The Early Bronze Age in the Hajar oases: new investigations of the settlement, funerary, and monumental site of al-Dhabi 2 (Bisya, Oman).

The development of monumental architecture (oasis towers), organized settlements, and new funerary structures are markers of the emergence of social complexity in the culture of Magan in the Hafit and Umm an-Nar periods. Bisya is one of the largest sites in central Oman where this phenomenon may be observed. The French Archaeological Mission in central Oman (FAMCO) is undertaking a new research programme at al-Dhabi 2 (Bisya, ad-Dakhiliyah, Oman), a site gathering Early Bronze Age (EBA) monumental, settlement, and funerary architecture. In 2022 the complete plan of the structures unveiled the site's organization, with a large tower on a hill, a built settlement area in the foothills, and several Hafit and Umm an-Nar tombs. Excavations were carried out in the settlement area (150 m²) to study the architecture and confirm the domestic nature of the remains. The pottery assemblage is typical of the Umm an-Nar period, although earlier occupation layers may have been reached. Finally, two excavated tombs yielded preliminary results on the funerary landscape at Early Bronze Age Bisya. This project opens up broad perspectives for future research at al-Dhabi to gain a better understanding of the social and cultural evolution of proto-historic communities in south-east Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]