Simulating the Ancient Incense Trade Route Between Qaryat Al-Faw and Al-Yamama: A GIS-Based Hydro-Archeological and Least-Cost Path Approach

This study reconstructs long-distance trade networks within the hyper-arid Arabian Peninsula by evaluating the dynamic interactions between human activities and geo-environmental constraints. The primary objective is to delineate the optimal trajectory of the ancient Incense Trade Route from Qaryat al-Faw to Al-Yamama utilizing Least-Cost Path (LCP) analysis within a GIS environment. Applying a hydro-archeological framework, relative groundwater potential is conceptualized as a critical environmental constraint governing caravan routing and transit station spacing. Methodologically, an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Weighted Overlay Analysis (WOA) within a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) model integrated six hydro-topographic and climatic parameters—lithology, slope, drainage density, soil, elevation, and precipitation—to generate a Groundwater Potential Zone (GWPZ) map. A multi-parametric friction surface was then constructed by coupling slope, elevation, and lithology with proximity to wadi channels (Distance to Wadis) as a dedicated hydrographic friction parameter, simulating caravan mobility across least-resistance conduits. The geospatial simulation generated a continuous transport corridor spanning 605.92 km, traversing minimal topographic resistance and maximizing correlation with hydrographic wadi networks. Spatial overlay analysis demonstrates a strong spatial alignment between ancient occupation centers and zones of favorable hydrological potential: primary macro-regional stations such as Al-Yamama and Qusayrat Aad intersect Very High Groundwater Potential Zones, while Qaryat al-Faw and al-’Jiliyya fall within High potential zones, and Ayun Al-Aflaj aligns with a Moderate potential zone. Proximity analysis demonstrated high geographic accuracy, yielding a mean spatial distance deviation of only 2.78 km between the simulated path and documented archaeological stations. Furthermore, remote sensing analysis along the LCP corridor identified 158 distinct archeological features, predominantly diagnostic pendant stone structures and necropolis complexes morphologically identical to the monuments overlooking Qaryat al-Faw. This linear distribution of funerary footprints supports the spatial plausibility of the historical path, demonstrating that integrating multi-criteria GIS processing with hydrographic analysis offers a robust predictive framework for prioritizing future targeted field surveys.