The "Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea" exhibition at the Red Sea Museum in Historic Jeddah documents underwater archaeological discoveries off the Saudi coast. It highlights national and international partnerships, including collaboration with UNESCO, to explore, protect, and document underwater cultural heritage within an integrated ecological and cultural framework.
By showcasing these discoveries, the exhibition elevates public awareness around preserving marine history and underscores the Kingdom’s growing leadership in the field of maritime archaeology, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The exhibition illustrates the historical transformations of the Red Sea as a vital trade, pilgrimage, and communication route linking Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean over thousands of years.
Visitors can explore documented evidence of historic shipwrecks discovered off the coastlines of Jeddah, Yanbu, Umluj, and the Farasan Islands. These sites have revealed the remains of ancient merchant vessels that succumbed to the sea during various historical periods, offering a rare glimpse into the intense maritime activity that defined the region over the centuries.
Among the displayed collections are diverse maritime archaeological finds, including stone and wooden anchors, Chinese and Islamic ceramics, ancient pottery, glassware, coins, and vintage navigational instruments used to transport goods across the waves. These artifacts reflect the historical prominence of Saudi ports and their strategic role in connecting global trade routes between the East and West.
Additionally, the exhibition highlights ongoing Saudi research, scientific documentation, and specialized training programs designed to cultivate national expertise in deep-sea conservation, ensuring these treasures are safeguarded for future generations.
