A rare cross was recently uncovered in the United Arab Emirates, shedding light on Christian history during the early Islamic era.

The discovery, made at Sir Bani Yas Island in the Persian Gulf, was announced by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism in August.

The island contains a variety of luxury resorts and wildlife reserves. Though remote, Sir Bani Yas Island is still accessible via water taxis or private planes.

Officials noted in a release that the discovery was part of the first excavation on the island in 30 years. The cross was linked to a local Christian monastery built between the 7th and 8th centuries.

Officials described the artifact as “molded on a plaster plaque, an object believed to have been used by monks for spiritual contemplation.”

A picture of the fi

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