Conference Presentations by Peter T Spencer
Presentation given at the EAA Glasgow 2015 conference:
The development of the QNHER project in... more Presentation given at the EAA Glasgow 2015 conference:
The development of the QNHER project in Qatar over the past 5 years, has involved the creation of the first national HER in the Middle East, combining practical aspects of developing high profile research teams with sustainable capacity building and infrastructure. The challenges of rapid regional development presented significant challenges, in particular the need for a re-evaluation of Eurocentric approaches to the management of heritage. The simple transplanting of heritage management concepts from one region to another is often inappropriate and does not account for a wide range of issues from cultural sensitivity to an understanding of regional taphonomy or alternative conservation approaches in differing environments. In response to these demands, the QNHER project has developed a range of innovative methodologies based within digital frameworks. Focusing upon the growing issues of cross-communication of idiosyncratic data and the role of holistic software platforms can play in effective interrogation, analysis and dissemination of data, we have integrated Remote-sensing, Terrestrial & Marine Survey, HER software development and web-based applications through appropriate dissemination strategies and the customisation of concepts and data standards to regional needs. These concepts have formed the basis for sustainable capacity building, infrastructure and co-operative practice between government departments, academic missions and the private and public sectors.
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Presentation given at the EAA Glasgow 2015 conference: It has been nearly 20 years since Kurt Lam... more Presentation given at the EAA Glasgow 2015 conference: It has been nearly 20 years since Kurt Lambeck proposed that three large lakes fed by the confluence of the Tigris/Euphrates Rivers dominated the former sub-aerial landscape of the Arabian/Persian Gulf. We can be fairly certain this landscape was markedly different to the environment that dominated much of the remainder of the hyper-arid Arabian Peninsula, particularly given the presence of a guaranteed source of fresh water, and most likely extensive resources of flora and fauna. More recently researchers have postulated that during MIS 2, the Gulf very likely provided some form of environmental refugia for early human groups, principally during periods when the climate across much of the rest of the Arabian Peninsula was particularly inhospitable. Over the past seven years the Qatar National Historic Environment Record project has adopted an holistic ‘land to sea’ approach, through the collection of high-resolution marine geophysics data and high resolution bathymetric data sets, to the excavation and dating of relic coastlines associated with periods of sea level high stands between 6,000 and 4,000 years ago. This paper provides an overview of the results of this work in the context of the regional geomorphology, hydrology and early Neolithic archaeology.
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Presentation given at the 2014 IFA conference in Glasgow as part of the International Practice Gr... more Presentation given at the 2014 IFA conference in Glasgow as part of the International Practice Group session.
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Conference posters by Peter T Spencer
Poster detailing the work of Qatar Museums and the QNHER project and their use of systematic surv... more Poster detailing the work of Qatar Museums and the QNHER project and their use of systematic survey, remote sensing, landscape archaeology and geographic information systems.
The utilisation of such methodologies has enabled the accurate identification of over 7000 archaeological sites in Qatar, the poster explores some of the emerging research themes and techniques behind the current work.
Submitted to the ICOMOS 18th General Assembly as part of the 'landscape as cultural habitat' session.
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Papers by Peter T Spencer
A review of recent work undertaken by the Qatar National Historic Environment Record project (QNH... more A review of recent work undertaken by the Qatar National Historic Environment Record project (QNHER) exploring the potential applications of remotely sensed imagery both within terrestrial and maritime environments. Through the use of Kite aerial Photography (KAP) and underwater imagery the project demonstrates the role high resolution remotely sensed imagery can play in the exploration, investigation and management of heritage assets. Specifically looking at a range of terrestrial and maritime sites located within north-western Qatar including, Ottoman period settlement sites, prehistoric burial cairns, Islamic period villages, petroglyph sites and sunken wrecks. The paper will expound upon a range of innovate methodologies used to collect, visualise and analyse high resolution imagery and the resultant orthomosaics, 3D models and GIS based mapping and the central role such data plays in the investigation and protection of such sites.
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This paper details an evaluation of potential prehistoric sites within north-western Qatar identi... more This paper details an evaluation of potential prehistoric sites within north-western Qatar identified through several successive seasons of remote sensing, extensive field survey and excavation by the University of Birmingham. Through the application of modern survey methodologies based around GPS and GIS technology we explore the relationship between geospatial location and proximal geological, sedimentary and environmental factors.
In total we have to-date identified approximately 7000 areas of potential archaeological interest in Qatar as a whole, these range chronologically from the prehistoric period up to the late 20th century. Site types vary from individual find spots, isolated cairns, artefact scatters and structures to extensive sub-surface archaeological deposits, temporary camps and permanent settlements.
Of the 7000 areas 2126 fall within the study area discussed in this paper, an area falling within the Al Shamal and Al Khor & Al Thakhira municipalities. The paper shall primarily focus upon the area of Wādī Ḍebayʿān and Waab al Ḍebayʿān, detailing the results of excavations there before extending outwards to explore the relationships between areas of archaeological interest and their immediate environs.
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Grey Literature by Peter T Spencer
This report details the results of the final segment of a high resolution, remote-sensing survey ... more This report details the results of the final segment of a high resolution, remote-sensing survey of Qatar based upon data derived from aerial and satellite imagery. Event 38 encompasses all activities relating to the ‘Cultural Mapping’ project; utilising airborne remote sensing data in order to map the cultural heritage of Qatar. This report details the fifth period of Cultural Mapping prospection, of a proposed five, to be completed by the close of the 2013 – 2014 season.
Based within the southern extreme of Qatar, the survey covered approximately 20% of the Qatari landmass. The survey collected a range of geospatial data; as well as the location of identified sites; survey personnel produced an extensive dataset outlining the position, spatial morphology and extent of possible cultural heritage sites. In addition each feature was given a HER record including a range of proximal textual evidence for later reference, combined with the spatial data captured by the survey teams this dataset can be used as a preliminary to a further schedule of work aimed to accurately map, test and date the identified sites.
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This report details the results of a preliminary Kite based Aerial Photographic (KAP) survey of s... more This report details the results of a preliminary Kite based Aerial Photographic (KAP) survey of several known archaeological and historical sites within north-western Qatar. The survey aimed
primarily to provide a dataset of high-resolution orthomosaics for the evaluation of the
suitability of using KAP within Qatar for the prospection, recording and monitoring of archaeological and historical sites.
The survey collected a range of aerial photographs from six sites; each site represented a range of alternative feature classes within varying environmental conditions and states of preservation. The criteria for judgement was based on the ease of acquisition of data; compatibility with known GIS platforms; representation of the selected feature class; and further 2D or 3D products which can be derived from the primary data sets.
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Preliminary report detailing the results of survey and excavation within Al Arish in north-wester... more Preliminary report detailing the results of survey and excavation within Al Arish in north-western Qatar by the QNHER project during the summer of 2014:
Following a request to provide an assessment of the archaeological potential of an area of land located approximately 2km to the east of the abandoned village of Al Arish, northwest Qatar, a site visit was undertaken on the 18th of April and a report provided to the Qatar Museums. The report recommended Ground Penetrating Radar geophysics and excavation in order to determine the nature of deposits within this area.
Following this a preliminary 2D GPR survey of the area was undertaken, which was further subject to the excavation of 7 trial trenches. These trenches demonstrated that there were no anthropogenic or archaeological features, deposits or material within the site boundaries.
The excavation, however, has highlighted the immediate area as one of high archaeological interest in terms of ancient coastal reconstruction, paleo-shorelines and marine habitat exploitation by prehistoric communities in Qatar. Natural erosion of the underlying dolomite and limestone bedrock visible in several of the excavation areas attest to the prolonged exposure of the region to marine processes in antiquity.
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This report details the results of a high resolution, pedestrian based survey of the projected an... more This report details the results of a high resolution, pedestrian based survey of the projected ancient shoreline (6000 BP) within the north-western coastal region of Qatar. The survey aimed primarily to identify scatters of prehistoric pottery and worked lithics, with the accurate mapping of relict coastal geomorphological features being an important secondary goal. In total 219 areas of archaeological interest were identified of which 62 were related to potential prehistoric anthropogenic activity; 69 to archaeological features relating to later chronological periods and 70 sites relating to geomorphological features such as relict shorelines and beach ridges, the remaining 18 being non-archaeological in nature or of unknown period.
The survey collected a range of geospatial data; as well as the location of all 219 sites, survey teams produced an extensive dataset outlining the position, spatial morphology and extent of a range of geomorphological features in polyline and polygon formats. In addition each feature was given a HER record including textual and photographic evidence for later reference, combined with the spatial data captured by the survey teams this dataset can be used as a preliminary to a further schedule of work aimed to accurately map, test and date the identified sites and geomorphological features.
Survey undertaken in two blocks; Study Area A: 26.02.2014 – 20.03.2014 and Study area B: 11.05.2014 – 20.05.2014 with 4 members of staff.
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Preliminary results from the 2012-2013 excavation season within the Prehistoric site of Wadi Deba... more Preliminary results from the 2012-2013 excavation season within the Prehistoric site of Wadi Debayaan in north-western Qatar.
Previous excavation had identified an extensive Prehistoric midden situated upon the possible former 6000BP relict coastline.
Activity during 2012-2013 focused upon a series of discreet dumps of burnt material, burnt-pits and post-holes situated immediately to the south of the midden (Trench 53). Subsequently anthropogenic activity within the trench was dated between 4540-3790 calBC forming a complex sequence of temporary inhabitation / activity interrupted by fluctuating sea levels within Wadi Deabyaan as a whole.
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The following assessment was prepared by the University of Birmingham (QNHER project) on behalf o... more The following assessment was prepared by the University of Birmingham (QNHER project) on behalf of the Qatar Museums, Antiquities Department in response to proposals submitted by the Ministry of Municipality & Urban Planning and the Public Works Authority for the infrastructure project [IA\12-13\DS\002\ST] located in northwestern Qatar along the existing road corridor between Zubara Junction on the North Road (Q1) and Zubara Fort, under the consultation of EGIS ref no: [EXW-P016-0000-Ci-EGI-LT-00024-000].
The report details the results of an archaeological assessment of the potential impact of development on known archaeological remains or the potential for currently unknown archaeology to be affected within the Development Area. Sites registered with the Qatar National Historic Environment Record (QNHER) are detailed, with a summary of the proposals for any further archaeological works that may be required by the Qatar Museums prior to the commencement of development works.
The preliminary design enquiry was submitted to the QNHER on the 21.11.2013 and survey carried out between the 23.01.2014 and the 20.02.2014.
The report forms part of a cohesive series of mitigation investigations undertaken by the QNHER project within Qatar over the past five years which have served to highlight the extensive preservation of the archaeological landscape within the country, in particular the survival of extensive prehistoric and possible pre-Islamic archaeology within north-western Qatar is emphasised.
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Archaeological assessment undertaken by the University of Birmingham (QNHER project) on the behal... more Archaeological assessment undertaken by the University of Birmingham (QNHER project) on the behalf of Qatar Museums in response to proposals submitted by the Ministry of Municipality & Urban Planning and the Public Works Authority for, the infrastructure project (Ashgal civil project 727 project code: IA 10/11 D 01 G) in advance of the Inner Doha Resewerage Project Implementation strategy (IDRIS) located within the Doha, Al Rayan and Al Wakrah municipalities under the consultation of CH2M Hill.
This report details the results of an archaeological assessment of the potential impact of development on known archaeological remains or the potential for currently unknown archaeology to be affected within the Development Area. Sites registered with the Qatar National Historic Environment Record (QNHER) are detailed with a summary of the proposals for any further archaeological works that may be required by the QMA prior to the commencement of development works.
The report forms part of a cohesive series of similar mitigation projects undertaken by the QNHER project within Qatar over the past 5 years which have highlighted the extensive archaeological landscape preserved within the country including the identification of hundreds of prehistoric sites.
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The following assessment was prepared by the University of Birmingham (QNHER project) on behalf o... more The following assessment was prepared by the University of Birmingham (QNHER project) on behalf of the Qatar Museums,
Antiquities Department in response to proposals for the construction of 'mega-reservoirs' and an associated utilities corridor aligned around the western edge of Doha between Al Wakra and Ras Laffan.
The report details the results of an archaeological assessment of the potential impact of development on known archaeological remains or the potential for currently unknown archaeology to be affected within the Study Area. Sites registered with the Qatar National Historic Environment Record (QNHER) are detailed with a summary of the proposals for any further archaeological works that may be required by the QMA prior to the commencement of development works.
The report forms part of a cohesive series of archaeological mitigation driven investigations undertaken by the QNHER project within Qatar over the past five years. Such work has served to vastly extend the number of registered areas of archaeological interest within the country while highlighting the presence of extensive and well preserved Prehistoric and pre-Islamic sites within Qatar.
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Results of the 2011-2012 excavation season of the Prehistoric site of Wadi Debayaan in north-west... more Results of the 2011-2012 excavation season of the Prehistoric site of Wadi Debayaan in north-western Qatar.
Preliminary site narrative of the excavation of an extensive Prehistoric midden dating between 3510 - 2390 calBC. Composed of a sequence of discrete burnt deposits the site occupied a coastal location situated upon a relict beach ridge possibly related to the former 6000BP coastline during a period of extensive marine transgression within the Arabian Gulf.
A secondary series of test-pitting within the immediate area further identified remains of anthropogenic activity dating to the 5-4th millenium BC and later Middle Islamic period temporary occupation.
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Conference Presentations by Peter T Spencer
The development of the QNHER project in Qatar over the past 5 years, has involved the creation of the first national HER in the Middle East, combining practical aspects of developing high profile research teams with sustainable capacity building and infrastructure. The challenges of rapid regional development presented significant challenges, in particular the need for a re-evaluation of Eurocentric approaches to the management of heritage. The simple transplanting of heritage management concepts from one region to another is often inappropriate and does not account for a wide range of issues from cultural sensitivity to an understanding of regional taphonomy or alternative conservation approaches in differing environments. In response to these demands, the QNHER project has developed a range of innovative methodologies based within digital frameworks. Focusing upon the growing issues of cross-communication of idiosyncratic data and the role of holistic software platforms can play in effective interrogation, analysis and dissemination of data, we have integrated Remote-sensing, Terrestrial & Marine Survey, HER software development and web-based applications through appropriate dissemination strategies and the customisation of concepts and data standards to regional needs. These concepts have formed the basis for sustainable capacity building, infrastructure and co-operative practice between government departments, academic missions and the private and public sectors.
Conference posters by Peter T Spencer
The utilisation of such methodologies has enabled the accurate identification of over 7000 archaeological sites in Qatar, the poster explores some of the emerging research themes and techniques behind the current work.
Submitted to the ICOMOS 18th General Assembly as part of the 'landscape as cultural habitat' session.
Papers by Peter T Spencer
In total we have to-date identified approximately 7000 areas of potential archaeological interest in Qatar as a whole, these range chronologically from the prehistoric period up to the late 20th century. Site types vary from individual find spots, isolated cairns, artefact scatters and structures to extensive sub-surface archaeological deposits, temporary camps and permanent settlements.
Of the 7000 areas 2126 fall within the study area discussed in this paper, an area falling within the Al Shamal and Al Khor & Al Thakhira municipalities. The paper shall primarily focus upon the area of Wādī Ḍebayʿān and Waab al Ḍebayʿān, detailing the results of excavations there before extending outwards to explore the relationships between areas of archaeological interest and their immediate environs.
Grey Literature by Peter T Spencer
Based within the southern extreme of Qatar, the survey covered approximately 20% of the Qatari landmass. The survey collected a range of geospatial data; as well as the location of identified sites; survey personnel produced an extensive dataset outlining the position, spatial morphology and extent of possible cultural heritage sites. In addition each feature was given a HER record including a range of proximal textual evidence for later reference, combined with the spatial data captured by the survey teams this dataset can be used as a preliminary to a further schedule of work aimed to accurately map, test and date the identified sites.
primarily to provide a dataset of high-resolution orthomosaics for the evaluation of the
suitability of using KAP within Qatar for the prospection, recording and monitoring of archaeological and historical sites.
The survey collected a range of aerial photographs from six sites; each site represented a range of alternative feature classes within varying environmental conditions and states of preservation. The criteria for judgement was based on the ease of acquisition of data; compatibility with known GIS platforms; representation of the selected feature class; and further 2D or 3D products which can be derived from the primary data sets.
Following a request to provide an assessment of the archaeological potential of an area of land located approximately 2km to the east of the abandoned village of Al Arish, northwest Qatar, a site visit was undertaken on the 18th of April and a report provided to the Qatar Museums. The report recommended Ground Penetrating Radar geophysics and excavation in order to determine the nature of deposits within this area.
Following this a preliminary 2D GPR survey of the area was undertaken, which was further subject to the excavation of 7 trial trenches. These trenches demonstrated that there were no anthropogenic or archaeological features, deposits or material within the site boundaries.
The excavation, however, has highlighted the immediate area as one of high archaeological interest in terms of ancient coastal reconstruction, paleo-shorelines and marine habitat exploitation by prehistoric communities in Qatar. Natural erosion of the underlying dolomite and limestone bedrock visible in several of the excavation areas attest to the prolonged exposure of the region to marine processes in antiquity.
The survey collected a range of geospatial data; as well as the location of all 219 sites, survey teams produced an extensive dataset outlining the position, spatial morphology and extent of a range of geomorphological features in polyline and polygon formats. In addition each feature was given a HER record including textual and photographic evidence for later reference, combined with the spatial data captured by the survey teams this dataset can be used as a preliminary to a further schedule of work aimed to accurately map, test and date the identified sites and geomorphological features.
Survey undertaken in two blocks; Study Area A: 26.02.2014 – 20.03.2014 and Study area B: 11.05.2014 – 20.05.2014 with 4 members of staff.
Previous excavation had identified an extensive Prehistoric midden situated upon the possible former 6000BP relict coastline.
Activity during 2012-2013 focused upon a series of discreet dumps of burnt material, burnt-pits and post-holes situated immediately to the south of the midden (Trench 53). Subsequently anthropogenic activity within the trench was dated between 4540-3790 calBC forming a complex sequence of temporary inhabitation / activity interrupted by fluctuating sea levels within Wadi Deabyaan as a whole.
The report details the results of an archaeological assessment of the potential impact of development on known archaeological remains or the potential for currently unknown archaeology to be affected within the Development Area. Sites registered with the Qatar National Historic Environment Record (QNHER) are detailed, with a summary of the proposals for any further archaeological works that may be required by the Qatar Museums prior to the commencement of development works.
The preliminary design enquiry was submitted to the QNHER on the 21.11.2013 and survey carried out between the 23.01.2014 and the 20.02.2014.
The report forms part of a cohesive series of mitigation investigations undertaken by the QNHER project within Qatar over the past five years which have served to highlight the extensive preservation of the archaeological landscape within the country, in particular the survival of extensive prehistoric and possible pre-Islamic archaeology within north-western Qatar is emphasised.
This report details the results of an archaeological assessment of the potential impact of development on known archaeological remains or the potential for currently unknown archaeology to be affected within the Development Area. Sites registered with the Qatar National Historic Environment Record (QNHER) are detailed with a summary of the proposals for any further archaeological works that may be required by the QMA prior to the commencement of development works.
The report forms part of a cohesive series of similar mitigation projects undertaken by the QNHER project within Qatar over the past 5 years which have highlighted the extensive archaeological landscape preserved within the country including the identification of hundreds of prehistoric sites.
Antiquities Department in response to proposals for the construction of 'mega-reservoirs' and an associated utilities corridor aligned around the western edge of Doha between Al Wakra and Ras Laffan.
The report details the results of an archaeological assessment of the potential impact of development on known archaeological remains or the potential for currently unknown archaeology to be affected within the Study Area. Sites registered with the Qatar National Historic Environment Record (QNHER) are detailed with a summary of the proposals for any further archaeological works that may be required by the QMA prior to the commencement of development works.
The report forms part of a cohesive series of archaeological mitigation driven investigations undertaken by the QNHER project within Qatar over the past five years. Such work has served to vastly extend the number of registered areas of archaeological interest within the country while highlighting the presence of extensive and well preserved Prehistoric and pre-Islamic sites within Qatar.
Preliminary site narrative of the excavation of an extensive Prehistoric midden dating between 3510 - 2390 calBC. Composed of a sequence of discrete burnt deposits the site occupied a coastal location situated upon a relict beach ridge possibly related to the former 6000BP coastline during a period of extensive marine transgression within the Arabian Gulf.
A secondary series of test-pitting within the immediate area further identified remains of anthropogenic activity dating to the 5-4th millenium BC and later Middle Islamic period temporary occupation.
The development of the QNHER project in Qatar over the past 5 years, has involved the creation of the first national HER in the Middle East, combining practical aspects of developing high profile research teams with sustainable capacity building and infrastructure. The challenges of rapid regional development presented significant challenges, in particular the need for a re-evaluation of Eurocentric approaches to the management of heritage. The simple transplanting of heritage management concepts from one region to another is often inappropriate and does not account for a wide range of issues from cultural sensitivity to an understanding of regional taphonomy or alternative conservation approaches in differing environments. In response to these demands, the QNHER project has developed a range of innovative methodologies based within digital frameworks. Focusing upon the growing issues of cross-communication of idiosyncratic data and the role of holistic software platforms can play in effective interrogation, analysis and dissemination of data, we have integrated Remote-sensing, Terrestrial & Marine Survey, HER software development and web-based applications through appropriate dissemination strategies and the customisation of concepts and data standards to regional needs. These concepts have formed the basis for sustainable capacity building, infrastructure and co-operative practice between government departments, academic missions and the private and public sectors.
The utilisation of such methodologies has enabled the accurate identification of over 7000 archaeological sites in Qatar, the poster explores some of the emerging research themes and techniques behind the current work.
Submitted to the ICOMOS 18th General Assembly as part of the 'landscape as cultural habitat' session.
In total we have to-date identified approximately 7000 areas of potential archaeological interest in Qatar as a whole, these range chronologically from the prehistoric period up to the late 20th century. Site types vary from individual find spots, isolated cairns, artefact scatters and structures to extensive sub-surface archaeological deposits, temporary camps and permanent settlements.
Of the 7000 areas 2126 fall within the study area discussed in this paper, an area falling within the Al Shamal and Al Khor & Al Thakhira municipalities. The paper shall primarily focus upon the area of Wādī Ḍebayʿān and Waab al Ḍebayʿān, detailing the results of excavations there before extending outwards to explore the relationships between areas of archaeological interest and their immediate environs.
Based within the southern extreme of Qatar, the survey covered approximately 20% of the Qatari landmass. The survey collected a range of geospatial data; as well as the location of identified sites; survey personnel produced an extensive dataset outlining the position, spatial morphology and extent of possible cultural heritage sites. In addition each feature was given a HER record including a range of proximal textual evidence for later reference, combined with the spatial data captured by the survey teams this dataset can be used as a preliminary to a further schedule of work aimed to accurately map, test and date the identified sites.
primarily to provide a dataset of high-resolution orthomosaics for the evaluation of the
suitability of using KAP within Qatar for the prospection, recording and monitoring of archaeological and historical sites.
The survey collected a range of aerial photographs from six sites; each site represented a range of alternative feature classes within varying environmental conditions and states of preservation. The criteria for judgement was based on the ease of acquisition of data; compatibility with known GIS platforms; representation of the selected feature class; and further 2D or 3D products which can be derived from the primary data sets.
Following a request to provide an assessment of the archaeological potential of an area of land located approximately 2km to the east of the abandoned village of Al Arish, northwest Qatar, a site visit was undertaken on the 18th of April and a report provided to the Qatar Museums. The report recommended Ground Penetrating Radar geophysics and excavation in order to determine the nature of deposits within this area.
Following this a preliminary 2D GPR survey of the area was undertaken, which was further subject to the excavation of 7 trial trenches. These trenches demonstrated that there were no anthropogenic or archaeological features, deposits or material within the site boundaries.
The excavation, however, has highlighted the immediate area as one of high archaeological interest in terms of ancient coastal reconstruction, paleo-shorelines and marine habitat exploitation by prehistoric communities in Qatar. Natural erosion of the underlying dolomite and limestone bedrock visible in several of the excavation areas attest to the prolonged exposure of the region to marine processes in antiquity.
The survey collected a range of geospatial data; as well as the location of all 219 sites, survey teams produced an extensive dataset outlining the position, spatial morphology and extent of a range of geomorphological features in polyline and polygon formats. In addition each feature was given a HER record including textual and photographic evidence for later reference, combined with the spatial data captured by the survey teams this dataset can be used as a preliminary to a further schedule of work aimed to accurately map, test and date the identified sites and geomorphological features.
Survey undertaken in two blocks; Study Area A: 26.02.2014 – 20.03.2014 and Study area B: 11.05.2014 – 20.05.2014 with 4 members of staff.
Previous excavation had identified an extensive Prehistoric midden situated upon the possible former 6000BP relict coastline.
Activity during 2012-2013 focused upon a series of discreet dumps of burnt material, burnt-pits and post-holes situated immediately to the south of the midden (Trench 53). Subsequently anthropogenic activity within the trench was dated between 4540-3790 calBC forming a complex sequence of temporary inhabitation / activity interrupted by fluctuating sea levels within Wadi Deabyaan as a whole.
The report details the results of an archaeological assessment of the potential impact of development on known archaeological remains or the potential for currently unknown archaeology to be affected within the Development Area. Sites registered with the Qatar National Historic Environment Record (QNHER) are detailed, with a summary of the proposals for any further archaeological works that may be required by the Qatar Museums prior to the commencement of development works.
The preliminary design enquiry was submitted to the QNHER on the 21.11.2013 and survey carried out between the 23.01.2014 and the 20.02.2014.
The report forms part of a cohesive series of mitigation investigations undertaken by the QNHER project within Qatar over the past five years which have served to highlight the extensive preservation of the archaeological landscape within the country, in particular the survival of extensive prehistoric and possible pre-Islamic archaeology within north-western Qatar is emphasised.
This report details the results of an archaeological assessment of the potential impact of development on known archaeological remains or the potential for currently unknown archaeology to be affected within the Development Area. Sites registered with the Qatar National Historic Environment Record (QNHER) are detailed with a summary of the proposals for any further archaeological works that may be required by the QMA prior to the commencement of development works.
The report forms part of a cohesive series of similar mitigation projects undertaken by the QNHER project within Qatar over the past 5 years which have highlighted the extensive archaeological landscape preserved within the country including the identification of hundreds of prehistoric sites.
Antiquities Department in response to proposals for the construction of 'mega-reservoirs' and an associated utilities corridor aligned around the western edge of Doha between Al Wakra and Ras Laffan.
The report details the results of an archaeological assessment of the potential impact of development on known archaeological remains or the potential for currently unknown archaeology to be affected within the Study Area. Sites registered with the Qatar National Historic Environment Record (QNHER) are detailed with a summary of the proposals for any further archaeological works that may be required by the QMA prior to the commencement of development works.
The report forms part of a cohesive series of archaeological mitigation driven investigations undertaken by the QNHER project within Qatar over the past five years. Such work has served to vastly extend the number of registered areas of archaeological interest within the country while highlighting the presence of extensive and well preserved Prehistoric and pre-Islamic sites within Qatar.
Preliminary site narrative of the excavation of an extensive Prehistoric midden dating between 3510 - 2390 calBC. Composed of a sequence of discrete burnt deposits the site occupied a coastal location situated upon a relict beach ridge possibly related to the former 6000BP coastline during a period of extensive marine transgression within the Arabian Gulf.
A secondary series of test-pitting within the immediate area further identified remains of anthropogenic activity dating to the 5-4th millenium BC and later Middle Islamic period temporary occupation.