Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn

Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn
UNESCO World Heritage site
Burial mound at the site of Al-Ayn.
Location Al Dhahira region, Oman
Includes
  • Bat
  • Al-Khutm
  • Al-Ayn
Criteria Cultural: (iii), (iv)
Reference 434
Inscription 1988 (12th Session)
Coordinates 23°16′11.5″N 56°44′42″E / 23.269861°N 56.74500°E / 23.269861; 56.74500Coordinates: 23°16′11.5″N 56°44′42″E / 23.269861°N 56.74500°E / 23.269861; 56.74500
Location of Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn in Oman

The Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn are a group of necropolises from the 3rd Millennium BC, located near a palm grove. They were declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1988.

Description

Studies during the last 15 years have shown the existence of numerous human settlements ranging from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.

Bat

The site of Bat is located inside a palm grove. Around 3000 BC there was an intense trade of copper (extracted locally) and stone (probably diorite) with Sumerians.[1] The necropolis consists of 100 graves and circular buildings each with a diameter of about 20 meters. These buildings have no outside openings, so besides the possibility of their ritualistic function, they may have been used as tanks or silos. Their precise function is as of yet unknown. In 1972, the excavations carried out by a Danish team led by Karen Frifelt showed that the area has been continuously inhabited for 4000 years.

Al-Khutm

The ruins at Al-Khutm are thought to have derived from a stone fort, with a tower made of rock with a diameter of 20 meters. They are located 2 km west of Bat.

Al-Ayn

Al-Ayn is a small necropolis, although it is in the best condition of the three necropolises. It is located 22 kilometers southeast of Bat.

Conservation

The sites have not been subjected to restoration or other types of conservation before the protection provided by UNESCO, so their isolation has been their only protection. One of the greatest dangers concerning the sites preservation comes from locals who take building material from the archaeological sites.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Evaluation Advisory Body of UNESCO
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