The Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn () are a group of beehive tombs or necropolis from the Hafit period in the 3rd Millennium BC, located near a palm grove in Oman. They were declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1988, becoming only the second such Omani site after the Bahla Fort was designated world heritage in 1987.

History or prehistory

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 B.C., there was an intense trade of copper (extracted locally) and stone (probably diorite) with Sumerians. The necropolis consists of 100 graves and circular buildings each with a diameter of about . 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 . They are located 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 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.

Development A road between Oman and Saudi Arabia, which goes through the villages, was completed in September 2021. Measuring between in total, it extends from the town of Ibri in Oman to Al-Ahsa in eastern Saudi Arabia. The Omani side of the road measures approximately , and the Saudi side .

See also Al Ain, a city with archaeological sites in the United Arab Emirates Bidaa Bint Saud Hili Archaeological Park Rumailah, UAE Al-Buraimi Hafit period Jabal Hafit Umm al-Nar culture Wadi Al Helo

References

External links New Oman-Saudi desert road will breathe new life into sleepy villages