The construction phases of Khor Rori's monumental gate

Abstract

The choice of the location for the foundation of the city of Sumhuram was suggested to the Hadrami colonisers by numerous factors (presence of drinking water, perfect visibility of the location from a distance, etc.). In order to survive for more than three hundred years the city needed to defend itself and reinforce its defensive system throughout the whole course of its history. In 1999-2000 MID undertook studies of the defensive system of the suburban gate complex of Sumhuram. This study which is based on architectonic and epigraphic data, led not only to a better understanding of the construction phases of the gate, but also to the elaboration of an hypothesis about the beginning of the history of the city. It is our belief that at the end of the first century BC a first settlement was founded with mainly a defensive function. In the first century AD it was transformed into a city

Rice chaff in ceramics from the archaeological site of Sumhuram (Dhofar, Southern Oman)

“…along the trade routes connecting the Indian and African coasts of the Indian Ocean and extending towards the Mediterranean (Avanzini and Orazi, 2001). These commercial contacts are attested by findings of amphorae from Egypt, terra sigillata and amphorae from Rome, glazed green ceramics and "black and grey" wares probably from India (Office of the Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan for Cultural Affairs, 2008).…”

Why this one? And why here?

“…Qana': Sedov (1992Sedov ( , 1994. Khor Rori: Avanzini (2000Avanzini ( , 2002Avanzini ( , 2008, Avanzini, Benvenuti, Buffa et al (2002), Avanzini, Buffa, Lombardi et al (2001), Avanzini and Orazi (2001). Adulis: this thesis, chapter four, Peacock and Blue (2007) also constitutes an important Red Sea excavation and survey.…”

Documentary and Literary News on Clysma

“…Qana': Sedov (1992. Khor Rori: Avanzini (2000Avanzini ( , 2002Avanzini ( , 2008, Avanzini, Benvenuti, Buffa et al (2002), Avanzini, Buffa, Lombardi et al (2001), Avanzini and Orazi (2001). Adulis: this thesis, chapter four, Peacock and Blue (2007) also constitutes an important Red Sea excavation and survey.…”