In the Land of the Ichthyophagi : The Archaeology of Abu Dhabi's Coast and Islands

In the Land of the Ichthyophagi : The Archaeology of Abu Dhabi's Coast and Islands
February 5, 2014

The archaeology of Abu Dhabi's coastline dates back to around 150,000 years ago, as witnessed by the discovery of Middle Palaeolithic stone tools at Jebel Barakah. Excavations on both Marawah and Delma Islands demonstrate that Neolithic peoples were already engaged in trade, pastoral nomadism and maritime subsistence as long ago as 7,500 years ago. The island of Umm an-Nar acted as an important trading port during the Bronze Age, around 4,500 years ago, for the export of copper from 'Magan'. Ancient geographers such as Ptolemy speak of the land of the "fish-eaters" (ichthyophagi). A combination of archaeological and historical evidence will be discussed to illustrate Abu Dhabi's maritime heritage.

Mark Beech
Head of Coastal Heritage and Palaeontology Section, Historic Environment Department, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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