Archaeological evidence of Hellenistic impact in the Arabian Peninsula

Alyami, Muhsen Hadi S. (2023). Archaeological evidence of Hellenistic impact in the Arabian Peninsula. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Previous archaeological work in eastern Arabia has uncovered significant evidence for the cultural role which this region played in the ancient world, especially during the Iron Age. However, it seems that archaeologists overlooked the region. Therefore, one of the objectives of this research was to investigate in greater depth the extent of Greek influence on the eastern region of Arabia and to determine the results of this influence. My research also aims to redirect attention to some important sites that have been subjected to looting since the 1960s due to lack of security.

To reach my goals, I first started in Chapter 1 with a brief historical and archaeological survey to get a general picture of what was happening near our study area, especially in Mesopotamia, from the beginning of the first millennium BC until the Hellenistic era. In Chapter 2, I also took a close look at the results of the discoveries at sites in the Arabian Gulf from the 1st millennium BC, especially those of Hellenistic date.

This was followed by field work, including an archaeological survey in of the sites of Kanzan, Geriyah, and Ras Geriyah , are the sites where further research was needed in Chapter 3, as well as in Chapter 4 re-visits to some museums in Saudi Arabia. My results both corroborated previous studies and provided new information which confirmed that more attention should be paid to these sites. At Geriyah in particular locations were revealed which that need more extensive study than practical within the framework of my research.

Finally, the last two chapter (Ch.5 and Ch.6) I have reviewed the most important results of the cultural relationship between the Arabs and the Greeks after Alexander the Great, especially in the economic field, in which the Gerrhaeans played an important role. Accordingly, I have discussed the location of Gerrha and its relation to Geriyah, the most likely site to be ancient Gerrha. Although it is important to find Gerrha, it is even more important to draw the attention of the authorities and archaeologists to Geriyah, to protect what remains of it, as previously it was left vulnerable to looting.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):