Archaeologists disclosed that they have discovered the oldest pearl town in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The artifacts that the archaeologists have found in the northern sheikhdoms of UAE suggest that the location was once an ancient pearling town.
(Photo : KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images)
A man prepares to weigh raw pearls in the Gulf island of Dalma, off the coast of the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi, on November 3, 2022.
Oldest Pearl Town in UAE Found by Archaeologists
As per a report by Associated Press News, archaeologists claim that they have uncovered what looks like the oldest pearl town in the UAE. It gives us a glimpse of how rich the pearling industry is in the region.
The artifacts were reportedly found in the Gulf on one of the islands in the northern sheikhdoms of the UAE. The findings of the archaeologists suggest that thousands of people once called this place home back in the pre-Islamic days during the sixth century BC. With that, it appears like it is one of the oldest settlements in the region, which back then was a bustling pearling hub.
According to Aljazeera, the ancient pearling town is located on the Siniyah Island of UAE. It is worth mentioning that the name of the island actually means "flashing lights." Perhaps due to the effect of the white-hot sun above it.
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Rich Pearl History of UAE
The associate professor of archaeology at the United Arab Emirates University, Timothy Power, touts that "this is the oldest example of that kind of very specifically Khaleeji pearling town. He further notes that "[it is] the spiritual ancestor of towns like Dubai."
(Photo : KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images)
A merchant weighs local raw pearls in the Gulf island of Dalma, off the coast of the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi, on November 3, 2022.
Furthermore, archaeologists discover various homes that are made out of lime mortar and beach rock. The size of the houses varied. Some were quaint, cramming people inside, whereas others were bigger, and can accommodate courtyards.
The United Arab Emirates University professor notes that the variation of houses may suggest social stratification in the oldest pearl town.
Power notes that the "houses are crammed in there," which hints that "people are living there all year round."
On top of that, the archaeologists unearthed loose pearls, alongside some diving weights. These findings further suggest that this is an ancient pearling town.
Aljazeera notes in its report that the UAE University and Department of Tourism of Umm al-Quwain and Archaeology work hand in hand with the Study of the Ancient World at New York University and the Italian Archaeological Mission in the excavation.
The town, which turns out to be part of the rich history of pearling in the UAE, is set to be a cultural heritage site. It should help preserve the location for the next generations to see.
Umm- al-Quwain is planning to build a visitor center in the ancient pearling town moving forward.
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