Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Christian Cross in UAE

A stucco cross was discovered at a 1,400-year-old monastery in the United Arab Emirates. (Image credit: Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi)

ABU DHABI — A team of archaeologists has uncovered a 30-centimeter stucco cross on Sir Bani Yas Island, confirming that a cluster of houses unearthed in 1992 formed part of a Christian monastery dating back at least 1,300 years.

The find provides the first concrete evidence linking the nine small courtyard dwellings to the nearby 7th–8th century church and monastery already excavated on the island.

“We never had concrete proof [the houses] were inhabited by Christians,” said Maria Gajewska of the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi. 

Archaeologists believe senior monks once lived in the homes, praying in seclusion before joining their brethren at the monastery. Christianity spread across the Arabian Gulf between the 4th and 6th centuries, with Christians and Arab tribes coexisting on Sir Bani Yas until the monastery’s abandonment in the 8th century following the rise of Islam.

Excavations at the site will continue, while the church and monastery remain open to visitors.

Previously, UOJ reported that archaeologists in Turkey uncovered a hidden 5th-century Christian church with a mosaic inscription.

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