This volume presents a comprehensive study of the archaeological remains of the port of Qalhat, a key strategic site in the western Indian Ocean between the twefth and sixteenth centuries. Focusing on Islamic ceramics—both local and imported—it establishes the first typological catalogue of the region. By integrating archaeological, historical, and palaeobotanical data, the book reconstructs the trade networks that connected Qalhat to Arabia, Iran, Africa, and particularly India.
A detailed analysis of the horse trade and the presence of Indian merchant communities in the city provides fresh insights into Qalhat’s role as a commercial centre. With over 100 plates and photographs, this richly illustrated study introduces new data and offers an original contribution to research on the western Indian Ocean.