United Arab Emirates (UAE): Archaeologists in the UAE have discovered a historical site believed to be an ancient lost city.
Experts working in the city of Umm Al Quwain think this lost city might be Tu’am which is believed to have been the capital of a region now known as the UAE and was known for its pearl trade.
The city reached its peak in the 6th century AD and is mentioned in ancient Arabic writings. Due to plagues and regional conflicts, the city fell into obscurity but archaeologists now believe they have rediscovered it.
In recent years, remnants of a village and religious buildings have been found in this area. This year archaeologists uncovered signs of large buildings surrounded by narrow streets indicating a densely populated city with a stratified social structure.
The excavation is being conducted by the Department of Tourism and Antiquities of Umm Al Quwain with collaboration from international institutions. Officials reported that excavations in the southern part of the site have uncovered numerous rooms and a Christian place of worship possibly built in the late 6th or early 7th century AD.
Previously, experts thought this settlement was inhabited by Christian priests but current research suggests it was a large city. This is the largest historical site discovered in the UAE to date mentioned in early Islamic geographical sources but never found until now.
Estimates suggest it was a significant city, wealthy from its pearl trade with residents leading a lavish lifestyle. The traders from this city had networks extending to Iraq, Iran and India.
