronze Age Tombs

Report on the Pala

Report on the 201

Sharjah Archaeology Authority

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Introduction Mleiha (Sharjah, UAE): The 2009 & 2012

Vol. 15. 2016

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The 4th article is a preliminary report on the 2014 Belgian Excavations at

The 6th report discusses cost effectiveness of drones in archaeological

Dr. Sabah Abboud Jasim

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It is with profound sadness and regret that Sharjah Archaeology Authority

Ernie’s dedication and perseverance has left us with a wealth of

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Sabah Jasim & Eisa Yousif

Fig 2: A plan showing the distribu

were unearthed. Upon c

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A straight partition wall extending in

The circular plan together with the

The jar is wheel made with well

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Fig 14: A general view showing b

Figure 15: Tomb FAY NE 22 after

excavated at the nearby

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Frifelt, K. (1991). The Isla

Haenrick, E. (1991). ‘The r

Kastner, J. (1991). ‘Some

Potts, D. T. (1998). ‘Some

Vogt, B. (1985). ‘The Um

Vogt, B. 1994. Asimah:

Fig 19: Bronze socketed spear heads (1-2),

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nze socketed spear heads (1-2),

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Report 2014 by AH III

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rly expansions of humans’ AH V

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in trench 37. On day 9 w

With the definition of A

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in trench 37. On day 9 we reached

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geology was in the upper

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GH 1b lack lithic artifacts while