Latest news with #JaberSalehAlMerri
Filipino Times
23-04-2025
- Science
- Filipino Times
3,000-year-old tombs discovered in Al Ain
Archaeologists from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have discovered the UAE's first major Iron Age cemetery in Al Ain. According to a WAM report, the site is believed to be 3,000 years old and may include more than a hundred tombs. The burial site, or necropolis, contained various grave goods like pottery, jewelry, and weapons, helping researchers understand how ancient people lived, fought, and honored their dead. Experts say this finding gives a clearer picture of life during the Iron Age, a period that started around 3,000 years ago. 'The Iron Age burial traditions remained a mystery, but now we have tangible evidence that brings us closer to the people who lived here,' said Jaber Saleh Al Merri, Director of the Historic Environment Department at DCT Abu Dhabi. He added that the discovery helps preserve Abu Dhabi's history for future generations. The tombs were built by digging deep holes with side chambers, sealed using bricks or stones. Because these graves had no surface markers, they were hard to find before. Many of them were looted long ago, but some personal items like rings, beads, and razors were still recovered. Archaeologists are now carefully studying the remains to find out more about the people, like their age, health, and family connections. Scientists are also examining the DNA to see where they came from and how they are related. This discovery is part of a project launched in 2024 to study ancient burial sites found during construction in Al Ain. It also supports research on Al Ain's UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized globally since 2011.
Miami Herald
22-04-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
3,000-year-old necropolis found for first time in Abu Dhabi. See ‘mystery' site
A new discovery at one of the world's oldest inhabited settlements has provided the 'missing part of the puzzle' for life in the Iron Age in the United Arab Emirates, officials said. A 3,000-year-old necropolis has been uncovered in the Al Ain region of Abu Dhabi, marking the 'first major Iron Age cemetery' to be found there, according to an April 21 news release from the Department of Culture and Tourism. There could be more than 100 burials across the necropolis, archaeologists said, some of which still contained ancient grave goods. 'This discovery promises to transform our understanding of the ancient Emirates,' director of the historic environment department, Jaber Saleh Al Merri, said in the release. 'For years, the Iron Age burial traditions remained a mystery, but now we have tangible evidence that brings us closer to the people who lived here 3,000 years ago.' Al Ain is considered an oasis as a large section of fertile land at the bottom of Jebel Ḥafīt mountain, surrounded by the arid desert environment. In the 65 years of excavations in Al Ain, archaeologists have found 'Iron Age villages, forts, temples, aflaj and ancient palm gardens,' but burials were noticeably absent, according to the release. Now, archaeologists are seeing the burials for the first time. 'The cemetery's tombs were built by first digging a shaft approximately (6.5 feet) deep and then digging sideways to create an oval burial chamber. After the body and grave good were placed in the chamber, the entrance was sealed with mudbricks or stones and the shaft was backfilled,' archaeologists said. 'The lack of grave markers on the surface explains why Iron Age tombs have never been found before in (the) Al Ain region.' Archaeologists noted that many of the tombs had been looted centuries or possibly thousands of years earlier, but a few items survived. Human remains found in the tombs were fragile and will be analyzed to learn age, gender and health, according to the release. 'A few small pieces of gold jewelry that escaped looters' attention suggest what might once have been found,' archaeologists said. 'Despite this, impressive burial goods include richly decorated items as part of the afterlife package, displaying high-quality craftsmanship in a range of media including pottery, carved soft-stone and metalwork.' Archaeologists also uncovered spouted vessels, bowls, cups, copper-alloy weaponry, spearheads, arrowheads, shell cosmetic containers, bead necklaces, bracelets, rings and razors, according to the release. The weapons have some preserved wood and filaments from their shafts, and one arrowhead appears to have traces of the quiver it once headed, archaeologists said. The Al Ain region is special not only for its longstanding occupation, but also because of its role in the development of a falaj, according to the release. A falaj is a kind of underground aqueduct invented around 3,000 years ago at the beginning of the Iron Age that 'set in motion a sustained period of agricultural intensification and expansion that created the oasis landscape characteristic of the United Arab Emirates,' archaeologists said. The graves were found as part of the Funerary Landscapes of Al Ain Project that began when prehistoric tombs were found during construction work, officials said. 'We know how people in the Bronze Age and Late Pre-Islamic period buried their dead, but the Iron Age has always been a missing part of the puzzle,' field archaeologist Tatiana Valente said in the release. 'We are now in a position to understand the evolution of burial customs over time and learn what these changes might say about the beliefs and traditions of the people who lived here.' Al Ain is in the eastern United Arab Emirates, along the border with Oman.
Gulf Insider
22-04-2025
- Science
- Gulf Insider
Iron Age Cemetery Discovered in Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the discovery of the first major Iron Age cemetery in the UAE. The 3,000-year-old necropolis, found in Al Ain Region, was unearthed by DCT Abu Dhabi's Archaeology Section of the Historic Environment Department. The site likely includes more than one hundred tombs containing an array of grave goods, and casts a new light on a previously unknown chapter of the UAE's rich heritage. Jaber Saleh Al Merri, Director of the Historic Environment Department at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'This discovery promises to transform our understanding of the ancient Emirates. For years, the Iron Age burial traditions remained a mystery, but now we have tangible evidence that brings us closer to the people who lived here 3,000 years ago. 'It reinforces our efforts to preserve, promote, and protect Abu Dhabi's heritage for future generations.' The new findings support DCT Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to better understand the history and ancient communities of the Arabian Peninsula. As the single best preserved and richly documented chambered tomb necropolis from the Iron Age, the new site in Al Ain Region offers a rare glimpse into the region's social, cultural, and economic dynamics at a key stage in its development. All the tombs found so far were looted in antiquity. The human remains were found in a fragile condition and a team of forensic archaeologists, including an osteoarchaeologist, was present to ensure that all human remains were treated with care and respect. Laboratory analysis will reveal information regarding age, gender, and health, while the ancient DNA promises to cast light on family relationships and migration movements. The cemetery's tombs were built by first digging a shaft approximately two metres deep and then digging sideways to create an oval burial chamber. After the body and grave goods were placed in the chamber, the entrance was sealed with mudbricks or stones and the shaft was backfilled. The lack of grave markers on the surface explains why Iron Age tombs have never been found before in Al Ain Region. A few small pieces of gold jewellery that escaped looters' attention suggest what might once have been found. Despite this, impressive burial goods include richly decorated items as part of the afterlife package, displaying high-quality craftsmanship in a range of media including pottery, carved soft-stone, and metalwork. Drinking sets include spouted vessels, bowls, and small cups, alongside numerous copper-alloy weaponry, such as spearheads and caches of arrowheads. These last ones often show traces of preserved wood and filaments from their shafting, and one example seems to preserve traces of the quiver that used to contain them. Numerous more personal items have also been found, such as shell cosmetic containers, bead necklaces and bracelets, rings, and razors. The Iron Age played a pivotal role in the development of the oasis landscape of Al Ain Region. The invention of the falaj – a form of underground aqueduct – around 3,000 years ago, at the start of the Iron Age, set in motion a sustained period of agricultural intensification and expansion that created the oasis landscape characteristic of the UAE. Iron Age villages, forts, temples, aflaj and ancient palm gardens have been found in Al Ain Region by archaeologists, who have been working in the region for over 65 years. Until recently, however, the location of the Iron Age cemeteries and burial customs have remained a mystery. Tatiana Valente, Field Archaeologist at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'We know how people in the Bronze Age and Late Pre-Islamic period buried their dead, but the Iron Age has always been a missing part of the puzzle. 'We are now in a position to understand the evolution of burial customs over time and learn what these changes might say about the beliefs and traditions of the people who lived here.' The discovery was made as part of the Funerary Landscapes of Al Ain Project, set up in 2024 to investigate the growing number of prehistoric tombs found during archaeological monitoring of construction work. The project forms part of DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to research the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain. The Cultural Sites of Al Ain were inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2011 in recognition of their outstanding universal value. This discovery provides greater context to the development of prehistoric cultures in the region and the management of water in a landscape characterised by oases, deserts, and mountains. Also read: EVIS 2025: Robot Taxi on Display in Abu Dhabi
ARN News Center
21-04-2025
- Science
- ARN News Center
3,000-year-old Iron Age cemetery discovered in Al Ain
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the discovery of the UAE's first major Iron Age cemetery in the Al Ain Region. The 3,000-year-old necropolis, believed to contain over 100 tombs, offers new insight into burial practices during a previously undocumented period of the country's history. Unearthed by DCT Abu Dhabi's Archaeology Section, the site includes burial chambers filled with grave goods such as pottery, metal weapons, shell containers and jewelry. "This discovery transforms our understanding of the ancient Emirates,' said Jaber Saleh Al Merri, Director of the Historic Environment Department at DCT Abu Dhabi. "It brings us closer to the people who lived here 3,000 years ago and supports our mission to protect Abu Dhabi's heritage," he added. Human remains found at the site are being studied to determine age, health and lineage. DNA analysis may also reveal ancient migration patterns and family relationships. The cemetery's unique tombs were built underground with no surface markers, which may explain why Iron Age burials in Al Ain remained undiscovered until now. The discovery was made as part of the Funerary Landscapes of Al Ain Project, launched in 2024 to investigate tombs uncovered during construction. The project supports ongoing efforts to research the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain. "We know how people in the Bronze Age and Late Pre-Islamic period buried their dead, but Iron Age burials were the missing piece of the puzzle. This find helps us trace the evolution of local customs and beliefs," said Tatiana Valente, Field Archaeologist at DCT Abu Dhabi. @dctabudhabi #AbuDhabi 's rich heritage. — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) April 21, 2025
Dubai Eye
21-04-2025
- Science
- Dubai Eye
3,000-year-old Iron Age cemetery discovered in Al Ain
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the discovery of the UAE's first major Iron Age cemetery in the Al Ain Region. The 3,000-year-old necropolis, believed to contain over 100 tombs, offers new insight into burial practices during a previously undocumented period of the country's history. Unearthed by DCT Abu Dhabi's Archaeology Section, the site includes burial chambers filled with grave goods such as pottery, metal weapons, shell containers and jewelry. "This discovery transforms our understanding of the ancient Emirates,' said Jaber Saleh Al Merri, Director of the Historic Environment Department at DCT Abu Dhabi. "It brings us closer to the people who lived here 3,000 years ago and supports our mission to protect Abu Dhabi's heritage," he added. Human remains found at the site are being studied to determine age, health and lineage. DNA analysis may also reveal ancient migration patterns and family relationships. The cemetery's unique tombs were built underground with no surface markers, which may explain why Iron Age burials in Al Ain remained undiscovered until now. The discovery was made as part of the Funerary Landscapes of Al Ain Project, launched in 2024 to investigate tombs uncovered during construction. The project supports ongoing efforts to research the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain. "We know how people in the Bronze Age and Late Pre-Islamic period buried their dead, but Iron Age burials were the missing piece of the puzzle. This find helps us trace the evolution of local customs and beliefs," said Tatiana Valente, Field Archaeologist at DCT Abu Dhabi. @dctabudhabi has unearthed a major Iron Age cemetery, the first discovery of its kind in Al Ain Region. The site, containing more than a hundred tombs and an array of artefacts, casts a new light on a previously unknown chapter of #AbuDhabi 's rich heritage. — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) April 21, 2025
