The contribution of the domesticated camel and advanced irrigation techniques (the horizontal well/Falaj system) to the Iron Age economy and settlement patterns of the Oman Peninsula and Arabia.

Abstract

Iron Age II is considered the classical period of the Iron Age (figure: 2 (1)). This period shows sudden increase in distribution and diversification in settlement pattern, in Southeastern Arabia (2). The settlements during this period expanded to include inland (3) , mountains (4) and coastal sites (5). Settlements became more diverse to include non-residential architecture. An appearance of irrigation technology (Falaj) along with camel domestication coincides with this increase. This increase was accompanied by