Learn how experts piece history together
sharjah — A Roman glass moulded bowl that originated in Dibba in AD100 and a number of gold beads that were dated back to the same period in Mleiha are just some of the ancient finds that will be on display at a Sharjah archaeology exhibition starting this month. The exhibition will be running for the next 12 months at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum.
The exhibition will also give visitors insight into how archaeologists go about excavating a site and documenting their finds. Displays reveal their scientific working methods, as well as the commonly used tools of the trade, including trowels, measuring instruments, and notebooks.
“We are delighted to open the Sharjah Archaeologists Exhibition and draw attention to a profession that has done so much to piece together Sharjah’s ancient history,” said Manal Ataya, director-general of the Sharjah Museums Department.
Visitors to the exhibition will learn how archaeologists look for evidence of objects left by humans from thousands of years ago, including hunting tools, weapons, domestic goals and jewels.
They also seek to uncover immovable objects as houses and tombs, and even the remains of plants and seeds. The displays reveal the science behind excavating a site — how it is initially surveyed using photographs, maps and stateof-the-art monitoring devices.
The UAE’s ancient history was largely undocumented until about 50 years ago when archaeologists began excavation works at key sites. The evidence they found indicates human activities taking place from some 125,000 years ago, according to the Sharjah Museums Department. The steps taken to protect delicate finds are also revealed.