Umm al-Quwain 2
A Neolithic settlement and graveyard in the United Arab Emirates
Edited by Sophie Mery Edited by Kevin Lidour
Hardback (Published)
(November 2025)
ISBN: 9781805831259
8.07 x 11.42 inches
Price: $84.00
In stock
This volume presents findings from UAQ2, a Neolithic coastal site in Umm al-Quwain, UAE. It reveals insights into early subsistence, burial practices, regional trade, and environmental change, highlighting Eastern Arabia’s role in prehistoric networks and its adaptation to shifting landscapes.
This volume examines the Neolithic period in Eastern Arabia, focusing on the coastal site of UAQ2 in Umm al-Quwain, United Arab Emirates. Based on years of excavations and surveys conducted by the French Archaeological Mission in the UAE, it explores how coastal communities lived and adapted between the 8th and 6th millennia before present. The book highlights the unique features of UAQ2, including its well-preserved stratigraphy, which provides insights into settlement patterns, subsistence strategies, and burial practices. These findings offer a detailed understanding of how these communities sustained themselves through fishing, hunting, and herding. The site contains one of the oldest known graveyards in the Arabian Gulf, revealing evidence of inter-group violence and symbolic practices linked to ancient pearling traditions. In addition to examining local practices, this monograph places UAQ2 within broader regional networks. It explores connections with Mesopotamia, demonstrated by Ubaid pottery, and links with the Sultanate of Oman, reflected in shared material culture and technologies. These interactions underline the UAE’s significant place in regional exchange during the Neolithic. The study also considers the impact of environmental changes on human mobility and settlement, including the effects of aridification and shifting coastal landscapes. By integrating archaeological and environmental analyses, this book enhances our understanding of the Neolithic period in Eastern Arabia and its place within the wider prehistoric world.
List of illustrations and tables
Acknowledgements
List of contributors
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1. Contextualising Research and Excavation Narrative at UAQ2
Chapter 2. The UAQ2 Graveyard - Biological anthropology and funeral practices
Chapter 3. Chronology, Geoarchaeology and Palaeoenvironments
Chapter 4. Material culture - Technology, typology, provenance and exchange in the Arabian Neolithic
Chapter 5. Animal economy and subsistence strategies at UAQ2
Conclusion
Bibliographical references
,
List of Figures
List of Tables
Acknowledgements
List of contributors
Preface
Introduction – S. Méry, K. Lidour
Contextualising Research and Excavation Narrative at UAQ2 – S. Méry, K. Lidour, D. Gasparini
The UAQ2 Graveyard – Biological anthropology and funerary practices – S. Méry, K. Lidour, K. McSweeney
Chronology, Geoarchaeology and Palaeoenvironments – A. Parker, G. Preston, A. Goudie, F. Borgi, M. Degli Esposti, J.-F. Berger, S. Méry, K. Lidour, S. Lindauer, F. Preusser
Material culture – Technology, typology, provenance and exchange in the Arabian Neolithic – K. Lidour, S. Méry, C. Gallou, O. Brunet
Animal economy and subsistence strategies at UAQ2 – K. Lidour, S. Méry, M.J. Beech, L. Yeomans, M. Mashkour, K. Debue, S. Bréhard, C. Dupont, J. Martin
Conclusion – S. Méry, K. Lidour
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
Bibliography
- Edited by Sophie Mery
- Edited by Kevin Lidour
Other Titles in this Series
Two Late Umm an-Nar Tombs at Mowaihat-Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Excavations and Human Bone Remains
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