<p>A long-lost ancient city famed for its pearl industry may have been identified by archaeologists on Siniyah Island, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Researchers have discovered a collection of ancient residential buildings believed to be part of the historical city of Tu'am, according to the Umm al-Quwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology.</p>

<p>Although Tu'am is documented in historical sources, its precise location was never precisely known. Previous theories placed Tu'am in other parts of the UAE, but recent findings on Siniyah Island suggest otherwise.</p>

<p>Michele Degli Esposti, head of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Umm al-Quwain and a researcher with the Polish Academy of Sciences, told The National newspaper that these findings are significant. "This is really exciting," he said. "This site is incredibly promising."</p>

<h2><strong>History of Tu'am</strong></h2>

<p>Tu'am is believed to date back to at least the fourth century, reaching its peak in the sixth century. The city is&nbsp;frequently referenced in ancient texts for its pearls. Scholars consider Tu'am to have been the capital of a coastal territory famous for its pearl fishing industry.</p>

<p>The city's decline is attributed to regional conflicts and a bubonic plague epidemic that swept through the Near East, the Mediterranean, and parts of Europe in the sixth century. Eventually, Tu'am faded into obscurity. However, the discovery of densely packed ancient residential units on Siniyah Island might be evidence of this lost settlement.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ecuador: 2000-year-old cities found in Upano valley, Pre-Hispanic settlement discovered</strong></p>

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<p>In recent years, archaeologists also uncovered a pearling village and a Christian monastery in the same area on the island. This latest discovery suggests a much larger and significant settlement existed there.</p>

<p>Tim Power of United Arab Emirates University told The National, "Our archaeological work has discovered the largest settlement by far ever found on the Gulf coast of the Emirates. It's from the exact period described in early Islamic geographical sources. This is clearly a significant site that no one had previously identified."</p>

<p>The settlement on Siniyah Island appears to have drawn Christian monks, who established a monastery between the late sixth and early seventh centuries. Tu'am was believed to be a Christian settlement for around 200 years before the spread of Islam in the region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A long-lost ancient city famed for its pearl industry may have been identified by archaeologists on Siniyah Island, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

A long-lost ancient city famed for its pearl industry may have been identified by archaeologists on Siniyah Island, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Researchers have discovered a collection of ancient residential buildings believed to be part of the historical city of Tu'am, according to the Umm al-Quwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology. Although Tu'am is documented in historical sources, its precise location was never precisely known. Previous theories placed Tu'am in other parts of the UAE, but recent findings on Siniyah Island suggest otherwise. Michele Degli Esposti, head of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Umm al-Quwain and a researcher with the Polish Academy of Sciences, told The National newspaper that these findings are significant. "This is really exciting," he said. "This site is incredibly promising." History of Tu'am Tu'am is believed to date back to at least the fourth century, reaching its peak in the sixth century. The city is frequently referenced in ancient texts for its pearls. Scholars consider Tu'am to have been the capital of a coastal territory famous for its pearl fishing industry. The city's decline is attributed to regional conflicts and a bubonic plague epidemic that swept through the Near East, the Mediterranean, and parts of Europe in the sixth century. Eventually, Tu'am faded into obscurity. However, the discovery of densely packed ancient residential units on Siniyah Island might be evidence of this lost settlement. Also watch | Ecuador: 2000-year-old cities found in Upano valley, Pre-Hispanic settlement discovered × In recent years, archaeologists also uncovered a pearling village and a Christian monastery in the same area on the island. This latest discovery suggests a much larger and significant settlement existed there. Tim Power of United Arab Emirates University told The National, "Our archaeological work has discovered the largest settlement by far ever found on the Gulf coast of the Emirates. It's from the exact period described in early Islamic geographical sources. This is clearly a significant site that no one had previously identified." The settlement on Siniyah Island appears to have drawn Christian monks, who established a monastery between the late sixth and early seventh centuries. Tu'am was believed to be a Christian settlement for around 200 years before the spread of Islam in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Lost city from 4th century famous for its pearls discovered near UAE

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Lost city from 4th century famous for its pearls discovered near UAE