Bronze Age settlement found near Bat ruins in Al Dhahirah

Muscat: Recent archaeological excavations at the Rakha al-Madra site near the Bat ruins in Al Dhahirah Governorate have uncovered a Bronze Age settlement. The excavations, conducted by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with an American mission, have revealed several graves dating from 3200 to 2700 BCE, as well as four buildings from the Bronze Age.

Dr. Jennifer Suereda, head of the American archaeological mission from the University of Pennsylvania, indicated that this season's excavations focused on the Rakha al-Madra area, located southeast of the Bat archaeological site. This circular clay area is surrounded by low hills and retains water for several days during rainfall or wadi floods.

Dr. Suereda noted that this year's efforts concentrated on the largest Bronze Age building to determine whether it was a residence or a community activity center. The excavation uncovered ovens and walls, suggesting use up to the early Islamic period. Artifacts found include a Neolithic arrowhead made of flint, a carnelian amulet from the Umm Al Nar period, a pottery shard from the Umm Al Nar period, a metal tool head from the early Islamic period, an imported ceramic jar from the Indus Valley, and a piece of carnelian.

Additionally, soil samples containing microscopic remnants of ancient plants were collected to help understand the activities and environment of the people who lived in Rakha al-Madra.

Suleiman bin Hamoud Al-Jabri, head of the technical section in the Department of Archaeological Sites in Bat, Al-Khutm, and Al-Ayn, emphasized the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's commitment to attracting archaeological missions from specialized global universities since the 1970s. The first mission to work at the Bat site was Danish, followed by missions from German, Japanese, French, and Italian universities. The current mission, a partnership between the University of Pennsylvania and Leiden University, has been active since 2007, studying towers, tombs, and buildings, as well as analyzing soil samples, water sources, and rainfall كخج in the Bat site and surrounding areas, including the ongoing work at the Rakha al-Madra site, located about 7 kilometers from Bat.

It is noteworthy that the Bat archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ongoing research and studies providing valuable insights into human history, the development of ancient civilizations, diverse cultures, customs, traditions, and past technologies and lifestyles.