Uncovered Deep in the Sands of Time

Saruq Al-Hadid archaeological site lies at the edge of Rub Al-Khali, one of the world's driest deserts.

Saruq Al-Hadid Archeology Museum, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Archaeologists believe Saruq Al-Hadid is a site that several civilizations lived across centuries. From the early Bronze Age to the Iron Age, activities of the site changed from hunting to metalworking and specialist crafting.

Various bronze weapons, such as arrowheads, swords, and axes, have been found.

Even ritual activity is evidenced by copper snakes and vessels decorated with a snake motif.

Along with objects with features of the area are ones of distant lands, suggesting trade and cultural exchange.

Carnelian, a semi-precious stone, was primarily sourced from the Indus Valley.

Seals, devices used for making impressions, show influences from Mesopotamia.

Saruq Al-Hadid is said to be used even as late as the early Islamic period when it was revisited and smelting of metal began there again.