SHARJAH ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Sharjah Archaeological Museum is a masterpiece that narrates the history of the Sharjah Emirate and the region, its civilization and cultural development, since the ancient ages of man up till now. It is a world of fascination that takes you up on a magic carpet, deep back to the primitive history of human being, where you unfold the history of human being, where you unfold the secrets of the story of man and his adaptation to environment: how he lived, what he ate, what he made, and how he innovated places for dwelling and living in.

H.H.Sh.Dr.Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Member of Supreme council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Sharjah Archaeological Museum on 10/5/1997. On the occasion His Highness emphasized that the main objective of museums is to be a place to preserve the archaeological heritage and 'a school for our children and the next generations'. To serve this purpose, His Highness was very keen to apply the latest international technology in designing the museum. Several computer sets were installed to help visitors go deep into the information on the displayed archaeological pieces. Several educational documentary films are also shown in the various halls of the museum. Magnified samples of archaeological pieces are set up against the walls to help visitors of all age groups see, feel and closely examine their details, so that they can formulate the correct idea about the piece.

The visitor then proceeds through the first Archaeological hall, which covers the first known period of history, named the 'Stone Age' (5000-3000 BC.). In this hall you become familiar as well with numerous pieces of rock stone in addition to old sea-shells, where you cannot stop thinking how man of the period fed on them, eating the flabby animals found inside. Displays include ornamental items, necklaces as well as pottery of Al-Obaid period. These monuments were found in Al-Hamriyah district of Sharjah, a fact confirming the flourishing trade with Mesopotamia.

The second stage is that which covers the period (3000-1300 BC), known as the Bronze Age. At this stage man of the area knew settlement, industry and the use of bronze. Life during the period is displayed by a documentary film showing archaeological items such as pottery, metals, soft stones and jewelry which were used for ornamentation.

The third stage, known as the Iron age (1300-300 BC) is the Oasis stage. The public life of the period is exhibited by the documentary film, showing many archaeological samples, made of iron, pottery and soft stones, being unique in their kind as far as shape and architecture are concerned.

The fourth stage, covering the period (300 BC to 611 AD), represents a tangible civilization flourishing in Sharjah and the region. The hall provides several documentary films and models for burial methods and housing units. Exhibits include samples of weapons used at the time, such as arrow-heads, spears and daggers as well as ornamentation items.

This period marks the emergence of writing in the region, represented in the Southern Musnad calligraphy and some Aramaic writings. Among the most important displays of the time is the mold of money minting discovered in Mleiha district in Sharjah for the Alexander the Great currency. Other important discoveries include the horse found in Mleiha, buried next to its owner with its bridle ornamented with gold discs.

Visiting hours:
Week days & holidays : 9 am to 1 pm & 5 pm to 8 pm
Fridays : 5 pm to 8 pm only.
(Museum is closed on Sundays)

Contact address:
P O Box:5119, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Tel #:00971-6-5665466,
Fax#:00971-6-5660334.
e-mail: archeo@emirates.net.ae
website: www.archaeology.gov.ae