A team of maritime archaeologists has uncovered definitive evidence of the 'Steatite and Carnelian' Seaway, a major trade route that connected the Harappan civilization to the Bronze Age settlements of the Oman Peninsula. Chemical analysis of carnelian beads found at the site of Ras al-Jinz confirmed they were sourced from the Gujarat region, while etched steatite seals found in Oman show distinct Indus Valley iconography, including unicorn and bull motifs.
This discovery suggests a much more organized and frequent maritime exchange than previously thought, involving large-scale shipments of semi-precious stones and luxury textiles across the Arabian Sea. The research highlights the role of the Magan civilization as a critical intermediary in a prehistoric global economy that bridged the gap between Mesopotamia and the Indus Basin.