New Researches at The Port of Al Balid and Its Castle (Husn): Interim Report (2016-2018)

Since 2000 the city port of Al Baleed (ancient Zafar), has been inserted among the Unesco World Heritage Sites. Today it is part of the homonymous Archaeological park which includes also the Museum of the Frankincense Land, a botanical garden and paths for enjoying the lagoon and the surroundings. In April 2016 the Office of the Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan for Cultural Affairs started a new project at the site, focused on the excavation and the consolidation of the fortified castle (Husn Al Baleed). The study of the structure and of its different constructional phases, the analysis of the materials (pottery and small finds) and the consolidation of the structure are the aims of the project. This paper is going to present some of the results achieved during the recent excavations resumed at the Husn, including the first data coming from the study of the pottery, the imports from East Asia, the ship timbers, and the coins.