Archaeological investigations at Qasr Al Hosn have provided valuable evidence of the fort’s evolution and its connections across the region. From coins to potsherds, tiles to cannonballs, the dating of these archaeological finds opens up the key chapters in Qasr Al Hosn’s development. They also provide a unique insight into the lives of the fort’s past inhabitants.

The story of Qasr Al Hosn is one of evolution: each ruler left his mark, building new structures and adding to others. Yet, as a result of the extensive renovation works carried out in the 1980s, there are very few areas within the fort where the build-up of layers of earth and sand between the limestone bedrock and the existing surface has remained intact.

Archaeologists have discovered one surviving area of stratigraphy around the base of Qasr Al Hosn’s historic watchtower - the oldest part of the fort. Ceramics from the layers preserved here provide evidence for two main phases of activity, related first to the foundation of Qasr Al Hosn during the late 18th century and then to its occupation during the 19th century.