Survey starts to decode mystery of Oman's archaeological sites

Muscat: A new geological and archaeological survey has begun in Oman, the Ministry of Heritage and Culture announced. In a statement, the ministry said, “A geological and archaeological survey is being undertaken by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, along with a team of Omani geologists and specialists from outside the Sultanate in the northern area of wilayat of Mazyona to study geological and climatic changes and their history with human settlements.”
“The study will aim to understand the distribution of modern sediments in the area by taking samples to determine the age of deposition, the study of ancient waterways and climate change in the region, as well as the distribution of archaeological artefacts in the area,” the statement continued.
The ministry noted that the “area contains sediments of sand dunes and ancient lakes, as well as an impressive collection of ancient stone tools dating back to different periods of the Neolithic age, including arrowheads, animal collars, grinders and much more”.
On January 1, the Ministry of Heritage and Culture announced the discovery of pottery fragments dating back to the Harappan civilisation in Ras Al Hadd, as part of a joint archaeological excavation. The shards of pottery that were found date back to the 3rd millennium BC. Excavators also uncovered tools and stone stoves that were used for cooking, in addition to a collection of beads used to make necklaces and other jewellery.