[2] He studied classics and archaeology at Trinity College, Cambridge and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

[2] During his studies in Rome, he took part in his first archaeological survey; an investigation of Roman olive farms in Libya.

[3] In 1951, Oates returned to his alma mater, Trinity College, Cambridge, as a research fellow.

[1] From 1953 to 1954, he took part in the excavations led by David Talbot Rice of the Great Palace of Constantinople in Istanbul, Turkey.

[3] This work led to the publication of a monograph, Studies in the Ancient History of Northern Iraq, in 1968.

[5] In June 1967, with the Six-Day War being fought by neighbouring countries, he was told by British consulate officials to leave Iraq.

[3] In 1968, following the 17 July Revolution, he decided that Iraq was no longer safe for his family and they planned to leave the country.