Muscat: Recent archaeological investigations at the Rakha al-Madra site, located near the Bat ruins in Al Dhahirah Governorate, have revealed a settlement from the Bronze Age. These excavations, carried out by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in partnership with an American team, have uncovered multiple graves dating back to 3200 to 2700 BCE, along with four structures from the same era.
Dr. Jennifer Suereda, who leads the American archaeological team from the University of Pennsylvania, stated that this season's work concentrated on the Rakha al-Madra region, situated southeast of the Bat archaeological site. This circular area, composed of clay, is encircled by low hills and retains water for several days following rainfall or wadi floods.
Dr. Suereda emphasized that this year's focus was on the largest Bronze Age structure to ascertain whether it served as a dwelling or a center for community activities. The excavation revealed ovens and walls, indicating usage that extended into the early Islamic period. Among the artifacts discovered were a Neolithic flint arrowhead, a carnelian amulet from the Umm Al Nar period, a pottery fragment from the same period, a metal tool head from the early Islamic era, an imported ceramic jar from the Indus Valley, and a piece of carnelian.
Furthermore, soil samples containing microscopic traces of ancient vegetation were collected to enhance understanding of the activities and environment of the inhabitants of Rakha al-Madra.
Suleiman bin Hamoud Al-Jabri, the head of the technical section at the Department of Archaeological Sites in Bat, Al-Khutm, and Al-Ayn, highlighted the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's dedication to attracting archaeological missions from renowned global universities since the 1970s. The inaugural mission at the Bat site was conducted by a Danish team, followed by subsequent missions from German, Japanese, French, and Italian institutions. Currently, a collaborative effort between the University of Pennsylvania and Leiden University has been ongoing since 2007, focusing on the study of towers, tombs, and structures, as well as the analysis of soil samples, water sources, and rainfall patterns in the Bat site and its vicinity, including the active research at the Rakha al-Madra site, situated approximately 7 kilometers from Bat.
It is important to note that the Bat archaeological site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ongoing research and studies yielding significant insights into human history, the evolution of ancient civilizations, and the rich tapestry of diverse cultures, customs, traditions, and historical technologies and lifestyles.
