Kush: a Sasanian and Islamic‐period archaeological tell in Ras al‐Khaimah (U.A.E.)

Abstract

With contributions by Mark Beech (University of York, U.K.), Adrian Parker (School of Geography, University of Oxford, U.K.) and Alan Pipe (Museum of London Archaeological Service, U.K.

Latest Pleistocene and Holocene dune construction at the north‐eastern edge of the Rub Al Khali, United Arab Emirates

“…This period saw the largest extent of a unified Islamic Empire and a huge increase in trade with eastern Asia, although this has been recognized from only a few sites in the Gulf area. The most important sites to date, however, are located in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, for example at Kush ( Kennet, 1997) and the Island of Hulaylah ( Kennet, 1994; Sasaki, 1996). Further inland, at Khatt around 10 km from Idhn, recent fieldwork has suggested an important focus of occupation at this time ( De Cardi et al ., 19 94).…”

Holocene vegetation dynamics in the northeastern Rub' al‐Khali desert, Arabian Peninsula: a phytolith, pollen and carbon isotope study

“…2). To the north and east the site is surrounded by the fertile and relatively well-watered Shimal plain, an alluvial deposit densely planted with date palm groves and covered with small rural settlements (Kennet, 1997). Close by to the east rise the Oman mountains (Ru'us al Jibal) of the Musandam Peninsula, dominated by limestones, cherts and ophiolites.…”

The Archaeology of Plural and Changing Identities

“…Finally, the issue of why identitylet alone multiple identities-has been ignored by archaeologists in the Gulf, even where the evidence might well allow such an investigation (see for example Sasaki, 1990;Kennet, 1997;King, 1998) will be returned to, and a brief consideration provided of why the initiative now lies with archaeologists working in the Gulf region to adequately theorise archaeological material in relation to identity. Though this said, special attention will be paid to Bahrain for two reasons; firstly, that Bahrain is the focus of the author's current archaeological research project; and secondly, as it is one of the most open states in the Gulf region making it amenable to such research.…”

“…Aspects of research into Sasanian archaeology have been undertaken to varying degrees in different areas of the Arabian Gulf (see for example Kennet, 1997;King, 1998), but in general Potts (1990: 263) is correct in noting that periods earlier than the Sasanian have been the primary focus of archaeological attention. To this must be added the factor of a lack of relevant archaeological evidence in many areas attesting to a Sasanian presence.…”