Ruins of 1,600-year-old pearling city discovered on island near Dubai, photos show

During excavations in the United Arab Emirates, archaeologists uncovered the remains of several ancient settlements, shedding light on the early history of the region.

The discoveries were made on Al Sinniyah Island, a tourist hotspot about 42 miles northeast of Dubai, according to a May 6 news release from the country’s Department of Tourism and Archaeology.

One of the excavations, which wrapped up in March, centered on the ruins of an ancient pearling city, which had previously been found.

Archaeologists revealed that the site likely dates back to the fourth century, making it at least 1,600 years old — between one and two centuries earlier than previously thought.

Numerous large jars were discovered at the site, which had been imported from Mesopotamia, officials said.

Two of the vessels bore Aramaic inscriptions that have been associated with the period from the first to the fourth century.

Based on their findings, archaeologists believe the ruins may be those of the lost city of Tawam, which is cited in historical sources.

Pearling, the practice of diving into the sea to recover pearls and other underwater organisms, has been a fixture of the region’s culture for thousands of years, according to CNN, citing officials.

Excavations were also carried out on a site known as Deir Al-Siniya, which is also located on the island.

Photos posted by the Department of Tourism and Archaeology show a series of stone walls situated near the shoreline. Seen from above, they appear to form numerous rectangular chambers.

Excavations on the island, which have been undertaken the past four years, will likely continue, officials said.

Google Translate was used to translate a news release from the UAE government.

This story was originally published May 10, 2024 at 5:40 PM with the headline "Ruins of 1,600-year-old pearling city discovered on island near Dubai, photos show."