Goods from the sea: shells, pearls and red coral from the ancient Red Sea port of Adulis (Eritrea)

Marine resources, and particularly shells, had multiple roles in ancient societies. As archaeological finds they provide information on human interaction with the environment, on diet, and on food processing and consumption. Used as ornaments and prestige goods shells carry particular symbolisms and significance; they are also key elements for analysing the economy of an ancient society when used for exchange;1 finally, they can be used for dating archaeological contexts through radiocarbon analysis.