The region of eastern Oman (called Ja’alan) is often compared to the Arabian deserts, which are typically arid and depopulated areas. Today, this geographical definition is correct: the geographic and climatic conditions (low precipitation, pronounced dryness, high evaporation) indicate an arid region, and the area is sparsely populated. Between the Neolithic and the Early Bronze Age, the geographic and climatic conditions did not change much, and were slightly more humid than at present. Although the term ‘‘green Ja’alan’’ does not describe this area, we observe that the region was occupied by a quite substantial population. Since 1985, surveys and excavations have been carried out and more than 4000 archeological structures are now listed.

The region of eastern Oman (called Ja’alan) is often compared to the Arabian deserts, which are typically arid and depopulated areas. Today, this geographical definition is correct: the geographic and climatic conditions (low precipitation, pronounced dryness, high evaporation) indicate an arid re...