Fujairah has a rich history that dates back 13,000 years ago, contrary to popular beliefs that it was deserted in ancient times. Dr. Michele Ziolkowski, author of The Archaeology and History of Fujairah, has discovered evidence of human settlements and migration routes in the mountains of Fujairah. The charcoal samples from excavated trenches at Jabal Kaf Addor in Fujairah were radiocarbon-dated, revealing a sequence of occupations between 13,000 and 7,500 years ago. This challenges previous assumptions about human occupation in the area at that time. The Arabian Peninsula was not only a migratory route out of Africa into Europe and Asia, but also a place where people settled.
The book showcases the ancient civilization’s way of life, from stone tools to burial cairns, castles to villages and rock art, and highlights how people lived and flourished by working with the local environment. Dr. Michele Ziolkowski has studied numerous petroglyphs (rock art) dating back to various periods, providing insights into the lives and cultures of ancient Fujairah. She also discovered the names of two previously unrecorded Sharqiyin tribe leaders from the 19th century, shedding light on Fujairah’s tribal population history.
Originally from Australia, Dr. Michele first visited Fujairah in 1993 and conducted her first archaeological field season in 1995, leading her to permanently move to the emirate in 2002. Her deep connection with Fujairah has shaped her perspective and approach to studying its history and cultural heritage. This intimacy with the environment has allowed her to interpret how ancient populations interacted with and adapted to their surroundings. Dr. Michele has drawn upon ethnographic information and stories passed down through generations to better understand how people lived in the past.
The author acknowledges the challenges of conducting archaeological research in Fujairah, recognizing that there will inevitably be gaps in the archaeological record. Despite these challenges, Dr. Michele’s sense of curiosity and adventure has led her to uncover valuable artefacts and insights. She encourages others to stay open to possibilities and never know what they might discover in the Fujairah mountains. This spirit of exploration has been instrumental in her discoveries and contributions to understanding Fujairah’s rich history.
