Ancient Pearl City Tu’am Discovered in UAE

June 19, 2024

On the UAE’s Siniyah Island, archaeologists have found the remains of the old city of Tu’am. This place, which used to be famous for its successful pearl trade, has been wrapped in mystery because no one knows for sure where it is. Excavations recently done in Umm al-Quwain by the Italian Archaeological Mission have found old homes that make the case for Siniyah Island as the real site of Tu’am much stronger.

Historical Context of Tu’am

There is evidence that Tu’am was a big city as early as the fourth century. It was at its most important in the sixth century. The city was a center for the pearl trade, which drove its economy and made it famous in the area. In historical records, Tu’am is often described as the city of a coastal area famous for pearl fishing. Unfortunately, the city fell because of unrest in the area and the terrible bubonic plague.

Archaeological Significance of the Findings

The finding of tightly packed ancient homes on Siniyah Island proves that Tu’am exists and is in the right place. These results match what was written about the area in early Islamic geography books. This makes the site the biggest town of that time ever found on the Gulf coast of the Emirates. The revelations also show a Christian monastery from the late sixth to early seventh centuries and a pearling town important to history. This indicates that the community was large and varied.

Implications of the Discovery

The progress made in archaeology on Siniyah Island not only helps us figure out where the lost city of Tu’am is, but it also helps us learn more about the history and culture of the area. This find tells us more about trade, faith, and everyday life in the Gulf during a very important time in its history. There is a Christian monastery in Tu’am, which shows that the area had a strong religious community before Islam spread. As excavations continue at this spot, more information may be found that could change how history is told about the Arabian Peninsula.

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