Relic Found on Abu Dhabi Island Challenges What We Thought We Knew About Early Christianity

On Sir Bani Yas Island, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, archaeologists have unearthed a rare Christian relic that reshapes our understanding of faith and coexistence in the area. The finding was uncovered during the first major excavation on the island in over 30 years, giving researchers hope that more are to come.

Ancient Monastery on a Modern Wildlife Island

Today, Sir Bani Yas is known for its wildlife reserves and luxury resorts. But beyond the tourist attractions and stunning wildlife is a deep history. The island was once home to a Christian monastic community. 

The Cross

The artifact in question is a small cross plastered on a molded plaque from the 7th-8th century. It was likely used for spiritual reflection by monks. Over time, it fractured and pieces were scattered. 

Rebuilding the Artifact

Archeologists had to carefully reconstruct the artifact to restore its image and identify it as a cross. The style of the cross is similar to others found in ancient Christian sites in Iraq and Kuwait, pointing toward connections within the Church of the East.

Creating a Timeline

Experts date the relic to roughly 1,400 years ago, placing it firmly within the 7th-8th centuries CE, an era of significant change across the Arabian Gulf. This was a period when Christianity, Islam, and other faiths coexisted and often overlapped. The monastery was apparently abandoned peacefully before ca. 800 CE, indicating that the Christian presence there wasn’t uprooted by violent means.

Cross-Regional Links

In addition to its age, the cross has similar stylistic qualities to artifacts from Iraq and Kuwait. These stylistic similarities suggest to researchers that Sir Bani Yas was part of broader religious and cultural networks in the region, likely linked to the Church of the East. 

Excavation After a Long Pause

The recent discovery is part of the first substantial archaeological excavation on Sir Bani Yas Island in more than three decades. Prior undertakings had uncovered glass chalices, stamp seals, and cross-shaped stucco, but this cross is one of the more fascinating finds in decades.

Signs of Religious Coexistence

For the UAE’s authorities, this discovery is a symbol of religious coexistence. The find has thus been integrated into the UAE’s tourism narrative, creating heritage sites and exhibitions that allow locals and visitors to witness the region’s complex faith history.

Challenges and Mysteries Ahead

While there is a lot of excitement in the archeological community around the finding, many questions still remain. How large was the monastic community, and what precisely was its role in local society? What caused its decline? How did Christian ritual and architecture adapt to this region’s climate, culture, and shifting political powers? Ongoing excavation, conservation, and analysis will help fill those gaps.

Conclusion

The uncovering of the cross on Sir Bani Yas is a fascinating archaeological find that reminds us of the centuries of coexistence among different cultures and faiths. Researchers hope to uncover more like this in upcoming digs.