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UAE: 110 ancient coins, rare artefacts unearthed in Sharjah flown to Rome
These items were featured in the first Arab exhibition at the Colosseum
- PUBLISHED: Wed 5 Feb 2025, 5:24 PM UPDATED: Wed 5 Feb 2025, 9:23 PM
More than 100 rare artefacts that were dug up from Sharjah's prized archaeological sites were flown to Rome - making it to the first Arab exhibition at the Colosseum Archaeological Park.
The event showcased treasures that were unearthed in the emirate's ancient trade centres, including Mleiha and Dibba Al Hisn. Among these items were Roman glass flasks, a bronze statue of Venus, and coins from both Roman and Greek empires.
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Organised by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), the exhibition celebrates the millennia-old historical and cultural connections between the ancient civilisations of the Arabian Gulf and Rome. It runs until May 4 at the historical Curia Julia building within the Colosseum.
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 exhibition that was titled From Sharjah to Rome via the Spice Route.
The artefacts on display highlight Sharjah's central role in the thriving trade networks between the East and West thousands of years ago, offering a glimpse into the cultural and economic exchanges that shaped the ancient world.
"Archaeological discoveries have demonstrated that Sharjah's ports and trade centres were not merely transit points but thriving economic hubs that facilitated the flow of Roman goods into the Arabian Peninsula," said Eisa Yousif, director-general of the SAA.
"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."
Sharjah's role in the ancient global trade network
The exhibition offers a unique perspective on Sharjah's 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.
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 emphasises Mleiha's 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. Artefacts 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 civilisations, fostering mutual enrichment in areas such as craftsmanship, art, and commerce.
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