Sheikha Bodour opens first Arab exhibition in Rome’s Colosseum

Under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Ambassador of the Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Nomination File, and Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), inaugurated a momentous archaeological exhibition, titled ‘From Sharjah to Rome via the Spice Route’ – the first Arab exhibition hosted at the historical Curia Julia building in the Colosseum Archaeological Park.

The exhibition showcases 110 rare artifacts unearthed from Sharjah’s ancient trade centres, including Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn.

These artifacts highlight Sharjah's central role in the thriving trade networks between the East and West during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, offering a captivating glimpse into the cultural and economic exchanges that shaped the ancient world.

Sheikha Bodour with Alfonsina Russo

This collaborative showcase between Sharjah and Rome, organised by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), celebrates the millennia old historical and cultural connections between the ancient civilisations of the Arabian Gulf and Rome. The exhibition continues until May 4, 2025.

Prominent dignitaries

A distinguished gathering of government officials, cultural figures, and dignitaries from both the UAE and Italy attended the opening, including Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Government Relations; Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority; and Alfonsina Russo, Director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park.

This high-profile attendance underscores the exhibition’s significance in enhancing cultural dialogue between the two nations.

Tracing cultural exchange through archaeological discoveries

The rare artifacts unearthed from important archaeological sites in Sharjah, including Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn, tell the story of thriving trade centres during the Hellenistic and Roman periods (3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE). Among the standout items are Roman glass flasks, a bronze statue of Venus, and coins from both Roman and Greek empires.

These treasures reveal the long-distance trade that connected Rome and Sharjah, illustrating the profound cultural and economic exchanges that took place. Mleiha, in particular, was a flourishing urban and economic centre, where these items were in high demand, reflecting the city's integration into the international trade network.

The deep ties between the Arab and Roman civilisations, highlighting the commercial and cultural exchanges facilitated by the Spice Route, a vital artery connecting Asia and Europe for trade, knowledge, and technological advances, are a key highlight of the curation.

The exhibition illustrates how this route served as a bridge, enabling the movement of goods, ideas, and craftsmanship across continents, laying the foundation for global trade networks.

Sharjah Archaeology Authority: Showcasing Sharjah’s historical legacy to the world

Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), emphasised the exhibition’s significance, stating: "This exhibition marks a milestone in our ongoing efforts to present Sharjah’s rich historical legacy to the world, in line with the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

It serves as a platform to enhance cross-cultural dialogue and academic collaboration through international archaeological exhibitions and initiatives. Moreover, it reaffirms Sharjah’s status as an essential component of the ancient global trade network."

Sheikha Bodour views an exhibit at the event.

He added: "Beyond displaying archaeological discoveries, we are reconstructing history — offering scholars and the public an extraordinary opportunity to explore the profound connections between East and West. The SAA remains committed to advancing research and excavation efforts to uncover more historical treasures that reaffirm Sharjah’s leadership as a global center for heritage and culture."

Eisa Yousif further noted: "Archaeological discoveries have demonstrated that Sharjah’s ports and trade centres were not merely transit points but thriving economic hubs that facilitated the flow of Roman goods into the Arabian Peninsula.

These exhibitions and continuous research efforts allow us to reimagine the commercial and cultural landscapes of ancient cities in our region, shedding light on how these connections shaped our shared history."

Exploring Sharjah’s central role in the ancient global trade network

The exhibition offers a unique perspective on Sharjah’s pivotal role in the ancient global trade networks. Key ports such as Dibba Port served as strategic hubs where Roman goods, highly sought after by local communities, were exchanged.

These bustling trade centres were not only hubs for the flow of commodities but also for knowledge and cultural exchange. This dynamic interaction significantly contributed to the creation of early global trade routes, promoting economic and cultural integration between civilisations.

Mleiha: A flourishing economic centre in the heart of the desert

Archaeological excavations in Mleiha have revealed Roman and Greek coins, traded alongside locally minted currency featuring designs inspired by foreign coinage. This convergence of currency further emphasises Mleiha's vital role in the ancient trade routes.

Additionally, findings of gold, silver, and bronze circulating through Mleiha highlight the region's thriving commercial activities and the wealth amassed by its merchants, solidifying its place as a key trading city.

Trade between Sharjah and Rome facilitated the sharing of artistic, intellectual, and cultural ideas. Artifacts discovered in Sharjah display distinct Roman artistic influences, indicating that Mleiha’s inhabitants not only imported Roman goods but adapted and integrated them into their daily lives.

This exchange laid the foundation for a vibrant cross-cultural connection that shaped both civilisations, fostering mutual enrichment in areas such as craftsmanship, art, and commerce.