Unravelling Oman's Bronze age towers
Do you know what the age-old Bronze towers scattered across Oman were really for? Once thought to be mere watchtowers or defensive structures, these enigmatic remnants of the past hold far deeper secrets — ones that German scholar Prof Stephanie Dopper has dedicated years to uncovering.
Prof Stephanie, a junior professor of Digital Humanities for Ancient Near Eastern Studies at the University of Würzburg, has long been fascinated by Oman's Bronze Age towers.
Sufayha Tower
Her passion has now taken shape in the form of Landmarks of Identity: Bronze Age Towers of the Oman Peninsula, a scholarly yet accessible book published by Archaeopress Publishing Ltd in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT).
Part of the Archaeological Heritage series, the book delves into nearly 100 Bronze Age towers dating back to the third millennium BC, shedding new light on their historical and cultural significance. While earlier scholars assumed these structures served military purposes, recent research suggests a broader spectrum of functions. These towers, it turns out, played roles as long-distance trade hubs, copper production centres, and even social and ceremonial spaces.
Al Khashbah IV Tower Wall
Prof Stephanie embarked on this ambitious project alongside colleague Charlotte Cable, who later had to step away. Their biggest challenge? The sheer number of towers. Just when they thought they had a complete list, new discoveries emerged, prompting constant updates.
One of the book's key revelations is that the term 'tower' itself is misleading. Early archaeologists named them after the mud-brick towers of Islamic fortresses, but modern research suggests they were raised platforms, only a few metres high. Some were closely tied to copper processing, while others were part of water management systems, featuring wells and ditches. Many may have served as communal gathering spaces for trade, rituals and social activities.
Unravelling Oman's Bronze age towers
Prof Stephanie highlights a striking insight in her book: 5,000 years ago, Oman's inhabitants weren't just surviving — they were thriving. These early societies built at least 100 monumental structures that we know of today, a feat that required technical expertise and resource management. In a land with little rainfall and scarce water sources, their resilience is nothing short of extraordinary.
Among the many towers, Al Khashbah (Building V) in the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi holds special significance for Prof Stephanie. It is one of the oldest known towers and provides clear evidence of copper working, underscoring Oman's historical role in ancient metallurgy.
Beyond academia, the book aims to engage a broader audience, helping to bring Omani archaeology into the global spotlight. Prof Stephanie hopes her work will inspire Omanis to cherish their rich heritage while attracting international scholars eager to explore the country's untapped archaeological potential.
Prof Stephanie Dopper
Currently in Oman, she continues her research in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, particularly in Al Musalla, where she and her team are investigating an Early Bronze Age tomb. Their findings could play a key role in incorporating archaeological sites into future development plans.
Prof Stephanie's fascination with archaeology began in childhood, fuelled by museum visits and endless reading on ancient civilisations. Her journey with Oman started in 2010, when she joined an excavation and instantly fell in love with the country, its people and its history. Since then, her research has been dedicated to unravelling Oman's past.
With the backing of the MoHT, Oman continues to solidify its position as a key player in global archaeological research. Through Landmarks of Identity, Prof Stephanie ensures that the story of Oman's Bronze Age towers - once shrouded in mystery - will be told for generations to come.
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