Making the Desert Home: The Archaeology of Al Ain Oasis

(3 Credits)

The Archaeology of Al Ain Oasis: How do societies make an arid environment habitable, and what does archaeology tell us about the ancient origins of the UAE's thriving economy? This course investigates how communities in Al Ain have created, maintained, and reimagined oasis life over five millennia. Focusing on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain and its ancient system of falaj underground aqueducts, students will consider whether oases are best understood as engineered environments, ecological systems, economic enterprises, cultural landscapes, or a blend of each. Students will undertake an archaeological survey as part of the Al Ain Oasis Mapping Project, examining how water technology, agricultural practices, trade opportunities, labour availability, and political organisation shaped the landscape. The course will combine morning fieldwork in the oasis with afternoon seminars and site visits, exploring theoretical perspectives in archaeology and case studies in cultural heritage management. Creating an archaeological map of the oasis as a final product, students will contribute directly to documenting Emirati heritage while developing evidence-based perspectives on how desert environments become - and remain - home. This is a fully off-campus fieldwork intensive course. Students will stay in Al-Ain for two weeks with a day off in Abu Dhabi on the weekend. They will work outside in the heat/dust so practical clothing, sturdy shoes, sunhats, sunglasses, water bottles, etc., are essential. Students should dress in respectful clothing while in Al-Ain. Abayas are unsuited to archaeological fieldwork, and students have opted to wear a lab coat. This course counts as an Abu Dhabi based course.