Jeff Rose in Oman
Bedouin man in Dhofer, Oman
Bedouins in traditional restaurant in Dhofar, Oman
Jeff Rose and colleague in Oman
man in front of a truck in Oman
a camel in Dhofar, Oman
I Am Jeff Rose

I’m Dr. Jeff Rose, and I specialize in Paleolithic archaeology, stone tool technology, and modern human origins. Since 2009, I've directed an archaeological field project in the Dhofar region of southern Oman. Due to its steep mountain escarpment, which blocks humidity from the Indian Ocean, Dhofar has a tropical microclimate comprised of East African flora and fauna and mild and rainy summers. Along its mountain slopes are cloud forests of tree species fed by moisture in the air—including, most famously, the species that produces frankincense.

The interior of Dhofar is a deeply incised limestone plateau called the Nejd, whose steep canyons were once carved by perennial rivers. To date, my team has mapped over 700 archaeological find spots (Lower Paleolithic, Iron Age, and everything in between) around these river valleys. The high density of sites and evidence for repeated phases of occupation underscore the importance of Dhofar as a population refugium throughout human history.

Photograph by Dr. Yamandu Hilbert

An Explorer's Guide to Southern Oman

National Geographic Explorer Jeff Rose shares insider tips for traveling in Southern Oman.

November 20, 2015

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