Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT), in cooperation with an archaeological team from the Sapienza University of Rome, has announced new archaeological findings in Musandam.

A statement issued by MHT said, ‘A joint Omani-Italian archaeological excavation team, supervised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, has announced the discovery of a set of distinctive archaeological items dating back to the 1st millennium BC in the wilayat of Dibba.’

The ministry confirmed that work is continuing for the seventh and final season of excavations in the mass grave, which is 24m long and more than 3m deep.

The joint team discovered antiquities, including incense burners, bronze axes and utensils made of copper and steatite.

According to the ministry, the site is considered one of the most important in the sultanate by archaeologist. It was a commercial centre trading with neighbouring civilisations in India, Persia and Mesopotamia.

‘Many diverse and valuable items were found at the site, locally made and also imported from neighbouring civilisations. Commercial activity at Dibba continued for more than 1,000 years,’ MHT stated.

The ministry, in cooperation with OQ company, will establish a visitor centre at that site. It will be the first of its kind in the sultanate and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The centre will display the antiquities unearthed from the site.