Multi-proxy dataset (pollen, NPPs, micro- and macro-charcoal) from an Iron Age oasis site in Lizq, north-central Oman, covering the period from 2350 cal yr BP to present

The presented multi-proxy data from Lizq, north-central Oman, document the vegetation, climate, and fire history, as well as the local human activity since the Samad Late Iron Age from around 2350 cal yr BP (around 400 BC) to present. The pollen record provides information about vegetation changes due to climatic fluctuations over Southeastern Arabia as well as about changes in the cultivated vegetation due to dynamic human practices (political and cultural developments, agriculture, herding, and grazing). A clear shift to more xerophytic vegetation and long-distance transport of Pinus pollen grains from the North was reconstructed indicating a weakening of the (summer) monsoon activity in north-central Oman from around 1700-1450 cal yr BP (250-500 AD). Since then, the influence of southern-directed dry polar-continental air masses prevails. Palynological results also indicate plant cultivation on site from at least 2200 cal yr BP (250 BC), but possibly already since the building of the Lizq Early Iron Age fort in the 5th to 4th century BC. Over the last 2420 years there has been limited influence of animal husbandry and natural or anthropogenic fires on the local vegetation in the Lizq area.