As per the latest development, archaeologists believe they may have unearthed the long-lost ancient city of Tu’am, renowned for its pearl industry, on Siniyah Island, located off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the Umm al-Quwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology, researchers have identified a collection of ancient residential buildings that are likely part of the historical city of Tu’am.
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Historically documented but previously uncertain in location, Tu’am has been the subject of various theories placing it in different parts of the UAE. However, recent excavations on Siniyah Island provide compelling evidence that this may indeed be the site of Tu’am, overturning previous assumptions.
Michele Degli Esposti, leading the Italian Archaeological Mission in Umm al-Quwain and affiliated with the Polish Academy of Sciences, expressed excitement about the findings. He elaborated their significance, stating, “This is really exciting. This site is incredibly promising.”
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Tu’am’s history dates back to at least the fourth century, reaching its zenith in the sixth century as a prominent city known for its thriving pearl fishing industry. References in ancient texts highlight Tu’am as the capital of a coastal region celebrated for its pearls. The city’s decline began with regional conflicts and was exacerbated by a devastating bubonic plague outbreak in the sixth century, which affected the Near East, Mediterranean, and parts of Europe, ultimately leading to Tu’am’s gradual disappearance from historical records.
Recent archaeological investigations on Siniyah Island have not only uncovered ancient residential units, but also revealed remnants of a pearling village and a Christian monastery from the same era. These discoveries suggest a much larger and more significant settlement than previously recognised.
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Tim Power of the United Arab Emirates University commented on the scale of the findings, noting, “Our archaeological work has discovered the largest settlement by far ever found on the Gulf coast of the Emirates. It’s from the exact period described in early Islamic geographical sources. This is clearly a significant site that no one had previously identified.”
The presence of a Christian monastery dating from the late sixth to early seventh centuries indicates that Tu’am may have been a Christian settlement for approximately two centuries before the advent of Islam in the region. This discovery adds a new layer to the understanding of Tu’am’s cultural and religious history.
The ongoing excavations on Siniyah Island offer compelling evidence that Tu’am, the ancient city celebrated for its pearls, may have finally been located. The discoveries not only shed light on the city’s economic importance but also provide insights into its cultural and religious dynamics during its peak and subsequent decline.
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