Taming the Great Desert: Adam in the Prehistory of Oman

Located at the margins of the Rub Al-Khali desert, a placeof interactions between settled and nomadic populations, the Adam oasisoccupies a pivotal role in the history of Oman. However, almost nothing wasknown about its foundation and early developments. In 2006, the FrenchArchaeological Mission in Central Oman began the exploration of the area. Afterten years of field research using innovative methods and technologies, much isnow revealed about the importance of Adam in the prehistory and early history ofOman. This is the first monograph about the research carried out at Adam and itincludes seven chapters written by specialists directly involved in the fieldactivities. Each major period is described in detail, including evidence ofPalaeolithic occupation, Neolithic settlements, Early and Middle Bronze Agenecropolises, Iron Age ritual sites and also an ethnographic study of thetraditional water sharing within the oasis.