By author > Weeks Lloyd

Recent excavations undertaken at the archaeological site of Saruq al-Hadid, a Bronze-Iron Age site (c. 2000-800 BCE) located in the northern extent of the Rub al-Khali desert in southeastern Arabia, have recovered a large amount (1.5 tonnes) of animal bones. The study of these remains has been integral to our understanding of the site and has provided detailed insight into the nature of human occupation in this environment during prehistory. This paper will outline the principle findings from the study of this faunal assemblage, with particular regard to the exploitation wild animals, the transport and consumption of marine resources in the desert interior, and the relationships between humans and dromedary camels. The paper will also highlight questions that have arisen from the study of this faunal material, which should be explored further in future studies of Saruq al-Hadid and other late prehistoric sites in southeastern Arabia.