Encompassing a landmass greater than the rest of the Near East and Eastern Mediterranean combined, the Arabian peninsula remains one of the last great unexplored regions of the ancient world. This book provides the first extensive coverage of the archaeology of this region from c.9000 to 800 BC. Peter Magee argues that a unique social system, which relied on social cohesion and actively resisted the hierarchical structures of adjacent states, emerged during the Neolithic and continued to contour society for millennia later. The book also focuses on how the historical context in which Near Eastern archaeology was codified has led to a skewed understanding of the multiplicity of lifeways pursued by ancient peoples living throughout the Middle East.

'… it will be difficult to find a more comprehensive book on the topic, combining the presentation of the latest research with stimulating and prospective thoughts.'

Source: Antiquity

'Magee's book sheds light on the various topics of current debate; moreover, the author proposes a personal vision grounded in his own research and in sustained and objective analysis of the findings of other research groups … [A] courageous and quite successful attempt at a synthesis of the archaeology of Arabia.'

Source: Bulletin de la Société préhistorique française

'Part of the Cambridge World Archaeology series, this useful book aims to provide a definitive overview of the social formation of Arabia from the Neolithic to the Iron Age (7000 BC to 800 BC) for professional archaeologists and students.'

David Millar Source: World Archaeology Magazine