This listing expired on October 10, 2025. Please contact fieldschooloman@gmail.com for any updated information.
Location: 6XF6+PH Daghmar, Oman
Season: November 15, 2025 to December 25, 2025
Session Dates: November 15, 2025– December 25, 2025 (arrival on Thursdays, beginning of work in the field on Saturdays)
Application Deadline: October 10, 2025
Deadline Type: Rolling
Website: https://www.archaeofieldschool.com/
Program Type:
Field School
RPA Certified:
No
Affiliation:
Time of Magan
Project Director:
Valentina Azzarà, Leiden University, and Alexandre De Rorre, Independent Researcher
Project Description:
Qurayyat
The Qurayyat Project, led by Valentina Azzarà and Alexandre De Rorre, focuses on the early phases of the development of socio-economic complexity within the prehistoric populations of Oman and their transformations at the transition between the Late Neolithic and the Early Bronze Age (c. 4300-2000 BCE).
We have been focusing on this thematic through our excavations in the coastal area of Ras Al Jinz; the results of these explorations indicate that the coastal areas deserve to be studied in the frame of a specific perspective, rather than being assimilated to the theoretical and methodological framework used for the inland occupations. To test our hypotheses and further gather data on prehistoric coastal occupations, we plan to extend our analysis area by exploring the coastal area in the wilayat of Qurayyāt, in the Muscat governorate
According to the explorations carried out in the 70s and 80s of last century (e.g. Phillips & Wilkinson 1979; Biagi 1988; Uerpmann 1992), the Qurayyāt area was occupied from the Late Neolithic onwards. While the Neolithic was fairly well documented by these initial surveys, which were focusing on early prehistoric occupations, the Early Bronze Age and Iron Age periods in the area are less well known. Besides, even the Neolithic remains have undergone very little investigation (see below). With our project, we aim to expand our knowledge of the late prehistoric remains in the area through survey and small- or large-scale excavations of the detected sites, depending on the potential shown by the occupations.
During the first year of our project in Qurayyāt, we will start excavations at one of the most important prehistoric sites in coastal Oman, Khawr Milh 1
THE FIELD SCHOOL
Time Of Magan Field School programs are an excellent opportunity for BA and MA students to gain experience in the field of Arabian Archaeology, and more broadly in settlement archaeology (excavation and documentation) and artefacts/ecofacts processing and recording.
We provide a range of expert-led research focused training designed to introduce students to practical archaeological field methods, and to build and expand on knowledge and experience gained during your university studies.
The training includes:
In-field methods and
post-excavation procedures
In the field
Post-excavation laboratory activities
THE FIELD WORK
Once we start field work, the day is fairly full. We have breakfast at 6:00 am and we leave the house for the field at 6:30 am – arriving there by 7:00 am.
We have a break at around 10:00 am with a quick snack. Work in the field ends each day at 1:30 pm.
After the lunchbreak, the afternoons are reserved for lab activities, which can be followed by core and thematic lectures. Around 8:00 pm we eat dinner as a group at the house.
Thursdays are dedicated to core lectures and experimental archaeology projects such as mudbrick making, bead making, etc.
Weekend is from Thursday afternoon to Friday night and sometime could be extended for trip purposes. It is advised to arrive in Oman on Thursday to start the field work at the beginning of the working week (Saturday).
OUR HQ
Students and most staff members will be staying in a dedicated house in a quiet neighborhood in the city of Qurayyat in the Muscat governorate region. The accommodations are shared bedrooms, with three to five persons per room, and usually a basic shower and toilet in each room. Sheets and pillows will be provided, but participants should bring towels and sleeping bags.
FEE OVERVIEW
The field school fees cover in-field transportation, field equipment, accommodation, all meals except Friday, instructor fees, and field trips to sites of interest in the area.
Weekends are yours to explore the cultural and natural attractions in the area.
Airfare and your personal gear are your responsibility.
At the end of the Field Program, students will receive a certificate of participation stating the hours and activities of the training. Participants that perform remarkably well may receive a letter of recommendation from our organisation upon request.
No prior experience on an excavation is required to participate in this field school.
APPLICATION AND FEES
Minimum 7 / Maximum 15 participants
Period: November 15, 2025– December 25, 2025 (arrival on Thursdays, beginning of work in the field on Saturdays)
2 weeks minimum of participation are required. It is advised to participate for 4 weeks.
All fees should be paid 1 month before arrival.
Airfare and personal insurance not included in the fees
Participants must operate under an Official Visa issued by the Ministry of Heritage & Tourism at a cost of 55 Euros (see above); the active participation in the Project of individuals who entered Oman under a Tourist visa is not allowed. Documents for issuing the Official Visa (Passport copy, father’s name, and photograph) must be provided as soon as possible and at the latest 30 days before the arrival of the applying individual in Oman.
The field school operates on a first arrived first served policy. Upon acceptance to the field school, a 555 Euros wire transfer will be requested to secure a spot in our program and cover the official visa fees. This fee is not refundable.
The remainder of the fee can be refunded until two weeks before the departure date.
Application method: Send CV and letter of motivation to fieldschooloman@gmail.com
Application deadline: Applications will be considered upon submission and can be sent until 10 October 2025 and no later.
Period(s) of Occupation: Late Neolithic/ Early Bronze Age (4300-2000 BCE)
Notes:
Participating in an archaeological campaign is an exciting work, but it is also sometimes tiring and challenging. It is important that you are ready and fit for outdoor physical activity. The typical day starts early in the morning and runs until late afternoon.
Project Size: 1-24 participants
Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 2 weeks
Minimum Age: 18
Experience Required: No prior experience on an excavation is required to participate in this field school.
Room and Board Arrangements:
OUR HQ
Students and most staff members will be staying in a dedicated house in a quiet neighbourhood in the city of Qurayyat in the Muscat governate. The accommodations are shared bedrooms, with three to five persons per room, and usually a basic shower and toilet in each room. Sheets and pillows will be provided, but participants should bring towels and sleeping bags.
FEE OVERVIEW
The field school fees cover in-field transportation, field equipment, accommodation, all meals except Friday, instructor fees, and field trips to sites of interest in the area.
Time of Magan
Einsteinweg 2
leiden
2333CC
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 71 527 2727
