The Persian Gulf has a long and rich history of pearl trading that dates back to the Neolithic era. Pearls were highly valued and sought after by ancient civilizations across Asia, Africa and Europe. But where did these pearls come from? How did people find them and extract them from the oysters?
A recent archaeological discovery has shed some light on these questions. Archaeologists have discovered the oldest pearl town in the Persian Gulf on Siniyah Island, off one of the northern sheikhdoms of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The town dates back to the late 6th century CE, before Islam came to the region.
The town was home to thousands of people who lived in houses made of beach rock and lime mortar. Some houses were spacious and had courtyards, while others were cramped and crowded. This suggests that there was a social hierarchy among the residents, who were likely Christians.
The town was also a hub for pearling activities. Archaeologists have found loose pearls and diving weights in some of the houses. Diving weights were used by free divers who plunged into the sea without any breathing equipment, holding their breath for as long as possible. They had to sift through thousands of oyster shells to find one pearl.
The discovery of this town is significant for several reasons. It is the first physical evidence of a year-round pearling settlement in the Persian Gulf, which was previously known only from historical texts. It also shows that pearling was a major economic activity and source of wealth for this region before oil was discovered.
The town also reveals some aspects of life and culture in pre-Islamic Arabia that are not well documented elsewhere. For example, how did these people practice their faith? How did they interact with other communities? How did they cope with environmental challenges?
These are some of the questions that archaeologists hope to answer as they continue their work on Siniyah Island. The island has already yielded other remarkable finds, such as an ancient Christian monastery dating back to around 600 CE.
Siniyah Island is a treasure trove for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating period of history. It offers a glimpse into a world where pearls were more precious than oil.