Age, palaeoenvironment, and preservation of prehistoric petroglyphs on a boulder in the oasis of Salut (northern Sultanate of Oman)

The preservation of rock art in open-air contexts is a global issue controlled by several environmental processes, which are less investigated than the cultural significance engravings and paintings. For that reason, we discuss age, preservation, palaeoenvironmental context petroglyphs discovered on flat, almost vertical face large boulder fallen along western slope Jabal Hammah, rocky hill borders oasis Salut (northern Sultanate Oman). Geoarchaeological investigation highlighted that, region, due to interplay two contrasting weathering processes. On one hand, karst dissolution – even if it very slow process arid semi-arid lands gradually levels surface boulders. other biomineralized Mn- Fe-rich varnish has developed inside grooves engravings, thus sheltering them from extreme promoting pristine shape representations. Moreover, organics trapped within have been radiocarbon dated 2600 ± 60 uncal. years BP. This result allows establishing limit ante quem for production these specific root Bronze or Iron Age exploitation area. particular relevance region where well-dated virtually absent. Today, biogeochemical processes leading formation protective crust inactive, not consistent with present dry settings. Their occurrence accordance local palaeoclimatic record, suggests climatic conditions wetter today. A broader implication our work shows how multidisciplinary approach study provides opportunity understanding age its paleoenvironmental significance. We demonstrate physical, chemical, biological charge and/or destruction art; such be seriously taken into account projects field assessment.