When we think of the UAE we tend to think in terms of swanky, gleaming new metropolises with shiny modern buildings. We are less inclined to think about remains from antiquity in connection with the UAE. However, one ancient structure dating back to pre-Islamic times located in Umm Al Quwain is currently in the headlines.
Site dates back 2000 years to the 1st century CE when it was a bustling port that traded with various parts of the ancient world. Covering an area of about five square miles, this happens to be one of the biggest archaeological sites in the UAE.
The settlement was lost in the sands of time and remained undiscovered until an Iraqi archeological team dug around the area in 1973. Other teams uncovered human occupation of the area dating back to the prehistoric Mesopotamian age, the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, Iron Age and pre-Islamic times. Stone tombs, buildings, jewellery, ivory objects, weapons, pottery, coins bronze statues and more have been unearthed from the area. Some parts of the site date back to the Neolithic period; or about 7000 to 9000 years ago.
Among the ruins of the ancient settlement were found the remains of an ancient sun temple dating back to the pre-Islamic era. This structure was first discovered about 30 years ago by a team of Belgian archaeologists from the University of Ghent. A stone altar within the temple, as well as four altars outside the temple, were excavated. Inscriptions in Aramaic seem to point to mention of Shams the Semitic Sun God.
After the unearthing of the remains of the temple and surrounding structures, a conservation programme was initiated in order to restore the site. The three phase restoration plan was completed in December 2016.
The site is seen as a significant one because of its strategic importance in ancient times. It is thought to have been a wealthy port that derived its wealth by trading across the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Gulf. The artefacts discovered during excavations also point to Mediterranean influences. Some of the metal objects, coins and other items appear to be of Roman provenance.
Looking at the antiquity of the site and its strategic importance in ancient times, this is now seen as having great historical and cultural significance. As such Umm Al Quwain’s Department of Tourism and Antiquities is now looking to have the ed-Dur sun temple and area around it, included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.
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