Archaeology of Qatar

Archaeology of Qatar as a field study began in 1956.^[1] Three major expeditions were carried out in Qatar throughout the mid-20th century, with the first being launched by a Danish team who began work in the 1950s. This was followed by British and French expeditions in 1970s and 1980s, respectively.^[2] Approximately 200 archaeological sites were discovered during these expeditions, with the most extensive being the coastal areas of Al Da'asa, Ras Abrouq and Al Khor Island.^[3] Artifacts such as flint tools, Ubaid and Barbar pottery and encampments were found in situ.

Apart from the discovery of ancient artifacts, many prehistoric rock art sites containing over 900 varieties of petroglyphs were uncovered during the 1950s and 1960s.^[3] Most carvings are cup and ring marks. These are accompanied by less numerous depictions of animals, boats and symbols.^[4] The Qatar National Museum was established in Doha in 1975.^[5] Qatar passed an antiquities law in 1980 to protect its archaeological sites.^[6] In the late 2000s, the Qatar Museums Authority began organizing joint archaeological projects with numerous European universities and institutions.^[7]