Ed Dur

Ed Dur was first discovered by an Iraqi archaeological team in 1973 and dug in 1974, but formal archaeological exploration only commenced in 1989. Subsequent digs have unearthed evidence of human habitation spanning the Ubeid period, Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and pre-Islamic period. During the latter period, the settlement appears to have been at its most prosperous and the hills of the area were entirely covered with dozens of buildings, many more areesh or palm-frond buildings and thousands of stone-built tombs. Some 500 of these tombs have been excavated, It is thought some 20,000 tombs are on the site in all. In the digs carried out between 1989 and 1995 alone, over 1400 found objects were recorded and no fewer than 13,000 diagnostic sherds. Ed Dur was—in its prime—the largest (and thought to be the only) coastal port of significance in the southern Gulf. Ceramic finds at the site are mostly glazed ware, likely of Parthian origin and imported from southern Mesopotamia or southwestern Iran. The more elaborate burials at Ed Dur are similar to those found at Assur in Upper Mesopotamia, which are Parthian. Black-on-orange painted 'Namord ware' is indicative of trading links across the Strait of Hormuz to Persia and Baluchistan, while Indian red polished ware also points to links east. == Graeco-Roman links ==

It is thought that Ed Dur is the site of Omana, mentioned by both Pliny and Strabo as an important town in the Lower Gulf. Contemporary Greek manuscripts have given the exports from Ed Dur as 'pearls, purple dye, clothing, wine, gold and slaves, and a great quantity of dates'. Similarities in burial rituals (of laying animals to rest with their owners) and vessels, decorations and small bronze snake figures have also been unearthed. Ed Dur had a rich trading past, with artefacts found at the site showing links both with Mesopotamia and India. and are in fact unique to the two sites. == Sun Temple ==

One of the reasons for Ed Dur's importance is the discovery of a temple to the Sun God Shams/Shamash, A rectangular building, its main gate is located to the east and is preceded by columns mounted with Corinthian capitals. Two gates within the temple lead respectively to the main building and its courtyard. The temple differs from the Hetra Temple in the simplicity of its architecture and the geometric decorations to its external plaster. A pair of stone eagles, uncovered during an Emirati dig in 2015, are thought to have originally decorated the temple entrance. A simple stone altar that was probably used for offering or sacrifice was found inside the temple. damage to the site was less than at other Iraqi archaeological sites. == See also ==