Sharjah Archaeology Authority concludes its exhibition at Colosseum in Rome
SHARJAH (WAM) The Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) has concluded the activities of its international archaeological exhibition titled 'From Sharjah to Rome via the Spice Route', held at Curia Julia, the historic Roman Senate building located within the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome, Italy.Running from February to May 2025, the exhibition welcomed more than 600,000 visitors from worldwide.The exhibition reflected the deep historical ties between Sharjah and the Roman world, shedding light on the vital role played by key archaeological sites such as Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn along the ancient Silk and Spice Routes, particularly in the spice trade that once linked the Arabian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea.As part of the accompanying programme, SAA produced an interactive documentary film illustrating the commercial and cultural exchanges between Rome and the eastern Arabian Peninsula—particularly Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn—during the Roman period. The film was praised by visitors and historians alike for its accurate visual portrayal of economic life, maritime routes, and the cross-cultural connections between the two worlds.Eisa Yousif, Director-General of the SAA, stated, 'This exhibition successfully reintroduced Sharjah to a global audience through a new lens. Hosting more than 600,000 visitors in just three months is a testament to the growing interest in Sharjah's archaeological legacy."The exhibition allowed international visitors to engage closely with Sharjah's rich history—not only through the artefacts on display but also through the immersive experiences and scientific interpretation that accompanied them, which helped reinforce a dignified cultural image of Sharjah and elevated its presence on the global cultural scene."Yousif further emphasised that this participation reflects the broader vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in reinforcing Sharjah's cultural identity, promoting civilisational dialogue and fostering global openness. His Highness's continuous support for the cultural sector was a cornerstone in achieving this international success.The exhibition also featured a specialised academic lecture bringing together a group of Emirati and Italian scholars. The session explored various aspects of historical connectivity between Sharjah and the Mediterranean world, with a focus on advanced technologies in heritage conservation and archaeological research.In addition, official meetings were held between the Sharjah Archaeology Authority and the management of the Colosseum Archaeological Park to exchange expertise and establish the foundations for long-term cooperation in research, exhibitions, and training initiatives.
The exhibition presented more than 110 rare archaeological artefacts from major sites across the Emirate of Sharjah. These were displayed using augmented reality (AR) and 3D visualisation technologies, offering visitors a uniquely educational and engaging experience that enhanced their understanding of Sharjah's deep-rooted heritage and historical influence.
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