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STONE AGE
The Ubaid period (5000-3200BC), which belongs to the Stone Age (6000-3200BC), is the oldest era identified in the history of Ras Al Khaimah. Flint stone tools (known as the Arabian bifacial tradition), discovered near Al Jazirat Al Hamra and Khatt, show that this Emirate was inhabited by a semi-nomadic population thousands of years ago. Pottery found on the sites indicated that, even then, trade contacts existed with Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq).
BRONZE AGE
The Bronze Age (3200-1200BC) is the historical period that follows after the Stone Age. It is divided into four sub-groups: the Hafit period, Umm an-Nar period, Wadi Suq period and the Late Bronze Age. This division is based on different cultural materials discovered at various sites. The transformation between these periods was a smooth process and cultures evolved rather than revolved from each other.
During the entire Bronze Age, the region of northern Arabian Peninsula experienced large-scale copper exploitation. Copper ore, the main component of the bronze alloy, was vital in the production of weapons, tools and household items. Thus, copper ore was high in demand and it was the ‘oil’ of that period. Copper was mined in the Hajar Mountains, smelted into ingots, and then exported outside the Peninsula, mainly to Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley (present-day Pakistan). Clay tablets from the 3rd millennium BC discovered in Mesopotamia mention the Land of Magan as a provider of copper. Although at first it was unknown were this mystical land was, now it is certain that the region of the Hajar Mountains was the ancient Land of Magan.
Artefacts that came from Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, south-eastern Iran and Dilmun (present-day Bahrain) were discovered at various sites in Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE. These finds reassure the existence of the trade relations with other lands. Additionally, the region of the Hajar Mountains was also famous for its stone industry and stone vessels, which were exported to other Gulf areas.
The remains from the Hafit period (3200-2600BC) are large above ground tombs made from unworked stone. They were discovered in Khatt, Wadi Bih and Wadi Al Qawr. However, little is known about that culture or how people lived at that time.
The Umm an-Nar (2600-2000BC) civilization flourished on the lands of the modern day UAE and Northern Oman. Domestication of the date palm brought some changes in the development of agriculture. Due to the shadow provided by the palm trees, other vegetables and cereals were also cultivated. The growth in agriculture activities led to the creation of oasis settlements, which were discovered in the region. However, the period is largely known for above ground circular tombs. Two of the largest tombs were excavated in Shimal, while others were discovered in Wadi Asimah, Wadi Munay’i and in other emirates, especially in Abu Dhabi.
The Wadi Suq period (2000-1600BC), named after the sites located in Wadi Suq in Oman, covers the first half of the 2nd millennium BC. Shimal, Dhayah, Khatt, Ghalilah and the southern parts of Ras Al Khaimah have numerous archaeological finds from that era. The differences in cultural material from the Umm an-Nar period are evident in pottery, settlement and weapon styles. New types of graves were also discovered. Long and narrow tombs, small oval burials and horseshoe graves replaced the former circular tombs of Umm an-Nar. Metal tools and weapons, spouted jars, soft stone vessels and beads were found in these above ground communal tombs. The most interesting items discovered were golden pendants of two animals with spiral tails.
The Late Bronze Age (1600-1200BC) in Ras Al Khaimah is known from an ancient settlement discovered at the foot of a conical hill in Shimal. The finds of fishbone and mangrove snail shells unearthed at the site indicate the diet of inhabitants and show the reliance on the creek. The discovery of dates and animal bones points to some farming activities.
IRON AGE
The Iron Age (1200-300) covers most of the 1st millennium BC. It is divided into three phases, Phase I (1200-1000BC), Phase II (1000-600BC) and Phase III (600-300BC). Regardless of the era’s name, in the UAE iron was exploited only in the Phase II and never really supplanted the dominant use of bronze.
During the Iron Age, sizeable settlements became common, largely owing to the development of the falaj irrigation system. This system supported the growth of agriculture, thus allowed people to settle. Cultivated crops and dates as well as livestock enriched a diet of the people. In that time the camel was also domesticated; this influenced and extended inland trading possibilities.
In Ras Al Khaimah, the remains of the Iron Age culture are visible mostly in the southern part of the Emirate. In Wadi Al Qawr and Wadi Munay’i, subterranean tombs of various shapes were excavated. The majority of artefacts found inside included pottery jars, bowls and decorated stone vessels. The village of Rafaq in Wadi Al Qawr also has evidence of two Iron Age fortified settlements. Furthermore, it is clear that the Iron Age people reused the older tombs.
HELLENISTIC AND PARTHIAN PERIODS
After the Iron Age ended, this region, together with other lands, entered into the Hellenistic period. This period followed the conquest of Alexander the Great and represented the peak of Greek influence on Europe and Asia that lasted from 323BC until around 2nd century BC. The region of the present UAE was influenced by the Seleucid culture of Mesopotamia and Syria, which were part of the Hellenistic civilization, although they had never occupied the Arab Peninsula.
With the rise of the Parthian Empire (north-eastern Iran) around 140BC, the influence of Seleucids weakened and the region became under control of the Arsacids dynasty of Parthia.
Many constructions were raised through the UAE during Hellenistic and Parthian periods, however in Ras Al Khaimah remains of these cultures are represented only by finds of various artefacts, such as pilgrims’ flasks, miniature pots, bronze objects, and jewellery made from different metals and materials. The practice of reusing pre-existing tombs from the previous periods was also noticed at many sites. |
Umm-an-Nar Ornaments
Wadi Souq Pendant
Wadi Suq Tomb in Dhayah
Iron Age Jar |
