For you archaeologists...

      Once you start to feel like you have a grasp of a certain region and what it has to offer, you realize how much you don’t know. Tuesday and Wednesday evening in our lecture seminar class, Dr. Charlotte and Dr. Marta informed us on the vast field of Oman archaeology, reminding me of some of the reasons I find it interesting to study ancient Middle East. The main reason is because it helps me understand the culture today and the story of how it has developed over time. For example, I learned that in Mesopotamia and in Harappa, seals have been found on pots, bowls, and other objects of trade. Seals are carved-out stamps that can act as signatures or a seal that closes something (like a bottle of wine). They were used to show what object was produced and traded by whom. They were useful in preventing fraud and promoting fair trade.

      In Oman, however, these seals have not been discovered. If great cultures such as Mesopotamia and Harappa used seals and stamps in trade, then why not Oman? Theories claim that there was such a tight relationship within the family and strong ties with friends of the family that trust was easily established. If you were caught cheating, word would spread very quickly. Your reputation would be permanently tarnished, and you couldn’t be trusted again. Also, your friends and family connections would know where you live and where you work if they would ever seek vengeance. This served as such a major deterrent that theft and fraud are believed to be almost non-existent during that time.

      The same trust can be said to exist today. Theft and fraud are rare occurrences in Oman. People leave their cars running, go inside a store and do their weekly shopping, and come out with their car still running. Families are large and the ties between family members are strong. A tight bond of trust exists, that if broken, will result in being expelled from the family. As an Arabic major, I am fascinated by ancient Arabia mainly because it shows how one culture has progressed over time and helps explain this region in the 21^st century. I am continually amazed about all this area has to offer and am learning even more how little I know about this country of Oman.