Ed Dur

Ed Dur, an ancient city located in modern-day Umm Al Quwain, UAE, is one of the largest archaeological sites in the region, covering an area of approximately 5 km². The site has revealed evidence of human habitation spanning multiple periods, including the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and the late Classical period. Ed Dur was a major coastal port in the southern Gulf, facilitating trade between southeastern Arabia and various civilizations such as Mesopotamia and India. Significant finds include the Sun Temple dedicated to the deity Shamash, alabaster window panes, and a wide array of grave goods in its extensive burial grounds. The presence of Graeco-Roman artifacts and inscriptions points to a rich history of trade and cultural exchanges during its peak in the 1st century CE.