Bioarchaeologists study ancient skeletons to understand human biology in the past. Humans are significantly affected by their environment, including their culture, and studying human health in the past can reveal a great deal of information about ancient diseases, foodways, cultural systems, and inequalities. Learning about past responses to the environment can provide a sort of road map for understanding what we see happening today as we navigate pandemics, health issues, and changes to our own cultural systems.
Bioarchaeological analysis of skeletons from Shimal in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) dating to the Wadi Suq period (1600–2000 BCE) indicates that the health of people in Ras Al Khaimah who were experiencing climate change (including increased aridification) was perhaps buffered by water availability from the Hajar mountains and social reorganization.
Recommended citation: Ullinger, J. (2025). Bioarchaeology in Ras Al Khaimah (Policy Paper No. 89). Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research.
