The Zooarchaeology of Saruq Al-Hadid: 1200 Years of Human-Animal Interactions at the Desert Fringes of Late Prehistoric Southeastern Arabia

Abstract

<p>The study of the prodigious faunal assemblage from the archaeological site of Saruq alHadid has yielded a vast quantity of data relating to the relationships between humans and animals on the desert fringes of late prehistoric southeastern Arabia, with implications for our understanding of the human past in the region more broadly. Within this thesis the multi-dimensional approach used to analyse these remains is detailed, the data recorded by this analysis is presented, alongside interpretations of the data. Specifically, these interpretations of the data demonstrate the importance of wild terrestrial animals to the occupation of Saruq al-Hadid, the unique nature of the relationship between humans and dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) that transpired at the site and the regional movement of coastal food resources into the desert interior. These factors highlight the significance of Saruq al-Hadid and the activities represented there in the regional and temporal context, while helping to place it firmly within a wider network of contemporary sites located in other environmental zones. In turn, these findings contribute to broader discussions regarding the role of desert spaces in human societies through time, how human behaviour can adapt to suit these environments and how these environments have been shaped by human behaviour.</p>