This contribution aims to present the results of a brief survey conducted on some
ports in the D... more This contribution aims to present the results of a brief survey conducted on some ports in the Dhofar region, along the southernmost coast of the Sultanate of Oman, dated to the medieval Islamic period. The research carried out by the University of Naples L’Orientale at the site of al-Balīd and more broadly in the Dhofar region aims not only to advance new study and research activities but also to reinterpret and analyze existing materials, with the goal of developing a more complete understanding of the region’s role during the Islamic era. During this time, the port of al-Balīd, along with Ṣuḥār and Qalhāt in the northern part of the country, was one of the key centres in the trade networks of the western Indian Ocean. However, there were several satellite ports involved in long- medium and short distance trade networks which may have played an important role in communications with the interior where the frankincense resin was collected. The paper will focus on two of these ports: Sūq al-Ḥāsik and Ḥāsik Qadīm.
Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 29/1, 2020
Myrrh, dragon's blood, aloe and madder, and the most important-frankincense and Arabian horses-pa... more Myrrh, dragon's blood, aloe and madder, and the most important-frankincense and Arabian horses-passed through the strategically located port of Al Baleed in the southernmost region of the Sultanate of Oman on the Arabian Peninsula. Known as Zafar in medieval times, this ancient port with a long history going back to the Bronze Age reached a peak in its development as a hub of the medieval international trade on the Indian Ocean when many commodities were exported from the region or passed through the port. The medieval frankincense trade is barely studied despite its importance and the great incomes that it generated. This general overview of the site of Al-Baleed, important for its geographic location, climate, availability of water and abundance of fodder, will highlight the port's importance in the frankincense trade, mainly in relation to the markets of the Far East, against the background of the other coveted treasures from the region of Dhofar.
Since the beginning of the investigations in the area of Khor Rori and at the site of Sumhuram, t... more Since the beginning of the investigations in the area of Khor Rori and at the site of Sumhuram, the easternmost outpost of the caravan kingdoms along the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, cultural material and architectural evidence seemed to exclude frequentation, both permanent and seasonal, during the Islamic period. Indeed, it was assumed that any form of occupation, which had begun in the second century , ceased in the fi fth century , consistent with the historical, economic and cultural scenario that marked the end of the caravan kingdoms. However, discoveries made during more recent fi eldwork, along with a critical reinterpretation of previously collected data, have clearly demonstrated the existence of a late occupation of the area, which can be tentatively dated to the Late Antique period in the case of the burials located nearby and to the Islamic period in the case of the reoccupation of the site. This paper will discuss the preliminary results of the re-analysis of the late evidence, focusing on the last architectural structures, the small fi nds and some of the pottery.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 49, 2023
Ship timbers were discovered during the excavation of the Islamic site of al-Balīd recycled in th... more Ship timbers were discovered during the excavation of the Islamic site of al-Balīd recycled in the buildings of its citadel and the Great Mosque. These fragments stripped from the hulls of Indian Ocean medieval sewn vessels form the largest collection of archaeological evidence for the ships sailing during the Middle Islamic Period (10th–15th century CE). More than one third of the timbers bears traces of a bitumen mixture used as luting and coating to seal the ships planking to waterproof and protect their hulls, a practice generally associated with sewn-plank construction.
This paper presents the result of the GC-MS, carbon and hydrogen isotope on chromatographic fractions, and X-Ray diffraction analyses on twenty-two samples of the luting extracted from fifteen timbers from al-Balīd. The nature of the constituents of the amalgam is determined showing that the luting consists of bitumen mixed with mineral matter, fat or oil and two triterpenic resins, dammar (Dipterocarpacea) and frankincense.
The chemical signature of the bitumen indicates that it was likely sourced from two seeps in southwest Iranian: Mamatain and Ain Gir-Chersch Mehrgir-Dehluran. The origin of the bitumen might suggest that the luting was applied during the construction or repairing of Indian Ocean vessels in boatyards along the coasts of the Arabian/Persian Gulf or Southern and Eastern Arabia.
Over the last few years the Chinese porcelain found in ports and urban centres involved in inter... more Over the last few years the Chinese porcelain found in ports and urban centres involved in inter-Asian trade along the Indian Ocean routes, together with material from the wrecks of merchant ships and collections, has offered ample evidence for the study of the cultural, economic and social relations between the various entities involved in this network of commercial and diplomatic exchanges. This is particularly true for the period preceding the advent of the European powers along these routes and their subsequent predominance as from the 16th century. It is a period that is increasingly being studied to re-evaluate the globalization processes in the ancient world. Here, Chinese porcelain represents material evidence that we can, without the least exaggeration, define as incomparable. In fact, the origins of and trade in raw materials and technologies, the hybridization of decorative motives and forms, and the wide-ranging diffusion and re-elaboration of practices and meanings associated with Chinese porcelain and stoneware, attest to intercultural dynamics and a global or, better, glocal utilization of these materials. In the broader context of relations between China and the Arabian Peninsula, few sites offer such remarkable leads for analysis of the connections between the production, reception, and use of Chinese porcelain during the Islamic period. This article focuses mainly on the period between 1279 and 1435, which saw the trade between China and Arabia, together with the consumption and impact of Chinese porcelain on the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, at its most flourishing.
Four copper‐base figurines recently discovered at the site of Tell Abraq
(Umm al‐Quwain, UAE) ill... more Four copper‐base figurines recently discovered at the site of Tell Abraq (Umm al‐Quwain, UAE) illustrate the circulation of allochthonous artistic motifs across the Arabian Peninsula during the late pre‐Islamic period (broadly, 300 BC–300 AD). It is argued that these motifs were adopted by the local communities even in the absence of a full understanding of their genuine meaning and consequently, possibly adapted for the representation of local deities or elite members. These derivative artifacts traveled alongside high‐quality local products, both kinds of objects being witnessed at Tell Abraq. There, a unique figurine of a standing naked man additionally fosters some considerations about the diffusion of Herakles’ iconography in the region. The finds presented here might generally be indicative of the presence of high‐rank burials extensively looted in antiquity, while so far, the presence of other structures to which they could be related has to be discarded
Egitto e Vicino Oriente antico tra passato e futuro The Stream of Tradition: la genesi e il perpetuarsi delle tradizioni in Egitto e nel Vicino Oriente antico (a cura di S. Graziani e G. Lacerenza). , 2022
Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies 51 , 2022
The importance of the medieval city of al-Balīd and its harbour was mentioned in many different s... more The importance of the medieval city of al-Balīd and its harbour was mentioned in many different sources, and mirrored by a large number of finds and pottery that confirm a primary role of the port as a pivotal hub in Indian Ocean trade during the pre-modern Islamic period (tenth–fifteenth century AD). This paper will examine maritime activities at al-Balīd from a different perspective, combining recent data from the study of ship timbers discovered at the site with the archaeological record, along with evidence of possible harbour facilities. The study of the ship timbers has provided invaluable information about the technology, size, material, type, and function of the watercraft involved in the trade at al-Balīd. The reuse of these timbers in a terrestrial context also alludes to a variety of activities carried out at the site, such as boatbuilding, maintenance, repair, and salvaging. Collectively, this data yields useful insights into the relationship between the different vessels operating at al-Balīd and the structure of the site itself, mainly in connection with one of the most lucrative commercial activities at the port city — the trade of Arabian horses.
The site of Ẓafār/al-Balīd (Sultanate of Oman). Archaeological investigations between past and present, Proceedings of the round table held at Naples, Università L’Orientale, on June 18th 2021, Newsletter Archeologia CISA, vol. 12 (ISSN 2036-6353), 2021
The site of Ẓafār/al-Balīd (Sultanate of Oman). Archaeological investigations between past and present, Proceedings of the round table held at Naples, Università L’Orientale, on June 18th 2021, Newsletter Archeologia CISA, vol. 12 (ISSN 2036-6353), 2021
The ancient port of Sumhuram is situated about 35 km east of the modern city of Salalah, in Dhofa... more The ancient port of Sumhuram is situated about 35 km east of the modern city of Salalah, in Dhofar, the southernmost region of the Sultanate of Oman. The settlement was built on a rocky outcrop dominating the Khor Rori lagoon, about 2 km from the seashore. The site was founded in the 3rd century BC and abandoned in the 5th century AD. The site and the area of Khor Rori has been under investigation by the Italian Mission to Oman (IMTO) of the University of Pisa, directed by Alessandra Avanzini, during the last twenty years. Throughout its long history, Sumhuram was involved in an international network of commercial trades and contacts. Relations with Yemen, India, the Gulf, Egypt and the Mediterranean are attested by numerous small findings and a large amount of ceramic vessels. This book is a comprehensive study of the imported and local pottery of Sumhuram. A contribution by Roberta Tomber about late Hellenistic and Roman pottery completes and enhances the results of this volume. The discussion of the different types of pottery provides important new data about trade connections and maritime contacts in the Indian Ocean in the last centuries BC - first centuries AD.
Relations between the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula and East Asia are recorded in a numb... more Relations between the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula and East Asia are recorded in a number of different written sources. Given that most of the traded goods were perishable, the archaeological evidence is today limited to pottery and coins, although the latter has rarely been found in Arabia. The aim of this paper is to investigate the connections between the two areas, focusing on the recent discoveries from the settlement of al-Balīd (ancient Ẓafār), which flourished along the southern coast of the Sultanate of Oman during the medieval period, reaching its peak between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries AD. Work at the site has recently been resumed and is currently focused on the excavation of the citadel (Husn al-Balīd) and on the study of small finds and pottery, including the collection of ceramics from East Asia. Not only frankincense, silk, Chinese porcelain, and stoneware, but also resins, natural pigments, and exotic animals were travelling at that time between Arabia and East Asia in both directions. Following the written sources and by studying the East Asian imports discovered during the recent excavations at Husn al-Balīd, two periods of major contact have been identified and are discussed below.
This contribution aims to present the results of a brief survey conducted on some
ports in the D... more This contribution aims to present the results of a brief survey conducted on some ports in the Dhofar region, along the southernmost coast of the Sultanate of Oman, dated to the medieval Islamic period. The research carried out by the University of Naples L’Orientale at the site of al-Balīd and more broadly in the Dhofar region aims not only to advance new study and research activities but also to reinterpret and analyze existing materials, with the goal of developing a more complete understanding of the region’s role during the Islamic era. During this time, the port of al-Balīd, along with Ṣuḥār and Qalhāt in the northern part of the country, was one of the key centres in the trade networks of the western Indian Ocean. However, there were several satellite ports involved in long- medium and short distance trade networks which may have played an important role in communications with the interior where the frankincense resin was collected. The paper will focus on two of these ports: Sūq al-Ḥāsik and Ḥāsik Qadīm.
Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 29/1, 2020
Myrrh, dragon's blood, aloe and madder, and the most important-frankincense and Arabian horses-pa... more Myrrh, dragon's blood, aloe and madder, and the most important-frankincense and Arabian horses-passed through the strategically located port of Al Baleed in the southernmost region of the Sultanate of Oman on the Arabian Peninsula. Known as Zafar in medieval times, this ancient port with a long history going back to the Bronze Age reached a peak in its development as a hub of the medieval international trade on the Indian Ocean when many commodities were exported from the region or passed through the port. The medieval frankincense trade is barely studied despite its importance and the great incomes that it generated. This general overview of the site of Al-Baleed, important for its geographic location, climate, availability of water and abundance of fodder, will highlight the port's importance in the frankincense trade, mainly in relation to the markets of the Far East, against the background of the other coveted treasures from the region of Dhofar.
Since the beginning of the investigations in the area of Khor Rori and at the site of Sumhuram, t... more Since the beginning of the investigations in the area of Khor Rori and at the site of Sumhuram, the easternmost outpost of the caravan kingdoms along the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, cultural material and architectural evidence seemed to exclude frequentation, both permanent and seasonal, during the Islamic period. Indeed, it was assumed that any form of occupation, which had begun in the second century , ceased in the fi fth century , consistent with the historical, economic and cultural scenario that marked the end of the caravan kingdoms. However, discoveries made during more recent fi eldwork, along with a critical reinterpretation of previously collected data, have clearly demonstrated the existence of a late occupation of the area, which can be tentatively dated to the Late Antique period in the case of the burials located nearby and to the Islamic period in the case of the reoccupation of the site. This paper will discuss the preliminary results of the re-analysis of the late evidence, focusing on the last architectural structures, the small fi nds and some of the pottery.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 49, 2023
Ship timbers were discovered during the excavation of the Islamic site of al-Balīd recycled in th... more Ship timbers were discovered during the excavation of the Islamic site of al-Balīd recycled in the buildings of its citadel and the Great Mosque. These fragments stripped from the hulls of Indian Ocean medieval sewn vessels form the largest collection of archaeological evidence for the ships sailing during the Middle Islamic Period (10th–15th century CE). More than one third of the timbers bears traces of a bitumen mixture used as luting and coating to seal the ships planking to waterproof and protect their hulls, a practice generally associated with sewn-plank construction.
This paper presents the result of the GC-MS, carbon and hydrogen isotope on chromatographic fractions, and X-Ray diffraction analyses on twenty-two samples of the luting extracted from fifteen timbers from al-Balīd. The nature of the constituents of the amalgam is determined showing that the luting consists of bitumen mixed with mineral matter, fat or oil and two triterpenic resins, dammar (Dipterocarpacea) and frankincense.
The chemical signature of the bitumen indicates that it was likely sourced from two seeps in southwest Iranian: Mamatain and Ain Gir-Chersch Mehrgir-Dehluran. The origin of the bitumen might suggest that the luting was applied during the construction or repairing of Indian Ocean vessels in boatyards along the coasts of the Arabian/Persian Gulf or Southern and Eastern Arabia.
Over the last few years the Chinese porcelain found in ports and urban centres involved in inter... more Over the last few years the Chinese porcelain found in ports and urban centres involved in inter-Asian trade along the Indian Ocean routes, together with material from the wrecks of merchant ships and collections, has offered ample evidence for the study of the cultural, economic and social relations between the various entities involved in this network of commercial and diplomatic exchanges. This is particularly true for the period preceding the advent of the European powers along these routes and their subsequent predominance as from the 16th century. It is a period that is increasingly being studied to re-evaluate the globalization processes in the ancient world. Here, Chinese porcelain represents material evidence that we can, without the least exaggeration, define as incomparable. In fact, the origins of and trade in raw materials and technologies, the hybridization of decorative motives and forms, and the wide-ranging diffusion and re-elaboration of practices and meanings associated with Chinese porcelain and stoneware, attest to intercultural dynamics and a global or, better, glocal utilization of these materials. In the broader context of relations between China and the Arabian Peninsula, few sites offer such remarkable leads for analysis of the connections between the production, reception, and use of Chinese porcelain during the Islamic period. This article focuses mainly on the period between 1279 and 1435, which saw the trade between China and Arabia, together with the consumption and impact of Chinese porcelain on the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, at its most flourishing.
Four copper‐base figurines recently discovered at the site of Tell Abraq
(Umm al‐Quwain, UAE) ill... more Four copper‐base figurines recently discovered at the site of Tell Abraq (Umm al‐Quwain, UAE) illustrate the circulation of allochthonous artistic motifs across the Arabian Peninsula during the late pre‐Islamic period (broadly, 300 BC–300 AD). It is argued that these motifs were adopted by the local communities even in the absence of a full understanding of their genuine meaning and consequently, possibly adapted for the representation of local deities or elite members. These derivative artifacts traveled alongside high‐quality local products, both kinds of objects being witnessed at Tell Abraq. There, a unique figurine of a standing naked man additionally fosters some considerations about the diffusion of Herakles’ iconography in the region. The finds presented here might generally be indicative of the presence of high‐rank burials extensively looted in antiquity, while so far, the presence of other structures to which they could be related has to be discarded
Egitto e Vicino Oriente antico tra passato e futuro The Stream of Tradition: la genesi e il perpetuarsi delle tradizioni in Egitto e nel Vicino Oriente antico (a cura di S. Graziani e G. Lacerenza). , 2022
Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies 51 , 2022
The importance of the medieval city of al-Balīd and its harbour was mentioned in many different s... more The importance of the medieval city of al-Balīd and its harbour was mentioned in many different sources, and mirrored by a large number of finds and pottery that confirm a primary role of the port as a pivotal hub in Indian Ocean trade during the pre-modern Islamic period (tenth–fifteenth century AD). This paper will examine maritime activities at al-Balīd from a different perspective, combining recent data from the study of ship timbers discovered at the site with the archaeological record, along with evidence of possible harbour facilities. The study of the ship timbers has provided invaluable information about the technology, size, material, type, and function of the watercraft involved in the trade at al-Balīd. The reuse of these timbers in a terrestrial context also alludes to a variety of activities carried out at the site, such as boatbuilding, maintenance, repair, and salvaging. Collectively, this data yields useful insights into the relationship between the different vessels operating at al-Balīd and the structure of the site itself, mainly in connection with one of the most lucrative commercial activities at the port city — the trade of Arabian horses.
The site of Ẓafār/al-Balīd (Sultanate of Oman). Archaeological investigations between past and present, Proceedings of the round table held at Naples, Università L’Orientale, on June 18th 2021, Newsletter Archeologia CISA, vol. 12 (ISSN 2036-6353), 2021
The site of Ẓafār/al-Balīd (Sultanate of Oman). Archaeological investigations between past and present, Proceedings of the round table held at Naples, Università L’Orientale, on June 18th 2021, Newsletter Archeologia CISA, vol. 12 (ISSN 2036-6353), 2021
The ancient port of Sumhuram is situated about 35 km east of the modern city of Salalah, in Dhofa... more The ancient port of Sumhuram is situated about 35 km east of the modern city of Salalah, in Dhofar, the southernmost region of the Sultanate of Oman. The settlement was built on a rocky outcrop dominating the Khor Rori lagoon, about 2 km from the seashore. The site was founded in the 3rd century BC and abandoned in the 5th century AD. The site and the area of Khor Rori has been under investigation by the Italian Mission to Oman (IMTO) of the University of Pisa, directed by Alessandra Avanzini, during the last twenty years. Throughout its long history, Sumhuram was involved in an international network of commercial trades and contacts. Relations with Yemen, India, the Gulf, Egypt and the Mediterranean are attested by numerous small findings and a large amount of ceramic vessels. This book is a comprehensive study of the imported and local pottery of Sumhuram. A contribution by Roberta Tomber about late Hellenistic and Roman pottery completes and enhances the results of this volume. The discussion of the different types of pottery provides important new data about trade connections and maritime contacts in the Indian Ocean in the last centuries BC - first centuries AD.
Relations between the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula and East Asia are recorded in a numb... more Relations between the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula and East Asia are recorded in a number of different written sources. Given that most of the traded goods were perishable, the archaeological evidence is today limited to pottery and coins, although the latter has rarely been found in Arabia. The aim of this paper is to investigate the connections between the two areas, focusing on the recent discoveries from the settlement of al-Balīd (ancient Ẓafār), which flourished along the southern coast of the Sultanate of Oman during the medieval period, reaching its peak between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries AD. Work at the site has recently been resumed and is currently focused on the excavation of the citadel (Husn al-Balīd) and on the study of small finds and pottery, including the collection of ceramics from East Asia. Not only frankincense, silk, Chinese porcelain, and stoneware, but also resins, natural pigments, and exotic animals were travelling at that time between Arabia and East Asia in both directions. Following the written sources and by studying the East Asian imports discovered during the recent excavations at Husn al-Balīd, two periods of major contact have been identified and are discussed below.
Listed in 2000 by UNESCO among the World Heritage sites, Sumhuram is one of the most visited arch... more Listed in 2000 by UNESCO among the World Heritage sites, Sumhuram is one of the most visited archeological sites in Oman. Founded in the 3rd century BC and abandoned in the 5th century AD, the port of Sumhuram was, from its foundation, an important and active site in the Indian Ocean trade. Its natural harbor offering easy docking, its position along the coast, the availability of fresh water in the territory, made Sumhuram the ideal place for a busy and wealthy town along the route between the Mediterranean and India. Located close to the Nejd, the pre-desert area where the finest quality of frankincense grows, Sumhuram was the harbor of frankincense which was stored in the bins of the city before being sailed off towards India or the Mediterranean. Sumhuram, however, was not just a commercial outpost, but a real city with temples, workshops, private houses. The different activities performed inside the city left traces in the objects discovered during excavations, making it possible to reconstruct the daily life of a south Arabian city two thousand years ago.
The Italian Mission (IMTO), directed by Alessandra Avanzini and the Office of the Adviser to HM the Sultan for Cultural Affairs developed a multi-disciplinary programme where archaeological activities are flanked by scientific analysis and studies of the materials, the environment, and historical background. In 2004 an ambitious project of consolidation and restoration of the masonry structures has been started with the aim of preserving the ancient structures and of recreating the original impressive lay-out of the site. Tools for a complete enhancement of the site and its territory (panels, tourist guide, paths outside and inside the city wall) have been created as well, together with the set-up of an Archeological Gallery where visitors will be able to enjoy an exhibition of selected items from the excavations and panels focused on the site and on the region of Dhofar.
The long history of Ancient South Arabian (ASA) pottery dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE. It ... more The long history of Ancient South Arabian (ASA) pottery dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE. It is made up of both local and regional types, transcending the boundaries of kingdoms in South Arabia. Some ASA pottery types, such as the chaff-tempered ovoid jar and the wavy rim bowl, were even widely distributed across south-western Arabia. ASA ceramics do not comprise distinctive shapes associated with specific functions, such as funerary and ritual purposes. External influences were rare and mainly came after the expansion of maritime trade at the turn of the Christian era.
The most consistent Italian collection of South Arabian inscriptions and artifacts is held in Rom... more The most consistent Italian collection of South Arabian inscriptions and artifacts is held in Rome in the Museo Nazionale d’Arte Orientale (MNAO). It is composed by nearly 40 epigraphic and 60 an-epigraphic objects, arrived from Yemen since the 1930s. The catalogue proposes thematic paths through some of the most significant pieces of the collection, guiding the reader in the comprehension of the Ancient South Arabian culture. The catalogue was published in the frame of the project MEDINA - “Mediterranean network for the valorization and fruition of inscriptions preserved in museums” [http://www.medinaproject-epigraphy.eu/]. It was funded to the University of Pisa in partnership with Gaia Heritage, Yarmouk University, the University of Barcelona and MagoProduction by the European Union with the ENPI - CBC Med programme in 2012.
The ancient port of Sumhuram is situated about 35 km east of the modern city of Salalah, in Dhofa... more The ancient port of Sumhuram is situated about 35 km east of the modern city of Salalah, in Dhofar, the southernmost region of the Sultanate of Oman. The settlement was built on a rocky outcrop dominating the Khor Rori lagoon, about 2 km from the seashore. The site was founded in the 3rd century BC and abandoned in the 5th century AD. The site and the area of Khor Rori has been under investigation by the Italian Mission to Oman (IMTO) of the University of Pisa, directed by Alessandra Avanzini, during the last twenty years. Throughout its long history, Sumhuram was involved in an international network of commercial trades and contacts. Relations with Yemen, India, the Gulf, Egypt and the Mediterranean are attested by numerous small findings and a large amount of ceramic vessels. This book is a comprehensive study of the imported and local pottery of Sumhuram. A contribution by Roberta Tomber about late Hellenistic and Roman pottery completes and enhances the results of this volume. The discussion of the different types of pottery provides important new data about trade connections and maritime contacts in the Indian Ocean in the last centuries BC - first centuries AD.
After 20 years of research and excavation conducted by the Italian Mission to Oman, the ancient S... more After 20 years of research and excavation conducted by the Italian Mission to Oman, the ancient South Arabian port of Sumhuram, located along the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Omani Governorate of Dhofar, is known in many of its aspects. The impressive surrounding walls encircle a town that included market places, stores, dwelling quarters, monumental buildings and temples. This book presents the precise report of the excavation of a small shrine located in the centre of the town, inside the residential quarter, and discusses its diachronic evolution which suggests a phasing that mirrors all the different periods of the city life. The artifacts discovered during the excavation are illustrated, both in relation with their stratigraphic context and in a separated catalogue. A fruitful interaction between the South Arabian tradition and an indigenous substratum is reflected in these items, as well as in several architectural features. Among them, a few incense burners deserve special mention by virtue of their complex decoration and their uniqueness. The shrine, likely dedicated to the moon god Sn, was undoubtedly a relevant place for the community life throughout the more than seven hundred years of its existence, as witnessed by the great effort invested in its reconstruction. As such, the shrine was chosen as the subject of the first new publication about Sumhuram to cover the more recent, as yet unpublished, work of the Italian Mission to Oman.
DASI is a five-year project funded by the European Community within the 7th FP “Ideas”, Specific ... more DASI is a five-year project funded by the European Community within the 7th FP “Ideas”, Specific Programme “ERC – Advanced Grant”.
The DASI project seeks to gather all known pre-Islamic Arabian epigraphic material into a comprehensive online database which can be accessed by scholars from anywhere in the world.
Since 1997 the Mission of University of Pisa (IMTO - Italian Mission To Oman) is working in Oman.... more Since 1997 the Mission of University of Pisa (IMTO - Italian Mission To Oman) is working in Oman. The work is focused in two different sites: Sumhuram, in the area of Khor Rori, and Salut, in the area of Nizwa.
IMTO is supported by the Italian Ministero degli Affari Esteri - Direzione Generale per la Promozione e la Cooperazione Culturale (DGPCC) - and by the Omani Office to the Adviser to H. M. the Sultan for Cultural Affairs.
Wien, University of Wien, 13-15 June 2019, 23 Rencontres Sabeennes. Out of Arabia: South Arabian long-distance trade in antiquity, 2019
The involvement of the Aksumite kingdom in the long distance trade between the Mediterranean and ... more The involvement of the Aksumite kingdom in the long distance trade between the Mediterranean and India and its commercial relations with South Arabia are well known since the 1 st century AD. Adulis was mentioned in the Periplus maris Erithraei for the export of ivory, obsidian, rhinoceros horns and tortoise shells, but Aksumite pottery circulated as well, as shown by the findings from sites in Egypt (Berenike, Myos Hormos), Southern Arabia (Qāni , Sumhuram) and India (Kamrej). This poster will be focused on the Aksumite wares discovered in South Arabia, in particular at the site of Sumhuram (southern Oman). Here, the studies in course are evidencing that Aksumite pottery occurred in archaeological contexts dated to two main periods: the 1 st century AD and the 4 th /5 th century AD. If the latter date is not surprising, considering the large amount of contemporary findings in Qāni where Aksumite material is attested until the early 7 th century AD, the discovery of Aksumite pottery in archaeological contexts of the 1 st century AD is attested for the first time at Sumhuram in the whole South Arabia.
EVOA Conference - “The Stream of Tradition”. La genesi e il perpetuarsi delle tradizioni in Egitto e nel Vicino Oriente antico, 2019
Questo studio va ad analizzare in via preliminare la tradizione tecnologica della produzione cera... more Questo studio va ad analizzare in via preliminare la tradizione tecnologica della produzione ceramica di tre siti di forte interesse storico/archeologico situati nella regione del Dhofar, area meridionale del Sultanato dell’Oman. I primi due (HAS1 e HAS2), che si trovano a est di Salalah nei pressi della città sud arabica di Sumhuram, sono situati nell’area di Inqitat. HAS1 è l’insediamento più antico, copre infatti il periodo che va dall’Età del Ferro al periodo Classico. HAS2 è un piccolo insediamento da collocare nella prima epoca islamica, i rinvenimenti ceramici testimoniano come fosse coinvolto nei traffici commerciali dell’epoca. Il terzo sito preso in considerazione si trova nella zona est di Salalah, ed è la città Islamica di Al Baleed. Lo scavo intensivo del forte (husn) ha permesso il rinvenimento di una quantità considerevole di ceramica che ha reso possibile l’identificazione delle caratteristiche principali che contraddistinguono la ceramica “locale” da quella d’importazione. La comparazione tecnologica della ceramica “locale” rinvenuta nei tre siti, anche se cronologicamente distanti, ha permesso di individuare le caratteristiche comuni della produzione ceramica del Dhofar. E’ perciò evidente che ci siano state delle evoluzioni e dei cambiamenti, ma le tecniche produttive e le caratteristiche intrinseche del materiale sembrano rimaste pressoché invariate.
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Papers by Alexia Pavan
ports in the Dhofar region, along the southernmost coast of the Sultanate of Oman,
dated to the medieval Islamic period. The research carried out by the University of
Naples L’Orientale at the site of al-Balīd and more broadly in the Dhofar region aims
not only to advance new study and research activities but also to reinterpret and analyze existing materials, with the goal of developing a more complete understanding
of the region’s role during the Islamic era. During this time, the port of al-Balīd, along
with Ṣuḥār and Qalhāt in the northern part of the country, was one of the key centres
in the trade networks of the western Indian Ocean. However, there were several satellite ports involved in long- medium and short distance trade networks which may
have played an important role in communications with the interior where the frankincense resin was collected. The paper will focus on two of these ports: Sūq al-Ḥāsik and
Ḥāsik Qadīm.
This paper presents the result of the GC-MS, carbon and hydrogen isotope on chromatographic fractions, and X-Ray diffraction analyses on twenty-two samples of the luting extracted from fifteen timbers from al-Balīd. The nature of the constituents of the amalgam is determined showing that the luting consists of bitumen mixed with mineral matter, fat or oil and two triterpenic resins, dammar (Dipterocarpacea) and frankincense.
The chemical signature of the bitumen indicates that it was likely sourced from two seeps in southwest Iranian: Mamatain and Ain Gir-Chersch Mehrgir-Dehluran. The origin of the bitumen might suggest that the luting was applied during the construction or repairing of Indian Ocean vessels in boatyards along the coasts of the Arabian/Persian Gulf or Southern and Eastern Arabia.
globalization processes in the ancient world. Here, Chinese porcelain represents material evidence that we can, without the least exaggeration, define as incomparable. In fact, the origins of and trade in raw materials and technologies, the hybridization of decorative motives and forms, and the wide-ranging diffusion and re-elaboration of practices and meanings
associated with Chinese porcelain and stoneware, attest to intercultural dynamics and a global or, better, glocal utilization of these materials.
In the broader context of relations between China and the Arabian Peninsula, few sites offer such remarkable leads for analysis of the connections between the production, reception, and use of Chinese porcelain during the Islamic period. This article focuses mainly on the period between 1279 and 1435, which saw the trade between China and Arabia, together with the consumption and impact of Chinese porcelain on the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, at its most flourishing.
(Umm al‐Quwain, UAE) illustrate the circulation of allochthonous
artistic motifs across the Arabian Peninsula during the late pre‐Islamic
period (broadly, 300 BC–300 AD). It is argued that these motifs were
adopted by the local communities even in the absence of a full
understanding of their genuine meaning and consequently, possibly
adapted for the representation of local deities or elite members. These
derivative artifacts traveled alongside high‐quality local products, both
kinds of objects being witnessed at Tell Abraq. There, a unique figurine of
a standing naked man additionally fosters some considerations about the
diffusion of Herakles’ iconography in the region. The finds presented here
might generally be indicative of the presence of high‐rank burials
extensively looted in antiquity, while so far, the presence of other
structures to which they could be related has to be discarded
number of finds and pottery that confirm a primary role of the port as a pivotal hub in Indian Ocean trade during the pre-modern
Islamic period (tenth–fifteenth century AD). This paper will examine maritime activities at al-Balīd from a different perspective,
combining recent data from the study of ship timbers discovered at the site with the archaeological record, along with evidence
of possible harbour facilities.
The study of the ship timbers has provided invaluable information about the technology, size, material, type, and function
of the watercraft involved in the trade at al-Balīd. The reuse of these timbers in a terrestrial context also alludes to a variety of
activities carried out at the site, such as boatbuilding, maintenance, repair, and salvaging. Collectively, this data yields useful
insights into the relationship between the different vessels operating at al-Balīd and the structure of the site itself, mainly in
connection with one of the most lucrative commercial activities at the port city — the trade of Arabian horses.
ports in the Dhofar region, along the southernmost coast of the Sultanate of Oman,
dated to the medieval Islamic period. The research carried out by the University of
Naples L’Orientale at the site of al-Balīd and more broadly in the Dhofar region aims
not only to advance new study and research activities but also to reinterpret and analyze existing materials, with the goal of developing a more complete understanding
of the region’s role during the Islamic era. During this time, the port of al-Balīd, along
with Ṣuḥār and Qalhāt in the northern part of the country, was one of the key centres
in the trade networks of the western Indian Ocean. However, there were several satellite ports involved in long- medium and short distance trade networks which may
have played an important role in communications with the interior where the frankincense resin was collected. The paper will focus on two of these ports: Sūq al-Ḥāsik and
Ḥāsik Qadīm.
This paper presents the result of the GC-MS, carbon and hydrogen isotope on chromatographic fractions, and X-Ray diffraction analyses on twenty-two samples of the luting extracted from fifteen timbers from al-Balīd. The nature of the constituents of the amalgam is determined showing that the luting consists of bitumen mixed with mineral matter, fat or oil and two triterpenic resins, dammar (Dipterocarpacea) and frankincense.
The chemical signature of the bitumen indicates that it was likely sourced from two seeps in southwest Iranian: Mamatain and Ain Gir-Chersch Mehrgir-Dehluran. The origin of the bitumen might suggest that the luting was applied during the construction or repairing of Indian Ocean vessels in boatyards along the coasts of the Arabian/Persian Gulf or Southern and Eastern Arabia.
globalization processes in the ancient world. Here, Chinese porcelain represents material evidence that we can, without the least exaggeration, define as incomparable. In fact, the origins of and trade in raw materials and technologies, the hybridization of decorative motives and forms, and the wide-ranging diffusion and re-elaboration of practices and meanings
associated with Chinese porcelain and stoneware, attest to intercultural dynamics and a global or, better, glocal utilization of these materials.
In the broader context of relations between China and the Arabian Peninsula, few sites offer such remarkable leads for analysis of the connections between the production, reception, and use of Chinese porcelain during the Islamic period. This article focuses mainly on the period between 1279 and 1435, which saw the trade between China and Arabia, together with the consumption and impact of Chinese porcelain on the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, at its most flourishing.
(Umm al‐Quwain, UAE) illustrate the circulation of allochthonous
artistic motifs across the Arabian Peninsula during the late pre‐Islamic
period (broadly, 300 BC–300 AD). It is argued that these motifs were
adopted by the local communities even in the absence of a full
understanding of their genuine meaning and consequently, possibly
adapted for the representation of local deities or elite members. These
derivative artifacts traveled alongside high‐quality local products, both
kinds of objects being witnessed at Tell Abraq. There, a unique figurine of
a standing naked man additionally fosters some considerations about the
diffusion of Herakles’ iconography in the region. The finds presented here
might generally be indicative of the presence of high‐rank burials
extensively looted in antiquity, while so far, the presence of other
structures to which they could be related has to be discarded
number of finds and pottery that confirm a primary role of the port as a pivotal hub in Indian Ocean trade during the pre-modern
Islamic period (tenth–fifteenth century AD). This paper will examine maritime activities at al-Balīd from a different perspective,
combining recent data from the study of ship timbers discovered at the site with the archaeological record, along with evidence
of possible harbour facilities.
The study of the ship timbers has provided invaluable information about the technology, size, material, type, and function
of the watercraft involved in the trade at al-Balīd. The reuse of these timbers in a terrestrial context also alludes to a variety of
activities carried out at the site, such as boatbuilding, maintenance, repair, and salvaging. Collectively, this data yields useful
insights into the relationship between the different vessels operating at al-Balīd and the structure of the site itself, mainly in
connection with one of the most lucrative commercial activities at the port city — the trade of Arabian horses.
The Italian Mission (IMTO), directed by Alessandra Avanzini and the Office of the Adviser to HM the Sultan for Cultural Affairs developed a multi-disciplinary programme where archaeological activities are flanked by scientific analysis and studies of the materials, the environment, and historical background. In 2004 an ambitious project of consolidation and restoration of the masonry structures has been started with the aim of preserving the ancient structures and of recreating the original impressive lay-out of the site. Tools for a complete enhancement of the site and its territory (panels, tourist guide, paths outside and inside the city wall) have been created as well, together with the set-up of an Archeological Gallery where visitors will be able to enjoy an exhibition of selected items from the excavations and panels focused on the site and on the region of Dhofar.
Throughout its long history, Sumhuram was involved in an international network of commercial trades and contacts. Relations with Yemen, India, the Gulf, Egypt and the Mediterranean are attested by numerous small findings and a large amount of ceramic vessels.
This book is a comprehensive study of the imported and local pottery of Sumhuram.
A contribution by Roberta Tomber about late Hellenistic and Roman pottery completes and enhances the results of this volume. The discussion of the different types of pottery provides important new data about trade connections and maritime contacts in the Indian Ocean in the last centuries BC - first centuries AD.
The DASI project seeks to gather all known pre-Islamic Arabian epigraphic material into a comprehensive online database which can be accessed by scholars from anywhere in the world.
IMTO is supported by the Italian Ministero degli Affari Esteri - Direzione Generale per la Promozione e la Cooperazione Culturale (DGPCC) - and by the Omani Office to the Adviser to H. M. the Sultan for Cultural Affairs.
insediamento da collocare nella prima epoca islamica, i rinvenimenti ceramici testimoniano come fosse coinvolto nei traffici commerciali dell’epoca. Il terzo sito preso in considerazione si trova nella zona est di Salalah, ed è la città Islamica di Al Baleed. Lo scavo intensivo del forte (husn) ha permesso il rinvenimento di una quantità considerevole di ceramica che ha reso possibile l’identificazione delle caratteristiche principali che contraddistinguono la ceramica “locale” da quella d’importazione. La comparazione tecnologica della ceramica “locale” rinvenuta nei tre siti, anche se cronologicamente distanti, ha permesso di individuare le caratteristiche comuni della produzione ceramica del Dhofar. E’ perciò evidente che ci siano state delle evoluzioni e dei cambiamenti, ma le tecniche produttive e le caratteristiche intrinseche del materiale sembrano rimaste pressoché invariate.