New Archaeological Finds in Abu Dhabi: Architectural Structures Unearthed by the Department of Culture and Tourism on the Coast of the UAE’s Capital – Abu Dhabi Delays 500 Years in Discovering Relics
in the UAE and Region. New Archaeological Finds in Abu Dhabi
A Human Crossroads
New evidence gathered from Ghagha Island suggests that Abu Dhabi was a focal point for Neolithic innovation and human settlement. Archaeologists from the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
have uncovered evidence of the earliest known structures in the UAE and the region. This evidence is believed to date back more than 8,500 years, at least 500 years earlier than previously thought. A stone structure discovered on Ghagha Island, west of Abu Dhabi City, reveals a fascinating history for the United Arab Emirates.
Archaeologists in Abu Dhabi have been conducting a scientific analysis of the artifacts
since the discovery of the structures and related objects. The most unusual discovery was made through carbon-14 analysis of charcoal fragments, which showed that the structures were at least 8,500 years old, breaking the previous record for the oldest known structure found on the UAE island.
Cultural history of the region
It was
previously thought that the long-distance maritime trade routes developed in the Neolithic period were catalysts for the colonization of the region, but the latest discoveries prove that Neolithic settlements existed before the start of trade, so it was the local economic and environmental conditions. first settlement in what is now the United Arab Emirates. These islands are not dry and desolate, but a kind of “fertile coast”. This evidence places the Abu Dhabi Islands in the cultural history of the region.
His Excellency Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “These archaeological findings show that people settled and built their houses 8,500 years ago. The discovery on Ghagha Island highlights that innovation, sustainability and resilience are characteristics that have become the number one inhabitant of the region. part of the DNA for millennia. These discoveries provide insight into the histo
ire and the deep cultural connection between the people of the United Arab Emirates and the sea. We are also reminded that there is still much to discover in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and this is vital to us. Efforts will continue to discover, preserve and protect our priceless heritage so that present and future generations can learn more about our ancestors’ past.”
Evidence found on Marawa Island
Marawa Island is also located near Abu Dhabi and was home to the oldest known structures in the United Arab Emirates prior to the Ghagha excavations. Along with the evidence found at Marawah, new evidence from Ghagha suggests that the Abu Dhabi islands were a hub of human innovation and settlement during the Neolithic, a period of dramatic change in much of the world.
The structure discovered consists of simple circular rooms with stone walls and preserved to a height of nearly one meter. These rooms could be the home of a small community that may have lived on the island year-round. Hundreds of artifacts have been found in the room, including fine stone arrowheads that would have been used for hunting. The communities likely also took advantage of the abundant marine resources. It is not known how long the settlement has existed, but after being abandoned, it apparently remains an important part of the cultural landscape, as a man was buried in the ruins of a nearly 5,000-year-old building. It is one of the few known burials from this period on Abu Dhabi Island.
Unesco World Heritage Site
The discovery of Ghagha Island is part of the DCT Abu Dhabi Archaeology Program, which covers the entire emirate and is in line with the organization’s mission to preserve, protect and promote the ancient history and cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. The emirate is home to many of the most popular and unique cultural and historical attractions and discoveries in the region and the world. The discoveries on Ghagha and Marawah Islands are in addition to the remains of an ancient monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island, as well as the UNESCO Al Ain Cultural Site, which includes a collection of oases, historical sites, archaeological sites, and natural areas, and since 2011 has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Archaeological treasures
Abu Dhabi’s archaeological treasures also include Miocene footprints (the footprints of a group of extinct ancient elephants) dating back 6 to 8 million years; a 3,000-year-old falaj (indicating the earliest known widespread use of this irrigation technique in the world) ; Stone tools dating back more than 300,000 years were found during surveys around Jebel Hafeet (indicating that the UAE was the place where humans spread around the world) Important route); a well-preserved 3,000-year-old Iron Age fort was discovered during excavation
s at the Hili 14 archaeological site in Al Ain. A series of burials dating from the late pre-Islamic period were also discovered at various locations in Al Ain.
Archaeological discoveries photos
Archaeological discoveries in Abu Dhabi
the island of GhaGha
Archaeological discoveries photos
I’m Michelle, and I love to travel. As a former hotel expert for one of the world’s largest hotel chains, I’ve stayed in nearly every type of room imaginable (including many that were not so desirable!). Nowadays, I am fortunate enough to be able to explore the world on my own terms. From international flights to learning different languages, there is nothing too far out of reach!
