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Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Sharjah 24
SAA concludes its Archaeological Exhibition at Colosseum in Rome
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. A Documentary film depicting Roman-Eastern trade As part of the accompanying program, 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. Strengthening Sharjah's cultural image on the global stage Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (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 artifacts 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." Eisa Yousif further emphasized that this participation reflects the broader vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in reinforcing Sharjah's cultural identity, promoting civilizational dialogue, and fostering global openness. His Highness's continuous support for the cultural sector was a cornerstone in achieving this international success. Scientific engagement and cultural partnerships The exhibition also featured a specialized 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. 110 artifacts and a cutting-edge interactive experience The exhibition presented more than 110 rare archaeological artifacts from major sites across the Emirate of Sharjah. These were displayed using augmented reality (AR) and 3D visualization technologies, offering visitors a uniquely educational and engaging experience that enhanced their understanding of Sharjah's deep-rooted heritage and historical influence.
Gulf Today
27-02-2025
- Gulf Today
Sheikha Bodour highlights ties between Africa and Arabian Peninsula
Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Ambassador of the Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Nomination File, and Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), inaugurated the workshop and exhibition titled "Africa-Arabian Peninsula Stone Age Heritage Linkages." This event, organised by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Zambia's National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC), brings together a distinguished group of international researchers and experts in Stone Age archaeology. The workshop, taking place on Feb.26 and 27, aims to explore the shared archaeological links between Africa, celebrated as the cradle of human migration, and the Arabian Peninsula, regarded as the gateway to early human migration into the world. It also aims to highlight the common cultural heritage, ancient migration patterns, and developments in the Stone Age, emphasising Sharjah's position as a leading global centre for archaeological research. The seminar was attended by Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA); Salem Omar Salem, Director of ICESCO's Regional Office in Sharjah; and Dr. Sabah Aboud Jasim, Adviser to the SAA, along with a distinguished group of archaeologists and cultural heritage specialists. An Interactive Journey into the Depths of History The opening ceremony included the launch of the accompanying exhibition by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasim. The exhibition highlights archaeological discoveries supporting the theory of common ancient migration routes, environmental and cultural adaptations between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It showcases significant artifacts from two prominent sites — one in Zambia and another in Faya, a site nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The exhibit features a unique collection of rare stone tools reflecting the evolution of stone industries through the ages, including hand axes representing the earliest stone tool-making techniques, Acheulean tools from the early Stone Age, and others from the traditions of Sangwan and Lubumban, including spears with parallel edges documenting key developments in manufacturing and usage techniques. As for the Upper Middle and Late Stone Age, the exhibit includes advanced tools such as scrapers and biface flakes, reflecting significant technological improvements and specialised applications in hunting and other daily activities. Additionally, the exhibit presents ceramic pieces from the Kalondo tradition of the Iron Age, offering unique insights into the cultural and social transformations that occurred as human societies transitioned from prehistory to early historical periods. Archaeological Heritage: A Living Identity Shaping the Future In her keynote speech, Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Ambassador of the Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Nomination File, and Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) emphasised the importance of scientific research and international collaboration in the field of archaeology, highlighting Sharjah's pivotal role in supporting archaeological studies and providing a platform for scholars and experts from around the world. She said: 'Archaeology goes beyond the academic study of the past to unravel, decipher and share our human story with the world. The deep-rooted connections between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, as revealed through migration, adaptation, and innovation, remind us that civilisations were built on knowledge exchange and resilience. Sharjah is committed to preserving and studying these connections to benefit today's communities, as reflected by the nomination of Faya Palaeolandscape for UNESCO World Heritage status. Through collaboration, research, and conservation, we ensure the past continues to inspire the future.' Human Shared Heritage: A Leading Scientific Platform Documenting and Protecting Civilizational Achievements Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), highlighted the strategic importance of this seminar in shedding light on the shared Stone Age heritage between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. He pointed out that studying these archaeological links not only helps document the past but also provides deeper insights into the movement patterns of early humans and the cultural interactions that shaped migrations to the region. He added, "The SAA places great importance on studying shared human heritage, positioning itself as a leading scientific platform that documents and protects civilisational achievements. This is part of our ongoing commitment, under the guidance of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to support scientific research in the field of archaeology and enhance the Sharjah's position as a global centre for academic dialogue on heritage and history."
The National
05-02-2025
- General
- The National
Echoes of the spice route: Sharjah's archaeological wonders on display in Rome
Two millennia ago, the aromas of Arabian scents such as frankincense and myrrh drifted through the markets of ancient Rome. How these precious commodities reached the empire is the focus of a new exhibition, From Sharjah to Rome: Along the Spice Route, currently on display at the Curia Julia – the former seat of the Roman Senate – in the heart of the Italian capital. Organised by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, the exhibition features 110 artefacts unearthed in the emirate, dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE. These discoveries highlight Sharjah's role as a key node in the ancient trade route linking Rome with the East, including Mesopotamia, India, Central Asia and China. Some of the objects on display were excavated from the desert landscapes of Mleiha, Dibba and Al Hisn. These include a twin-handled, green-glazed ceramic amphora from southern Mesopotamia, linked to funerary rituals; Roman coins, alongside locally produced imitations reflecting the interconnected nature of ancient commerce; a necklace with 99 spherical beads made of gold and agate; ivory combs and Hellenistic-inspired earrings. Eisa Yousif, general director of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, states that these findings further underscore the emirate's crucial position on ancient trade routes while also reflecting its contemporary role as a bridge between cultures. "The inscriptions found in Mleiha indicate that Sharjah was not an isolated region, but rather a crucial player in the ancient world's trade networks. The connection between the Arabian Peninsula and Rome was not incidental – it was part of a vast commercial and cultural exchange that left lasting imprints on both civilisations," he said. "These cities stood at the junction of ancient routes that connected India and farther China with the Mediterranean and Rome. The objects we see here – statuettes of the deity Aphrodite, Indo-Greek and Roman coins, incense burners, jewellery and weapons – testify to how Rome and Italy were in contact with those territories.' Italian archaeologist Alfonsina Russo, director of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum, highlighted the significance of scents and aromatics sourced from Sharjah and its surrounding regions. These ingredients, used for both culinary and medicinal purposes, were so valued in the Roman Empire that their trade was regulated by imperial authorities. "They were among the most valuable and sought-after commodities in Rome because they were used in sacred ceremonies and daily life," she notes. "And this is precisely why they were regulated. Not far from the exhibition site, warehouses commissioned by Emperor Domitian in the late 1st century AD were built to store pepper and other incense spices." Regarded as the first Arab-focused exhibition at Rome's Colosseum complex, where the Curia Julia is located, the show highlights Sharjah's role in significant cultural discoveries, shedding light on the deep historical ties that connected ancient civilisations. It also brings attention to Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape, an area that includes parts of Mleiha, and has been nominated as a potential Unesco World Heritage Site. The UAE's Ministry of Culture submitted the nomination in 2023, and it is currently under review. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, is heading the nomination campaign. She emphasises on the significance of the emirate's archaeological heritage in deepening the understanding of early human civilisation and migration patterns. 'Sharjah has long been a crossroads of ancient civilisations, where stories, ideas and cultures have converged for millennia. Historical sites like Mleiha reveal stories from the Bronze Age and pre-Islamic periods, showcasing extraordinary ingenuity and prosperity,' she said. 'The Faya Palaeolandscape unveils a significant chapter of human history spanning over 200,000 years, holding a pivotal place in humanity's journey by documenting the migration of people out of Africa and into the region. It is more than an archaeological site – it is a living laboratory, unlocking the secrets of human origins and inviting the world to better understand its own story.' Khuloud Al Houli Al Suwaidi, director of tangible cultural heritage at the Sharjah Archaeological Authority, said we are still only beginning to uncover Faya Palaeolandscape's full potential. "This is not the end of the excavation – we have explored only 20 per cent of the site, while the remaining 80 per cent will be left for future generations," she said. "You can only imagine the depth of history buried there and the discoveries yet to come that will expand our understanding of the past."
Sharjah 24
05-02-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Bodour Al Qasimi inaugurates art exhibition in Rome
The exhibition showcases 110 rare artifacts unearthed from Sharjah's ancient trade centers, including Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn. These artifacts highlight Sharjah's central role in the thriving trade networks between the East and West during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, offering a captivating glimpse into the cultural and economic exchanges that shaped the ancient world. This collaborative showcase between Sharjah and Rome, organized by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), celebrates the millennia old historical and cultural connections between the ancient civilizations of the Arabian Gulf and Rome. The exhibition continues until May 4, 2025. A distinguished gathering of government officials, cultural figures, and dignitaries from both the UAE and Italy attended the opening, including Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Government Relations; Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority; and Ms. Alfonsina Russo, Director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park. This high-profile attendance underscores the exhibition's significance in enhancing cultural dialogue between the two nations. Tracing cultural exchange through archaeological discoveries The rare artifacts unearthed from important archaeological sites in Sharjah, including Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn tell the story of thriving trade centers during the Hellenistic and Roman periods (3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE). Among the standout items are Roman glass flasks, a bronze statue of Venus, and coins from both Roman and Greek empires. These treasures reveal the long-distance trade that connected Rome and Sharjah, illustrating the profound cultural and economic exchanges that took place. Mleiha, in particular, was a flourishing urban and economic center, where these items were in high demand, reflecting the city's integration into the international trade network. The deep ties between the Arab and Roman civilizations, highlighting the commercial and cultural exchanges facilitated by the Spice Route - a vital artery connecting Asia and Europe for trade, knowledge, and technological advances, are a key highlight of the curation. The exhibition illustrates how this route served as a bridge, enabling the movement of goods, ideas, and craftsmanship across continents, laying the foundation for global trade networks. Sharjah Archaeology Authority: Showcasing Sharjah's Historical Legacy to the World Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), emphasized the exhibition's significance, stating: "This exhibition marks a milestone in our ongoing efforts to present Sharjah's rich historical legacy to the world, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. It serves as a platform to enhance cross-cultural dialogue and academic collaboration through international archaeological exhibitions and initiatives. Moreover, it reaffirms Sharjah's status as an essential component of the ancient global trade network." He added: "Beyond displaying archaeological discoveries, we are reconstructing history—offering scholars and the public an extraordinary opportunity to explore the profound connections between East and West. The SAA remains committed to advancing research and excavation efforts to uncover more historical treasures that reaffirm Sharjah's leadership as a global center for heritage and culture." Eisa Yousif further noted: "Archaeological discoveries have demonstrated that Sharjah's ports and trade centers were not merely transit points but thriving economic hubs that facilitated the flow of Roman goods into the Arabian Peninsula. These exhibitions and continuous research efforts allow us to reimagine the commercial and cultural landscapes of ancient cities in our region, shedding light on how these connections shaped our shared history." Exploring Sharjah's central role in the ancient global trade network The exhibition offers a unique perspective on Sharjah's pivotal role in the ancient global trade networks. Key ports such as Dibba Port served as strategic hubs where Roman goods, highly sought after by local communities, were exchanged. These bustling trade centres were not only hubs for the flow of commodities but also for knowledge and cultural exchange. This dynamic interaction significantly contributed to the creation of early global trade routes, promoting economic and cultural integration between civilizations. Mleiha: A flourishing economic centre in the heart of the desert Archaeological excavations in Mleiha have revealed Roman and Greek coins, traded alongside locally minted currency featuring designs inspired by foreign coinage. This convergence of currency further emphasizes Mleiha's vital role in the ancient trade routes. Additionally, findings of gold, silver, and bronze circulating through Mleiha highlight the region's thriving commercial activities and the wealth amassed by its merchants, solidifying its place as a key trading city. Trade between Sharjah and Rome facilitated the sharing of artistic, intellectual, and cultural ideas. Artifacts discovered in Sharjah display distinct Roman artistic influences, indicating that Mleiha's inhabitants not only imported Roman goods but adapted and integrated them into their daily lives. This exchange laid the foundation for a vibrant cross-cultural connection that shaped both civilizations, fostering mutual enrichment in areas such as craftsmanship, art, and commerce.
