Greater Arabia
300 BC – 611 AD

From around 300 BC the Arabian Peninsula became part of a trading network that linked the countries of the Indian Ocean with those of the Mediterranean, opening trade links with many great civilisations of the time. The fame of pearls from the Arabian Gulf spread as far as Rome, and the frankincense trade enriched the peoples of Arabia. This was a time of great prosperity for southeast Arabia and settlements flourished. Manufacturing techniques continued to develop, fine gold, silver and bronze artefacts were crafted locally, cloth and baskets were made and colour pigments were used on jewellery and fabric. Camel caravans meant that even inland settlements such as Mleiha and al-Buhais had access to luxury goods brought in from Dibba and other coastal communities.

Mleiha was a large thriving community first settled at the end of the Iron Age and occupied for more than 700 years. At the centre of the settlement was a fort, which functioned as an administrative, political, economic and industrial hub as well as a military stronghold. The dead were buried in monumental tombs with a collection of goods including glass vessels imported from the Mediterranean and jewellery made from semi-precious stones and glass. The remains of sacrificed horses and camels have also been found in the graves, a sign of great status and wealth.

Some collection from Greater Arabia
Incense burners reflect the increase in frankincense trade. This example is from Mleiha, 150 BC.	Glazed ceramic water vessel, Mleiha, 1st century AD.