Archaeological Survey and Excavations at Wadi Al-Sarmi-Dahwa Region in Saham, Northern Al-Batina

This research is focusing on studying two important periods in the Omani cultural history. The first period is dealing with the Early Bronze Age (2500-2000 BC.) which represents the Umm an-Nar Culture, while the second period is about the Late Islamic period (15th-18th century AD). These two periods will be investigated by two approaches: First by conducting field work, where the archaeological site of Dahwa (7) will be excavated and an area of ca. 20 km diameter will be surveyed. During the excavations, three buildings from both periods and one Umm an-Nar tomb will be selected for the excavations. The analytical and theoretical part represents the second approach. Here the archaeological data will be analyzed in order to have a better understanding for the settlement system and the cultural development of the settlers in both periods. C14 analysis will be conducted to obtain accurate dates for the different occupational phases at the site.