Mleiha Reveals Ancient Greece Connections Through Bronze To Hellenistic Trade Parallels

Archaeological discoveries in Sharjah, centred on the Mleiha site, are revealing strong links with ancient Greece through trade, culture, and warfare. Finds such as amphorae, coins, inscriptions, swords, and fort structures are helping researchers understand how Sharjah was linked to Greek worlds, despite great distance, during several ancient historical periods.

Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, said Sharjah and Greece shared a long timeline of interaction. This began in the Bronze Age, roughly between 3000 and 1300 BC. Metals appeared in tools and weapons, and wider trade networks developed, forming early connections between southeastern Arabia and Mediterranean societies.

The discussion of these archaeological discoveries in Sharjah took place during a session titled "Cultural Relations with Greece through the Archaeological Discoveries in Sharjah" at the Xposure International Photography Festival (Xposure 2026). The event was held on 29 January at Aljada in Sharjah, and was moderated by media professional Yousif Alhammadi from Sharjah Radio.

Yousif explained that interaction continued into the Hellenistic period, starting in 323 BC. Trade and cultural exchange grew between East and West. Greece was plugged into the Mediterranean routes, while Sharjah traded through the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. These sea corridors supported parallel systems of exchange that linked communities across a wide region.

According to Yousif, Mleiha became a main hub on these networks during late antiquity. "Mleiha emerged as a key centre of trade and exchange, and was possibly the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Oman as early as the late third century BC," H.E Eisa Yousif said. "Although the region was not under direct political control of Hellenistic empires, it was economically integrated into their spheres of influence through trade networks and intermediaries."

Yousif cited the book Oman's History: From Ancient Settlements to the Fall of the Ibadi State by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi as a crucial reference. The work documents inscriptions and archaeological discoveries in the wider region. It supports interpretations of material from Mleiha and helps place Sharjah’s finds within broader historical research on Arabia and neighbouring lands.

Material evidence of these relationships at Mleiha includes coins from the reign of Seleucus I and imported pottery. Amphorae, some linked to Athens and the island of Rhodes, show direct contact with Greek production centres. One notable item is a black-glazed amphora from the third century BC, identified as the first glazed vessel of its type unearthed at Mleiha.

Greek inscriptions and official stamps appear on many amphorae discovered during archaeological discoveries in Sharjah, Yousif said. These marks record the names of municipal officials supervising production and certification. Rhodian authorities regulated the vessels for weight and volume. Amphorae transported oils and other liquids, with names such as Antimachus and Chiron impressed on the handles.

A total of 51 amphora handles has been uncovered at Mleiha, more than at any other site in the Arabian Peninsula. The same personal names appear in Greek archival documents. This match allows precise dating of the vessels and of the Mleiha levels where they were found. The records correspond with entries kept in Greek museums and city registries.

Yousif added that amphorae sometimes accompanied their owners in Greek burials. Archaeologists have observed a similar funerary practice at Mleiha. This shared ritual, alongside the written evidence, suggests that local communities were closely involved with Greek trading systems and may have adopted selected customs linked to those economic relationships.

Architectural findings from archaeological discoveries in Sharjah also highlight connections. The ancient forts at Mleiha share design features with Qasr al-Hallabat and Qasr Bishara in the Levant. These Levantine sites were under direct Greek rule in the third century BC. Decorative elements in tombs near Mleiha appear earlier than comparable features in Madain Saleh and Petra.

Excavations at Mleiha have revealed 54 iron swords placed in tombs, many similar to examples displayed in Greek museums. Most weapons are long swords, some longer than 90 centimetres, with hilts formed as seahorses or horse heads. Researchers link this length to camel-mounted warfare used by Arab fighters across desert terrain.

Historical sources cited by Yousif state that Arab camel-riding warriors served in Seleucid armies during the third and second centuries BC, equipped with long swords. The practice of burying these weapons with their owners appears at Mleiha. Together with the coins, amphorae, forts, and inscriptions, the swords provide detailed proof of close contact between Sharjah and Greek worlds in antiquity.

With inputs from WAM