Bologna University Project in the Sultanate of Oman (2023): Fieldwork activities at Al-Khutm and Ras Al-Hadd

Bologna University has a long tradition of research activities in the Sultanate of Oman, with investigation in the coastal area of Sharqiyah and more recently in the project of al-Khutm tower in the area of Bat (Al-Dhahirah Governorate). The fieldwork of the campaign 22-23 was carried out at al-Khutm investigating the outer area of the tower characterized by a monumental stone wall. The archaeological complex appears now more valuable with a unique outline of defensive and entangled structures. Several finds, including pottery, softstone and metal, are defining the starting of the construction at the end of 3rd mill. BCE. At Ras al-Hadd the Italian team is currently involved in the excavation of the early 3rd mill. BCE cemetery around the settlement of HD-6. Several clusters of cairns as part of two main cemeteries named HD-7 and HD-10 were identified in previous research. Among dozens of burial structures, the current investigation concerned the group 12 of HD-7 cemetery and three cairns were excavated. The preliminary results show the regional character of cairns with specific size, architectural features and ritual customs.