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.