Monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island - in pictures

  • The ancient Christian cross found on Sir Bani Yas Island. All photos: Ahmed Ramzan for The National
    The ancient Christian cross found on Sir Bani Yas Island. All photos: Ahmed Ramzan for The National
  • Maria Gajewska, archaeologist at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, showing the spot where the cross was found
    Maria Gajewska, archaeologist at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, showing the spot where the cross was found
  • Hajer Al Menhali, an Emirati archaeologist who worked at the site, said it was a significant discovery
    Hajer Al Menhali, an Emirati archaeologist who worked at the site, said it was a significant discovery
  • The church and monastery lie on the east of Sir Bani Yas Island
    The church and monastery lie on the east of Sir Bani Yas Island
  • The plaster cross bears traditional motifs and it could have been placed on a wall as an object of veneration
    The plaster cross bears traditional motifs and it could have been placed on a wall as an object of veneration
  • This year's dig focused on an area to the north of the existing monastery site
    This year's dig focused on an area to the north of the existing monastery site
  • Work at the site took place over the winter season
    Work at the site took place over the winter season
  • Painstaking excavation work also unearthed shards of pottery and glass at the site
    Painstaking excavation work also unearthed shards of pottery and glass at the site
  • The find draws back the curtain on a lost world and offers new theories about who lived here and why
    The find draws back the curtain on a lost world and offers new theories about who lived here and why
  • Senior monks could have lived in the buildings excavated this year for solitude. Another theory is that these buildings functioned as an ancient retreat for wealthy Christians
    Senior monks could have lived in the buildings excavated this year for solitude. Another theory is that these buildings functioned as an ancient retreat for wealthy Christians
  • Ms Al Menhali excavates an artefact at the site
    Ms Al Menhali excavates an artefact at the site
  • A visitor centre at the existing site is open to the public
    A visitor centre at the existing site is open to the public
  • People can visit the island and learn about Abu Dhabi's rich and varied history
    People can visit the island and learn about Abu Dhabi's rich and varied history